Continuing the program of the 9th Session of the 15th National Assembly, on the morning of May 12, National Assembly deputies discussed in the hall a number of contents with different opinions of the draft Law on Corporate Income Tax (amended).
Article 12 of the Draft stipulates the principles and subjects of corporate income tax incentives. In particular, the press (including advertising in newspapers) as prescribed by the Press Law is one of the subjects eligible for corporate income tax incentives
Contributing opinions to the draft Law, delegate Thach Phuoc Binh - National Assembly Delegation of Tra Vinh province supported the above regulation.
Delegate Thach Phuoc Binh analyzed that the press industry is currently facing a serious decline in revenue, especially in the advertising sector due to fierce competition from digital platforms such as Facebook, Google, ... Adding press to tax incentives helps reduce financial pressure, creating conditions for press agencies to maintain political and social tasks.
"The press is not simply a business sector, but also performs the function of information, education, orientation of public opinion, policy criticism, playing an important role in political activities and cultural development" - delegate Thach Phuoc Binh said.
He said that tax incentives demonstrate the indirect support of the State, in line with the nature of revolutionary journalism.
In particular, financial resources from tax reduction can help press agencies reinvest in infrastructure, technology, upgrade the system, digitize content, and train personnel. That is, promoting the improvement of quality and content.
"This regulation shows the serious acceptance of many opinions of parliamentary delegates, Journalists' Associations, and press agencies that have been repeatedly recommended in recent sessions" - the delegate said.
In addition, to optimize regulations, delegate Thach Phuoc Binh suggested reviewing the definition of "reporting to enjoy incentives"; clearly stipulating that the scope of application is only for press agencies licensed to operate. Avoid being taken advantage of by disguised media organizations.
The delegate also recommended that it is necessary to clearly determine whether advertising content on electronic newspapers is entitled to incentives or not; linking incentives with social community effectiveness. Providing control criteria such as content quality, products, official information, etc. It is necessary to combine tax incentives with direct support policies.
"In addition to tax reduction, in my opinion, there needs to be a creative innovation fund for journalism, supporting journalism in technology training and digital transformation for local agencies" - the delegate suggested.
Previously, Chairman of the National Assembly's Economic and Financial Committee Phan Van Mai explained, accepted, and revised the draft Law on Corporate Income Tax.
Regarding tax incentives for some areas that National Assembly deputies are interested in, Mr. Mai said that for the press sector, based on the Government's proposal, the National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC) has accepted and revised the draft law in the direction of applying a unified 10% preferential tax rate for all types of press, similar to the preferential policy currently applied to print newspapers.
According to Mr. Mai, the above adjustment shows the support of the Party and State for the activities of press agencies.
