Tax invoice requirements in Vietnam are essential for businesses to maintain tax compliance, record revenue and expenses, and support value-added tax (VAT) declarations. Companies must issue invoices for transactions covered by Vietnamese regulations, ensure that invoice information is accurate, and use the appropriate electronic invoicing system.

Since June 1, 2025, Decree No. 70/2025/ND-CP has amended several provisions of Decree No. 123/2020/ND-CP on invoices and documents. Circular No. 32/2025/TT-BTC provides further guidance. Therefore, businesses should review their invoicing procedures against the current rules rather than rely on older requirements.

I. Overview of Tax Invoice Requirements in Vietnam

1.1. What is a tax invoice?

A tax invoice is a document issued by a seller to record the sale of goods or the provision of services. It provides information about the parties, the transaction value, and the applicable tax treatment. In Vietnam, electronic invoices are the standard invoicing method for businesses within the scope of the regulations. Depending on the business and transaction, an invoice may be a VAT invoice, a sales invoice, or another permitted invoice type. A VAT invoice is generally used by businesses applying the VAT credit method. A sales invoice is generally used by businesses applying the direct VAT method and other eligible entities under the applicable rules.

1.2. Who must issue invoices?

Organizations and individuals selling goods or providing services must issue invoices in cases required by Vietnamese law. This obligation may apply even when the transaction does not involve a conventional cash sale. For example, invoice requirements may apply to goods or services supplied for promotional purposes, gifts, exchanges, employee compensation, or certain forms of internal consumption. Specific exceptions and special rules may apply, so businesses should assess each transaction based on its actual nature.

You might not know >> Accounting services for FDI enterprises

II. Mandatory Contents of a Tax Invoice

2.1. Seller and buyer information

A compliant invoice must contain the information required for its type and transaction. This generally includes the seller’s name, address, and tax identification number, together with the buyer’s information where applicable.

Depending on the circumstances, buyer information may include the buyer’s name, address, tax identification number, personal identification number, or other information prescribed by law. The applicable requirements may differ for individual consumers and business customers.

Businesses should verify buyer information before issuing invoices. Incorrect names, addresses, or tax identification numbers may create reconciliation problems and require invoice adjustments.

2.2. Goods, services, and transaction details

Invoices must accurately describe the goods sold or services provided. The required information generally includes:

• Name and description of the goods or services.
• Unit of measurement, quantity, and unit price, where applicable.
• Selling price and relevant amounts.
• VAT rate and VAT amount, where applicable.
• Total payment amount.
• Invoice date and required invoice identification information.

The description should reflect the actual transaction and provide sufficient detail to identify what was supplied. Businesses should avoid vague descriptions that make it difficult to match an invoice with a contract, delivery record, or accounting entry.

Certain industries have additional requirements. For example, invoices for food and beverage services must show the relevant food and beverage items. Transport invoices may need to include vehicle registration details and the route, while certain digital-platform transport services must include additional information about the transported goods and sender.

2.3. Invoice numbers, dates, and electronic data

An electronic invoice must follow the prescribed data format and include the information required by the applicable regulations. Depending on the invoice type, it may also require a tax authority code or other prescribed electronic identification data.

The seller is responsible for the accuracy of the invoice it issues. Therefore, businesses should establish internal controls to check invoice data before transmission and ensure that issued invoices are stored and retrievable.

III. When Must Businesses Issue Tax Invoices?

3.1. Invoices for sales of goods

For domestic sales of goods, the invoice is generally issued when ownership or the right to use the goods transfers to the buyer, regardless of whether payment has been received.

Consequently, receiving payment is not necessarily the event that determines the invoice date. Businesses should coordinate their invoicing procedures with delivery records, acceptance documents, and contractual terms.

3.2. Invoices for services

For services, the invoice is generally issued when the service is completed, regardless of whether the customer has paid.

If a service provider receives payment before or during service delivery, the invoice may generally need to be issued when the payment is received. However, specific exceptions apply, including the treatment of certain deposits made to secure contract performance under the relevant civil law provisions.

Businesses should review the rules for their particular service category rather than apply one timing rule to every transaction.

3.3. Invoices for exported goods

Export transactions have a specific invoicing deadline. Under the amended rules, the seller determines the timing for issuing the applicable electronic commercial invoice, electronic VAT invoice, or electronic sales invoice, but must issue it no later than the working day following customs clearance of the exported goods.

This rule also covers goods processed for export. Exporters should coordinate their accounting and logistics teams so that customs clearance dates are recorded and invoices are issued within the required period.

IV. Electronic Invoicing Requirements

4.1. Register and use the appropriate invoicing system

Businesses subject to electronic invoicing requirements must follow the applicable registration and implementation procedures. Depending on the case, they may use electronic invoices with a tax authority code or without a tax authority code, subject to the legal conditions.

Before using an invoicing system, businesses should confirm that their registration is valid, the system supports the required invoice format, and the relevant data can be transmitted and stored in accordance with the rules.

4.2. Ensure accurate invoice transmission and storage

Electronic invoicing does not remove the seller’s responsibility for accurate records. Businesses should check the invoice data, maintain access to issued invoices, and preserve related contracts, payment records, delivery notes, and other supporting documents.

They should also establish procedures for handling failed transmissions, duplicate invoices, system errors, and changes to customer information.

4.3. Invoices generated from cash registers

Certain businesses selling goods or providing services directly to consumers may be required to use electronic invoices generated from cash registers connected to the tax authority’s data system, depending on the applicable criteria.

These invoices must contain the required seller information, transaction details, invoice time, and applicable tax information. Businesses should determine whether their sector and operating model fall within the mandatory scope instead of assuming that all retailers have identical obligations.

V. Correcting Errors in Tax Invoices

5.1. Identify and assess the error

Invoice errors may involve the buyer’s information, tax identification number, goods description, transaction value, VAT rate, or tax amount.

When an error occurs, the seller should identify the affected invoice and determine the appropriate correction procedure under the current regulations. The process depends on the type of error and the circumstances of the transaction.

5.2. Issue an adjustment or replacement invoice when required

Depending on the applicable rules, the seller may need to issue an adjusted invoice or a replacement invoice. In certain cases, the seller must notify the buyer or complete other prescribed procedures.

Businesses should not simply delete or disregard an issued invoice without following the legally required process. They should retain the original invoice, the correction documents, and the supporting explanation to maintain a clear audit trail.

5.3. Reconcile tax declarations and accounting records

After correcting an invoice, the company should assess whether the correction affects its VAT declaration, revenue recognition, receivables, or other accounting records.

The accounting team should also communicate with the buyer when necessary so that both parties can maintain consistent records and make any required tax adjustments.

VI. Common Invoice Compliance Risks

Businesses should pay particular attention to the following issues:

• Late issuance: Failing to issue an invoice within the prescribed time limit.
• Incorrect buyer information: Entering an incorrect tax identification number, address, or buyer name.
• Incomplete transaction descriptions: Using descriptions that do not adequately reflect the goods or services supplied.
• Incorrect tax treatment: Applying an inappropriate VAT rate or calculating the tax amount incorrectly.
• Missing supporting records: Failing to retain contracts, delivery records, payment evidence, or other documents needed to support the transaction.
• Improper corrections: Adjusting or replacing invoices without following the required procedure.

Depending on the violation, the business may face administrative penalties, tax adjustments, or difficulties supporting VAT credits and deductible expenses. The consequences depend on the facts, applicable law, and the nature of the error.

VII. How MVA Vietnam Can Support Invoice Compliance

Complying with tax invoice requirements in Vietnam involves more than generating electronic invoices. Businesses must also apply the correct invoicing deadlines, select the appropriate invoice type, record accurate transaction details, and reconcile invoices with tax declarations and accounting records.MVA Vietnam can support businesses through accounting and tax compliance reviews, electronic invoice checks, VAT reconciliation, invoice correction assistance, and the development of internal invoicing procedures.For foreign-invested enterprises (FDI), consistent invoicing controls are particularly important when local transactions must also be reported to regional or overseas finance teams. A structured review process can help identify gaps before they affect tax filings or financial reporting.In conclusion, businesses operating in Vietnam should follow the current electronic invoicing framework, issue invoices at the correct time, include all required information, and maintain reliable supporting records. Regular reviews and clear internal procedures can reduce compliance risks and support accurate tax reporting.

MVA VIETNAM ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING COMPANY LIMITED