You will learn

  • ✅ How to download and install HTKK software
  • ✅ Logging in and setting up business information
  • ✅ Filing VAT and PIT returns
  • ✅ Digitally signing and submitting returns online

1. Introduction to HTKK

What is HTKK?

HTKK (Hỗ trợ Kê khai - Tax Declaration Support) is a free software provided by the General Department of Taxation, used for:

  • Filing tax returns
  • Exporting XML files for online submission
  • Verifying data before submission

Two Ways to Declare Taxes

Method Tool Advantages Disadvantages
Offline HTKK Software User-friendly interface, quick operations Requires installation, frequent updates
Online Website thuedientu.gdt.gov.vn No installation required Depends on internet speed, less user-friendly interface

Recommendation: Use HTKK for beginners as the interface is more intuitive.

2. Preparation Before Installation

System Requirements

  • Operating System: Windows 7 or higher
  • Disk Space: Approximately 200MB
  • Internet Connection (for downloading and submitting returns)

3. Download and Install HTKK

Step 1: Access the General Department of Taxation Website

  1. Open your browser and go to: www.gdt.gov.vn
  2. Scroll down and find the "HTKK" banner, then click on it
  3. Alternatively, go directly to: https://www.gdt.gov.vn/wps/portal/home/hotrokekhai

Step 2: Download the Software

  1. Find the latest version (located at the top)
  2. Click on the .zip file to download
  3. Save it to your Downloads folder or Desktop

Step 3: Extract and Install

  1. Right-click on the .zip file → Select "Extract All" or "Giải nén"
  2. Open the extracted folder
  3. Find the setup.exe file and double-click to run it
  4. Select "Continue" through the installation steps
  5. You can keep the default installation path or change it
  6. Click "Install" and wait for it to complete
  7. Click "Finish"

Step 4: Launch HTKK

  1. Go to your Desktop and find the HTKK icon
  2. Right-click → Select "Open" (or "Run as Administrator" if you encounter errors)
  3. If a security warning appears, select "Yes" or "Đồng ý"

4. Login and Setup Information

First-time Login

  1. On the login screen, the Tax Identification Number field will be blank
  2. Enter the business household's tax identification number
  3. Click "OK"

Setting up Business Household Information

The first time you log in, you need to enter complete information:

Field Description Required?
Business Household Name As per the business registration certificate ✅ Yes
Address Business location ✅ Yes
District/Ward Select from the list ✅ Yes
Phone Number Contact number Recommended
Email Contact email Recommended
Industry/Business Type Main business type ✅ Yes

Note:

  • This information will be saved, so you won't need to re-enter it next time.
  • Declare according to the Business Household Registration Certificate.

Subsequent Logins

  • The tax identification number will be pre-filled in the list
  • Simply select it and click "OK"

5. Filing Tax Returns for Business Households

HTKK Main Interface

After logging in, you will see a left-hand menu with tax return categories:

  • VAT
  • Personal Income Tax (PIT)
  • Business License Tax
  • ...

Tax Returns for Business Households

You need to select the section:

  • Lump-sum Tax and Property Rental Tax

Step 1: Select the Tax Return Form

  1. Go to the "Lump-sum Tax and Property Rental Tax" menu or find it in the category list
  2. Select "01/CNKD - Individual Business Return (TT40/2021)"

Step 2: Select the Tax Period

Field How to Select
Tax Period Select "Quarterly" or "Monthly"
Year Select the corresponding year
Quarter/Month Select the quarter or month to declare
First Filing/Amended Filing Select "First Filing" if this is the first declaration for the period

Step 3: Enter Data

General Information Section

  • Business Household Name, Tax ID, Address (usually auto-filled), and other required information
  • Review for accuracy

Revenue and Tax Declaration Section

Item Description How to Enter
Revenue Generated in the Period Total revenue from sales/services Enter the amount
VAT Rate Varies by industry (1%, 2%, 3%, 5%) Select from the list
PIT Rate Varies by industry (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 5%) Select from the list

The system will automatically calculate:

  • VAT Payable = Revenue × VAT Rate
  • PIT Payable = Revenue × PIT Rate

Step 4: Review and Save

  1. Click "Save" for the system to check for errors
  2. If there are errors → Correct them according to the instructions → Click "Save" to save the return
  3. If there are no errors → Click "Save" to save the return

Step 5: Export XML File

  1. Click "Export XML"
  2. Select the folder to save the file
  3. Name the file (or keep the default name)
  4. Click "Save"

6. Digitally Sign and Submit Returns

Method 1: Submit via the Software of Your Digital Signature Provider

Each digital signature provider (VNPT-CA, Viettel-CA, FPT-CA, etc.) has its own software to:

  1. Import the XML file from HTKK
  2. Digitally sign it
  3. Submit it to the e-tax portal

Refer to the instructions from your digital signature provider.

Method 2: Submit via thuedientu.gdt.gov.vn

  1. Access thuedientu.gdt.gov.vn
  2. Log in with your e-tax transaction account
  3. Go to the "Submit Tax Return" menu
  4. Select "Import XML File"
  5. Upload the XML file exported from HTKK
  6. Review the information
  7. Digitally sign using your USB Token
  8. Click "Submit Tax Return"
  9. Receive an electronic receipt from the system

7. Other HTKK Operations

View Previously Filed Returns

  1. Go to the "Search" or "Manage Returns" menu
  2. Select the return type and tax period
  3. Click "Open" to view

Print Tax Returns

  1. Open the return you want to print
  2. Click "Print" or "Print Preview"
  3. Select your printer and print

Filing an Amended Return

If you discover an error after submission:

  1. Select the return type and tax period again
  2. Choose "Amended Filing" instead of "First Filing"
  3. Re-enter the correct data
  4. Export and submit as usual

8. Common Errors and Solutions

Error Cause Solution
Cannot open HTKK Missing Admin rights Right-click → Run as Administrator
Tax Identification Number does not exist Incorrect TIN entered Verify the TIN on your registration certificate
XML export error Return not "Saved" yet Click "Save" before exporting
Return submission rejected Corrupt XML file or expired digital signature Check the file, renew digital signature
Outdated software New version not updated Download and install the latest version

9. Tips for Effective HTKK Use

💡 Always update to the latest version

The General Department of Taxation frequently updates HTKK to reflect changes in forms. Check and update regularly.

💡 Back up your data

HTKK stores return data on your computer. It's advisable to back up the HTKK installation folder periodically to prevent data loss.

💡 Review carefully before submitting

  • Check if the tax period is correct
  • Verify revenue figures
  • Check the applicable tax rates

💡 Save the electronic receipt

After successful submission, save the electronic receipt as proof of timely submission.

10. Online Declaration (Alternative to HTKK)

If you prefer not to install software, you can declare taxes directly on the web:

Step 1: Access the E-Tax Portal

Go to thuedientu.gdt.gov.vn

Step 2: Log In

  • Use your e-tax transaction account
  • Or log in with your digital signature

Step 3: Select the Declaration Menu

  • Go to "Online Declaration" or "Individual Business"
  • Select the return type and tax period

Step 4: Enter Data

  • Enter data directly on the web
  • The fields are similar to those in HTKK

Step 5: Sign and Submit

  • Digitally sign directly on the web
  • Receive your receipt immediately after submission

Checklist: Successful Tax Filing

Preparation

  • Install the latest version of HTKK
  • Have a valid digital signature
  • Have an e-tax transaction account
  • Have compiled revenue for the period

Execution

  • Log in to HTKK with your tax ID
  • Select the correct return type and tax period
  • Enter correct revenue and tax rates
  • Click "Check" to detect errors
  • Click "Save" to save the return
  • Export XML file

Submitting the Return

  • Log in to the e-tax portal
  • Import XML file
  • Digitally sign
  • Submit the return
  • Save the electronic receipt

After Submission

  • Pay taxes (if any)
  • Keep records (returns, receipts)

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  1. Selecting the wrong tax period → Example: Declaring for Q1 but mistakenly selecting Q2.

  2. Forgetting to "Save" before exporting → The XML file will be empty.

  3. Using an outdated version of HTKK → May lead to rejection upon submission.

  4. Not saving the receipt → Difficult to prove submission in case of disputes.

  5. Submitting the return but forgetting to pay the tax → Incurs late payment penalties.

Summary: Tax Guide for Sellers

Congratulations on completing the 7 lessons in the Tax Guide for Sellers series! 🎉

Summary of what you have learned:

  1. Starting a Business - Business registration vs. tax registration
  2. Revenue Thresholds - When to pay taxes, how to calculate taxes
  3. Tax Declaration - Forms, deadlines, how to submit
  4. Electronic Invoices - When needed, handling errors
  5. Deductible Expenses - 7 types of expenses and how to record them
  6. Hiring Employees - PIT responsibilities
  7. HTKK Practice - Installation and usage

Final Advice

  • ✅ Keep all invoices and supporting documents
  • ✅ Declare and pay taxes on time
  • ✅ Separate personal and business finances
  • ✅ Stay updated on policy changes from tax authorities
  • ✅ Contact your local Tax Department if you have questions

Need More Support?

  • General Department of Taxation Hotline: 1900 6199
  • Website: www.gdt.gov.vn
  • E-Tax Portal: thuedientu.gdt.gov.vn

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