Since the beginning of the year, Thanh has been researching tax obligations for business households and individuals, noting several regulations concerning bank account declarations.

Specifically, Decree 68/2026 and Circular 18/2026 from the Ministry of Finance mandate that business households and individuals must report bank account numbers used for business operations to tax authorities.

He questioned, "If my only business activity is renting out real estate, without operating a store or engaging in other trade, am I required to declare my bank accounts? If so, do I need to report all personal accounts I use, or just the account that receives rental income?"

A house on a main street in District 1, TP HCM, displaying a "for rent" sign. *Photo: Phong Anh*

Addressing this, Clause 4, Article 13 of Decree 68/2026 mandates that business households and individuals electronically notify tax authorities of all bank account numbers opened with payment service providers and e-wallet numbers established with intermediate payment service providers that are linked to their production or business activities.

Consequently, real estate rental is classified as a form of individual business. Therefore, individuals who lease out houses, apartments, or commercial premises are still obligated to report their account information to the tax authorities.

Only declare accounts related to business activities

It is crucial to understand that the law does not require individuals to declare all bank accounts they possess. This obligation applies only to bank accounts or e-wallets actively used for business operations, such as those for receiving rental payments, security deposits, or conducting other rental-related transactions.

For instance, if an individual maintains several bank accounts but uses only one to collect monthly rent from tenants, then, in principle, only that specific account needs to be reported to the tax authority.

Accounts used for personal expenses, savings, or transactions unrelated to business activities are not subject to this declaration requirement.

Beyond the account notification obligation, real estate lessors should also be aware of changes introduced by Decree 141/2026, which was issued on 29/4.

Decree 141 amends and supplements several articles of Decree 68/2026. Consequently, the tax-exempt revenue threshold for business households has been raised from 500 million VND per year to 1 billion VND per year, effective 1/1/2026.

This means the taxable revenue threshold for business households and individuals has been increased from 500 million VND to 1 billion VND per year. Additionally, business households and individuals with annual revenue exceeding 1 billion VND must implement electronic invoicing as stipulated. These amendments could directly impact individuals managing multiple rental properties or generating substantial rental income.

In summary, individuals whose sole business activity is real estate rental, like Thanh, are still required to report bank account numbers to tax authorities. However, this applies only to accounts and e-wallets used for rental operations, not all personal accounts. Lessors must also track their actual revenue to ascertain any new tax obligations under the 2026 regulations.

Regarding the method for reporting bank account numbers to tax authorities, individuals can utilize the eTax Mobile application.

For details, see: "6 steps to declare bank account numbers with tax authorities on eTax Mobile."

Should there be any changes to bank account or e-wallet information, business households and individuals must promptly inform the tax authorities as required by law.

Hai Thu