A major concern for entrepreneurs establishing businesses in Indonesia centers around compliance with correct work practices, particularly concerning tax and VAT obligations.
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax imposed on most goods and services within Indonesia. It should be noted that Indonesia levies a separate GST on the sale of luxury items, which ranges between 11% and 12%.
Additionally, the Indonesian VAT registration threshold is IDR 4.8 billion sales per annum. Paper-based applications for VAT registrations should be submitted to the regional tax office of the business. Once registered, the tax payer is granted a Tax Identification Number (TIN) of 15 digits.
VAT registration is mandatory for any corporate entity conducting taxable business activities in Indonesia. According to Indonesia’s Value Added Tax Law (Law No. 8 of 1983, as amended by Law No. 7 of 2021 under the Harmonized Tax Law), any company engaged in the sale of taxable goods or services and exceeding the annual revenue threshold must register as a VAT-Registered Business (PKP). Once registered, the business receives a VAT Number (Nomor Pengukuhan Pengusaha Kena Pajak – NPPKP), which must appear on all invoices and official documents.
PMK-48/2020 provides a definition of digital goods. Under the VAT law, all digital goods are taxable. Examples include, but are not limited to, ebooks, e-magazines, and e-comics.
VAT registration in Indonesia is mandatory for businesses that meet or exceed the annual turnover threshold (currently IDR 500 million). Once registered as a VAT-Registered Business (Pengusaha Kena Pajak – PKP), a company can legally charge VAT on taxable goods and services and claim input VAT on purchases related to its business operations.
For exports, the VAT rate is 0%, provided the exporter can substantiate the transaction with proper customs documentation.
Established in 2016, LMI Consultancy has been supporting countless individuals in understanding the intricacies of visas, business setup, tax & accounting, and property investment in Indonesia, providing a comprehensive and dependable service.Â
We take pride in being an ethical and innovative company that places a strong emphasis on exceptional customer service and strives to set a new standard in our industry, guaranteeing a smooth and encouraging experience for our clients.
VAT-registered businesses in Indonesia must file VAT returns monthly, even if there were no taxable transactions during that period. The VAT return must be submitted and paid by the end of the following month after the transaction occurs.
To maintain VAT compliance, companies must issue valid tax invoices (faktur pajak), record both input and output VAT correctly, and report them through Indonesia’s electronic filing system (e-Faktur). Late filing or payment may result in penalties or interest charges imposed by the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT).
Certain transactions are exempt from VAT, including basic food items, financial services, healthcare, and education. However, businesses involved in VAT-exempt activities cannot charge VAT or claim input VAT on related purchases.
Meanwhile, VAT refunds may be requested when input VAT exceeds output VAT, often in the case of exporters or newly established companies. Refunds are processed by the tax authorities upon verification and can be credited or reimbursed, depending on the company’s status and compliance record.
VAT exemption doesn’t apply to tools integrated into your global system if they relate to the object specified in PMK-48/2020.
Products existing and used entirely in electronic form are classified as digital products. Email, downloads, and website logins are all ways customers can access these goods and services.
To be compliant with Indonesian tax regulations, please include this information on customer invoices:
A VAT Identification Number (NPPKP – Nomor Pengukuhan Pengusaha Kena Pajak) is a unique code issued by the Directorate General of Taxes to businesses registered for VAT. This number confirms a company’s legal status as a VAT collector and taxpayer in Indonesia.
It must appear on all official tax invoices, contracts, and financial documents. Possessing an active VAT ID not only signifies compliance but also ensures recognition within Indonesia’s national tax system, enabling smooth cross-border transactions and credibility in business operations.
Disclaimer : Our services in LMI Consultancy provide consulting services focused on ensuring client compliance with applicable immigration and legal regulations in Indonesia. We do not provide or facilitate the production of official government documents, nor do we offer any expedited or preferential access to government services.
Disclaimer : Our services in LMI Consultancy provide consulting services focused on ensuring client compliance with applicable immigration and legal regulations in Indonesia. We do not provide or facilitate the production of official government documents, nor do we offer any expedited or preferential access to government services.
Contact Us
Transform your ambitions into achievements. Contact LMI Consultancy today and take the first step towards your business or life expansion across Asia!
Connect with our consultants for expert advice.
Connect with our consultants for expert advice.
Connect with our consultants for expert advice.
News & Resources
For many foreigners building a life in Indonesia, obtaining a Spouse KITAS is one of the most practical pathways to long-term residency. Sponsored by an Indonesian husband or wife, this family-based stay permit allows foreign spouses to legally reside in Indonesia, establish family roots, and potentially progress towards permanent residency through a KITAP. For those […]
LMI Consultancy
June 9, 2026
Indonesia’s immigration framework continues to evolve with the introduction of Global Citizenship Indonesia (GCI) in January 2026. Introduced by the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services and administered through Indonesian Immigration, the programme represents one of the country’s most ambitious efforts to reconnect with its diaspora community and globally connected families. At first glance, the […]
LMI Consultancy
June 8, 2026
Foreign nationals holding a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) or KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) cannot automatically leave and return to Indonesia simply because they possess a stay permit. In addition to their residency status, they may require an appropriate exit and re-entry authorisation issued by Indonesian Immigration. Among these permits, the Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit (MERP) […]
LMI Consultancy
June 4, 2026
Indonesia’s tax landscape is entering a new phase as the government moves to tighten access to the popular PPh Final 0.5% regime previously available to certain corporate tax residents. The Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) has confirmed that limited liability companies (PT), commanditaire vennootschap (CV), firms, cooperatives, and other business entities will no longer be […]
LMI Consultancy
June 4, 2026
From luxury villas in Bali and premium apartments in Jakarta to hospitality projects and commercial developments, Indonesia’s property market has been a key asset for foreign investment in Indonesian real estate, which remains strong. However, before deciding to buy a house or invest in real estate, it is important to understand one key principle of […]
LMI Consultancy
June 3, 2026
Indonesia has become one of the world’s most influential destinations for content creation. As influencer marketing, digital storytelling, and creator-led tourism continue to expand, many foreign content creators are increasingly asking the same question: What visa do I need to legally create content in Indonesia? Luckily, for many media professionals, journalists, documentary filmmakers, and content […]
LMI Consultancy
May 26, 2026
LMI Consultancy