What 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 (Support for Tax Filing) 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 File Taxes

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

Recommendation: Use HTKK for beginners due to its more intuitive interface.

2. Preparation before installation

System Requirements

  • Operating System: Windows 7 or later
  • 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, find the "HTKK" banner, and click on it
  3. Or go directly to: https://www.gdt.gov.vn/wps/portal/home/hotrokekhai

Step 2: Download the software

  1. Find the latest version (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
  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 you see a security warning, select "Yes" or "Đồng ý"

4. Logging in and setting up information

First-time login

  1. On the login screen, the Tax Identification Number field will be empty
  2. Enter the tax identification number of your business
  3. Click "Confirm"

Setting up business information

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

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

Note:

  • This information will be saved, so you won't need to enter it again next time.
  • File according to your Business Registration Certificate.

Subsequent logins

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

5. Filing tax returns for businesses

HTKK Main Interface

After logging in, you will see a menu on the left with tax return categories:

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

Returns for Businesses

You need to select the section:

  • Lump-sum Tax and Property Rental

Step 1: Select the tax return

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

Step 2: Select the tax period

Field How to select
Tax Period Choose "Quarterly" or "Monthly"
Year Select the corresponding year
Quarter/Month Select the quarter or month to file
First Filing/Amended Filing Select "First Filing" if filing for the first time in the period

Step 3: Enter data

General Information Section

  • Business name, tax ID, address (usually auto-filled), and other required information
  • Review for accuracy

Revenue and Tax Filing Section

Item Description How to enter
Revenue Generated in the Period Total sales/service revenue Enter the amount
VAT Rate Depending on industry (1%, 2%, 3%, 5%) Select from the list
PIT Rate Depending on 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: Check 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. Choose a folder to save the file
  3. Name the file (or keep the default name)
  4. Click "Save"

6. Digitally signing and submitting returns

Method 1: Submit via software from 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
  3. Submit 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 using 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 the electronic receipt from the system

7. Other operations in HTKK

Reviewing filed returns

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

Printing returns

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

Filing amended returns

If you discover errors after submission:

  1. Select the type of return 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 privileges Right-click → Run as Administrator
Tax ID does not exist Incorrect MST entered Verify the MST on your registration document
XML export error Return not "Saved" Click "Save" before exporting
Return submission rejected Corrupted XML file or expired digital signature Check the file, renew the digital signature
Outdated software Not updated to the latest version Download and install the latest version

9. Tips for effective HTKK usage

💡 Always update to the latest version

The General Department of Taxation frequently updates HTKK when form changes occur. Check and update periodically.

💡 Back up your data

HTKK stores tax return data on your computer. Regularly back up the HTKK installation folder to prevent data loss.

💡 Check carefully before submitting

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

💡 Save your electronic receipt

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

10. Online filing (alternative to HTKK)

If you prefer not to install software, you can file 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 filing menu

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

Step 4: Enter data

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

Step 5: Sign and submit

  • Sign directly on the website
  • Receive your receipt immediately after submission

Checklist: Successful tax filing

Preparation

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

Execution

  • Logged into HTKK with the tax ID
  • Selected the correct tax return type and period
  • Entered the correct revenue and tax rates
  • Clicked "Check" to detect errors
  • Clicked "Save" to save the return
  • Exported the XML file

Submitting the return

  • Logged into the e-tax portal
  • Imported the XML file
  • Digitally signed
  • Submitted the return
  • Saved the electronic receipt

After submission

  • Paid the tax (if applicable)
  • Archived records (returns, receipts)

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  1. Selecting the wrong tax period → Example: Filing for Q1 but mistakenly choosing Q2.

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

  3. Using an old version of HTKK → May result in rejection upon submission.

  4. Not saving the receipt → Makes it difficult to prove submission in case of disputes.

  5. Submitting the return but forgetting to pay the tax → Will incur late payment interest.

Summary: Tax Guide for Sellers

Congratulations on completing 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 tax, how to calculate tax
  3. Tax Filing - Documents, deadlines, how to submit
  4. Electronic Invoices - When needed, how to correct 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 receipts
  • ✅ File and pay taxes on time
  • ✅ Separate personal and business finances
  • ✅ Stay updated on policy changes from the 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

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

Turn what you've read into real results — apply it now with GTG CRM, for free.

Apply Now