You will learn

  • ✅ How to download and install HTKK software
  • ✅ Log in and set up business information
  • ✅ File VAT and Personal Income Tax returns
  • ✅ Digitally sign and submit returns online

1. Introduction to HTKK

What is HTKK?

HTKK (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 tax

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

3. Download and install HTKK

Step 1: Access the General Department of Taxation website

  1. Open a browser, 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 (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" at each installation step
  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, find the HTKK icon
  2. Right-click → Select "Open" (or "Run as Administrator" if there are errors)
  3. If you see a security warning, select "Yes" or "Đồng ý"

4. Log in and set up information

First-time login

  1. At the login screen, the Tax Identification Number field will be empty
  2. Enter the business's Tax Identification Number
  3. Click "OK"

Set up business information

For the first time, you need to enter complete information:

Field Description Required?
Business Name As per business registration certificate ✅ Yes
Address Business location ✅ Yes
District/Huyen 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.
  • Declare according to the Business Registration Certificate.

Subsequent logins

  • The Tax Identification Number will be pre-filled in the list
  • Just select it and click "OK"

5. File tax return for businesses

HTKK Main Interface

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

  • VAT
  • Personal Income Tax
  • License Tax
  • ...

Tax return for businesses

You need to select:

  • Lump-sum Tax and Rental Income Tax

Step 1: Select the tax return

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

Step 2: Select the tax period

Field How to select
Tax Period Select "Quarter" or "Month"
Year Select the corresponding year
Quarter/Month Select the quarter or month to declare
First time/Supplementary Select "First time" if declaring for the first time in the period

Step 3: Enter data

General Information Section

  • Business Name, Tax Identification Number, 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 Tax Rate Depends on industry (1%, 2%, 3%, 5%) Select from list
Personal Income Tax Rate Depends on industry (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 5%) Select from list

The system will automatically calculate:

  • VAT Payable = Revenue × VAT Tax 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 errors are found → Fix them according to the instructions → Click "Save" to save the tax return
  3. If no errors → Click "Save" to save the tax 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. Sign and submit tax returns

Method 1: Submit via software from 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

View previously filed tax returns

  1. Go to the "Lookup" or "Tax Return Management" menu
  2. Select the tax return type and tax period
  3. Click "Open" to view

Print tax returns

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

File supplementary tax returns

If you discover errors after submission:

  1. Select the tax return type and tax period again
  2. Select "Supplementary" instead of "First time"
  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 TIN on registration certificate
XML export error Tax return not "Saved" Click "Save" before exporting
Tax return submission rejected Corrupted XML file or expired digital signature Check the file, renew digital signature
Outdated software Not updated to the latest version Download and install the latest version

9. Tips for effective HTKK use

💡 Always update to the latest version

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

💡 Back up your data

HTKK saves tax return data on your computer. It is recommended to back up the HTKK installation folder periodically to prevent data loss.

💡 Double-check before submitting

  • Verify the tax period is correct
  • Verify revenue figures
  • Verify 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 don't want to install the software, you can declare 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 declaration menu

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

Step 4: Enter data

  • Enter directly on the web
  • Fields are similar to HTKK

Step 5: Sign and submit

  • Sign directly on the web
  • Receive receipt immediately after submission

Checklist: Successful Tax Declaration

Preparation

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

Execution

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

Submitting the return

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

After submission

  • Pay taxes (if any)
  • Save records (tax returns, receipts)

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  1. Selecting the wrong tax period → e.g., Declaring for Q1 but mistakenly selecting Q2.

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

  3. Using an old 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 tax return but forgetting to pay the tax → Subject to 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 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 - Personal Income Tax 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 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

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