Value-added tax (VAT) is one of the most important things that many companies are highly aware of. VAT is a tax on the sale of certain goods and services in Indonesia, paid to the Indonesian tax authorities.
When talking about company registration in Indonesia, as a business owner, you need to consider the benefits you might gain and responsibilities you will have for registering your company with VAT liabilities.
But when should you do that and how should you begin reporting your liabilities? This article aims to answer the questions you have about VAT registration for your company.
When do you need to register a company with VAT liabilities in Indonesia?
If you have yearly revenue of US$360,000 (IDR 4.8 billion), you are required to register your company as VAT-liable, especially when the majority of your annual revenue comes from other organisations in Indonesia.
For companies with annual revenue of no more than IDR 4.8 billion, you can choose to register as a VAT-liable company if you want to.
Most Important FAQs about VAT Liabilities
When does VAT apply?
If your company is registered as VAT-liable, you will need to pay VAT for the below items:
- Import of taxable products and services
- Shipment and delivery of taxable products and services
- Export of taxable products and services
- Utilisation of overseas intangible and taxable products
How does the VAT rate look like?
In Indonesia, the VAT rates vary depending on the type of services and products. However, the rate is generally at 10% while some goods and services are higher or lower; and some are exempted from VAT.
So, what are the products and services that are exempted from VAT?
Some products and services can have VAT exemption in Indonesia with the incentives provided by the government.
- Medical services
- Financial services
- Food and drinks catering and services at hotels, restaurants, cafes, and others
- Insurance products and services
- Educational services
- Hotel and recreational services
- Manpower and human resource services
- Social services
- Gold
Is my business eligible for VAT registration if all items sold are exempted from VAT?
No. Your business will then be exempted from VAT registration as well. That means you are unable to have VAT refund for your business expenses.
How to Register a Company with VAT Liabilities in Indonesia
If your business conducts relatively big amount of transactions on a regular basis in Indonesia, it will be beneficial for you to register your company with VAT liabilities.
Registering as a VAT-liable company in Indonesia may be a complex process for you if you are not familiar with the local regulations. It takes time and paperwork, which may be laborious to some foreign investors.
Below is a summary of the application process, and if you are still confused, please contact Cekindo directly to learn more.
Update from government: More Scope of Services in Export are Exempted from Value-Added Tax
Application Submission
- Prepare copies of your company documents. These documents need to be notarised.
- One of the directors must apply for the work and stay permit KITAS, then only s/he can proceed to obtain the Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak (NPWP), or tax number in Indonesia. Alternatively, you can appoint an Indonesian director in that pursuit.
- Your company must already be operating at this point and be able to show evidence on the payments of withholding taxes of office rental. Registration with a virtual office is allowed with conditions.
Site Verification
- Once your application is submitted and processed, a tax officer will drop by your company anytime between 7 and 12 days to verify the information submitted.
- You need to have someone to meet the officer when s/he comes by. Failure to do so will result in an unsuccessful application.
Approval or Rejection of Application
- After 5 working days the officer has visited your company, they will let you know if your application is approved.
- If approved, you will receive a confirmation decree that you are now a VAT-registered. You can now make use of the access code on the decree to utilise the online VAT system.
- If rejected, you will receive a rejection letter. Get in touch with Cekindo and learn how you can avoid it.
Visit to the Tax Office
- Once you have received the approval decree, you as a director are obliged to pay a visit to the tax office physically.
- During the visit, you will create your VAT login username and password.
How Cekindo can Help with Company Registration in Indonesia
Cekindo has been offering company registration services in Indonesia to thousands of companies around the world who are interested in penetrating the Indonesian market.
We are dedicated to making your VAT-liable company formation in Indonesia incredibly painless and hassle-free. For individuals or companies wishing to establish themselves in Indonesia, you should seek Cekindo’s expert advice by booking a free consultation with us now.
Fill in the form below or visit one of our offices in Jakarta, Bali and Semarang.
