Insights

Practice: Self-declaring taxes using the HTKK software.

Alex

532 views

Table of Contents

You will learn

  • ✅ How to download and install HTKK software
  • ✅ Log in and set up your business information.
  • ✅ Prepare VAT and personal income tax returns.
  • ✅ Digitally sign and submit tax returns online

1. Introduction to HTKK

What is HTKK?

HTKK (Tax Declaration Support) is free software provided by the General Department of Taxation, used for:

  • Prepare tax returns
  • Export the XML file for online submission.
  • Check the data before submitting.

Two ways to file taxes

Way Tools Advantage Disadvantages
Offline HTKK software The interface is user-friendly and the operation is fast. Regular installation and updates are required.
Online Website: thuedientu.gdt.gov.vn No installation required. Dependent on network speed, less user-friendly interface.

Recommendation: Use HTKK for beginners because it has a more intuitive interface.

2. Preparation before installation

System requirements

  • Operating system: Windows 7 or later
  • Size: Approximately 200MB
  • Internet connection required (to download and submit the form)

3. Download and install HTKK.

Step 1: Access the General Department of Taxation's website.

  1. Open your browser and go to: www.gdt.gov.vn
  2. Scroll down, find the "HTKK" banner and click on it.
  3. Or access directly: 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 to your Downloads or Desktop folder.

Step 3: Extract and install

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

Step 4: Launch HTKK

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

4. Log in and set up your information.

First time logging in

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

Setting up business registration information

The first time, you need to enter all the information:

School Describe Obligatory?
Business name According to the registration certificate ✅ Yes
Address Business location ✅ Yes
District/County Select from the list ✅ Yes
Phone Contact number It should be there.
E-mail Contact email It should be there.
Occupation Main occupation ✅ Yes

Note:

  • This information will be saved and will not need to be re-entered next time.
  • Declarations are made according to the Business Registration Certificate.

Next time you log in

  • The tax identification number will be displayed in the list.
  • Simply select and click "Agree"

5. Prepare tax returns for household businesses.

HTKK main interface

After logging in, you will see the menu on the left with the declaration groups:

  • VAT
  • Personal Income Tax
  • Business license tax
  • ...

Declaration form for household businesses

You need to select the item:

  • Lump-sum tax and property lease

Step 1: Select the declaration form

  1. Go to the "Lease and Property Taxes" menu or search in the category.
  2. Select "01/CNKD Business Registration Form for Individuals (Circular 40/2021)"

Step 2: Select the tax filing period

School How to choose
Tax period Choose "Quarter" or "Month"
Year Select the corresponding year
Quarter/Month Select the quarter or month you need to file.
First time/Additional time Select "First time" if this is your first time filing during the period.

Step 3: Enter the data

General Information

  • Business name, tax identification number, address (usually automatically filled in), and other required information.
  • Double-check for accuracy.

Revenue and tax declaration section

Target Describe Input method
Revenue generated during the period Total sales/service revenue Enter the amount
VAT rate Depending on the industry (1%, 2%, 3%, 5%) Select from the list
Personal income tax rate Depending on the industry (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 5%) Select from the list

The system will calculate automatically:

  • VAT payable = Revenue × VAT rate
  • Personal income tax payable = Revenue × Personal income tax rate

Step 4: Check and save

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

Step 5: Export the XML file

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

6. Digitally sign and submit the declaration.

Method 1: Submit via the digital signature provider's supporting software.

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

  1. Import XML files from HTKK.
  2. Digital signature
  3. Submit to the electronic tax portal

Refer to the instructions from your digital signature provider.

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

  1. Visit thuedientu.gdt.gov.vn
  2. Log in using your electronic tax transaction account.
  3. Go to the "Submit Declaration" menu.
  4. Select "Import XML file"
  5. Upload the XML file exported from HTKK.
  6. Please double-check the information.
  7. Digital signature using USB Token
  8. Click "Submit declaration"
  9. Receive electronic receipts from the system.

7. Other operations in HTKK

Review the completed declaration form.

  1. Go to the "Search" or "Manage Declarations" menu.
  2. Select the type of tax return and the tax filing period.
  3. Click "Open" to view
  1. Open the form you need to print.
  2. Click "Print" or "Print Preview"
  3. Select a printer and print.

Prepare a supplementary declaration form.

If errors are discovered after submission:

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

8. Common errors and how to fix them

Error Reason How to handle it
Unable to open HTKK Lack of Admin privileges Right-click → Run as Administrator
The tax identification number does not exist. Incorrect Tax Identification Number entered Double-check the tax identification number (MST) on the registration certificate.
XML rendering error The declaration form has not been "filled in" yet. Click "Save" before exporting.
The application was rejected. XML file error or digital signature expired Review the file, renew the digital signature.
Outdated software The latest version has not been updated yet. Download and install the latest version.

9. Tips for using HTKK effectively

💡 Always update to the latest version

The General Department of Taxation regularly updates the HTKK system whenever there are changes to the forms. Periodic checks and updates are conducted.

💡 Back up your data

HTKK stores tax return data on your computer. It's recommended to back up your HTKK installation folder regularly to avoid data loss.

💡 Check carefully before submitting

  • Check if the tax filing period is correct.
  • Check the revenue figures.
  • Check the applicable tax rate.

💡 Save electronic receipts

After successful submission, save the electronic receipt as proof that you submitted it on time.

10. Online tax declaration (replacing HTKK)

If you don't want to install the software, you can file directly on the web:

Step 1: Access the electronic tax portal.

Visit thuedientu.gdt.gov.vn

Step 2: Log in

  • Use your electronic tax transaction account.
  • Or log in using your digital signature.

Step 3: Select the declaration menu.

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

Step 4: Enter the data

  • Import directly on the web
  • The indicators are similar to those in the HTKK system.

Step 5: Sign and submit

  • Sign digitally directly on the web.
  • Receive a receipt immediately after submission.

Checklist: Successful Tax Filing

Prepare

  • Install the latest version of HTKK.
  • The digital signature is still valid.
  • I have an electronic tax transaction account.
  • Summary of revenue for the period

Perform

  • Log in to HTKK using your tax identification number.
  • Choose the correct tax return type and tax filing period.
  • Enter the correct revenue and tax rate.
  • Click "Check" to detect errors.
  • Click "Save" to save the declaration form.
  • Export XML file

Submit the declaration form.

  • Log in to the electronic tax portal.
  • Import XML file
  • Digital signature
  • Submit the declaration form.
  • Save electronic receipt

After submission

  • Pay any applicable taxes.
  • Keep records (declarations, receipts)

⚠️ Common mistakes

  1. Choosing the wrong tax filing period → Example: Filing for Q1 but mistakenly selecting Q2.

  2. Forgetting to "Save" before rendering will result in an empty XML file.

  3. Using an older version of HTKK software → May result in your submission being rejected.

  4. No receipts are kept → It's difficult to prove payment was made in case of a dispute.

  5. Submitting the tax return but forgetting to pay the tax → Late payment penalty will be charged.

Summary: A tax guide for sellers

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

Summarize what you have learned:

  1. Starting a business - Business registration vs. tax registration
  2. Revenue threshold - When to pay taxes, how to calculate taxes
  3. Tax filing - Documents, deadlines, and submission methods.
  4. Electronic invoices - When needed, how to handle errors.
  5. Deductible Expenses - 7 Types of Expenses and How to Record Them
  6. Hiring employees - Personal income tax liability
  7. HTKK Practical Guide - Installation and Usage

Final advice

  • ✅ Keep all invoices and receipts complete.
  • ✅ File and pay taxes on time
  • Separate personal and business finances.
  • ✅ Updates on policy changes from the tax authorities.
  • ✅ Contact your local Tax Office if you have any questions.

Need more assistance?

  • General Department of Taxation Hotline: 1900 6199
  • Website: www.gdt.gov.vn
  • Electronic tax portal: thuedientu.gdt.gov.vn

💼 GTG CRM - A comprehensive sales management platform for Vietnamese businesses. Integrates order management, inventory management, customer management, electronic invoicing, and revenue/expense reporting in a single system. Try it for free →

Optimize Operations Accelerate Business Growth

Free 20.00066.888 credit
Full features
No credit card required