At the discussion in the hall about the draft Law on Corporate Income Tax (amended), corporate income tax for press agencies received many opinions from delegates.
Delegate Do Chi Nghia (Phu Yen Delegation) said that journalism is a socio-political activity, playing a very important role in orienting public opinion.
"Currently, the work of the press is extremely difficult. The lives and incomes of officials and reporters have decreased significantly, and the operations of press agencies are facing many difficulties and problems to solve," the delegate said, adding that even large press agencies have reduced revenue while their tasks are more numerous.
In addition, press agencies are also under pressure to compete for information on social networks and from other sources of information, requiring much better quality press information and more investment of effort.
"The nature of reporters is to work day and night, so even a small reduction in income will affect their spirit and efforts. Although they love their jobs and are passionate about their work, these pressures "impact" their daily lives, because reporters also have to take care of their families, their children's education, and many other daily needs," the delegate said.
Therefore, delegates believe that this tax reduction is an opportunity to support press agencies to better perform their duties.
The draft Law on Corporate Income Tax is expected to reduce corporate income tax for all types of newspapers from 20% to 15%, while print newspapers will remain at 10%.
While this is a concern, the delegate said there needs to be a stronger policy, because in reality, in the past, many printed newspapers were published, but now very few are published; press agencies are implementing multi-platform, multimedia, and the costs and efforts are also greater.
"Last time, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc said that he would propose to the National Assembly to reduce taxes on all types of press to 10%, which would be very good and would strongly encourage press agencies," the delegate reiterated, adding that if the state budget were reduced by another 5%, "it would not lose much" because press revenue is currently very low, but encouragement is very important.
"Especially when taxes are reduced, the value of information and spiritual values will increase so that people can do their jobs better," the delegate shared.
This also contributes to stabilizing the spirit of press agencies and reporters. Because when taxes are reduced, the quality of journalism will be better and the public will benefit from being provided with information, accessing high-quality cultural values, fighting against bad and toxic information, contributing to orienting the value of information worthy of the country's position.
Explaining and clarifying some issues of concern to delegates, Mr. Ho Duc Phoc, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, said that for press agencies, he hoped the National Assembly would impose a tax rate of 10% on printed newspapers and other types of newspapers.
"If the National Assembly agrees, we propose 10%. We have discussed this content with the Finance and Budget Committee to help press agencies," said the Deputy Prime Minister.
