JOCK67

Another point which I forgot to make was that they had calculated wrongly the difference in salary between 2009 and 2010. Instead of taking the whole taxable package including housing, utilities, health insurance allowances and compared totals on a like for like basis, they only took the different amount transferred into my bank account each month which was a higher difference than the whole taxable package difference.

Have tried to get some understanding from them on the incorrect basis of calculation to reduce the figure but even that has been ignored. The 'real' differnce should only be around 40,000 Baht per month. Now considering I'm how much would be reasonable to offer as an 'incentive' to either completely erase the problem or at least to have them accept the reduced figure based on avoiding either approx 200,000 Baht additional tax at the high end or 100,000 Baht additional tax at the reduced salary difference.

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks Patrick. Your advice is about where I believe it is going to end up. I just spoke with the accountant again and she advised that they have been trying to do a deal since the start of the month to get the amount reduced but getting no where. She said that there is an option for me to go and meet with the investigating officers boss myself (she can arrange this) and see if I can get a better result but the danger is they don't accept and will investigate more - message is pay up or else.

Any experience or benefit in going to their Offices and trying to reach a better result with the boss or am I more likely to end up worse off and having to make an 'extra' payment for my troubles?

Thank you for the advice so far.

I have been in Thailand a good number of years and know the alternative ways that Government Departments can be dealt with to get round specific problems and 'taking care' would not be an issue but no 'hints' have been made in that respect. The message I am getting is that I must pay. This makes it more frustrating. Possibly the problem may be the accountant who advertise themselves as being above board and doing everything legally. That being the case I most likely need to talk to the Officers again directly and see if I can minimise the figure, as the accountant seems unable to do even that.  

The company does generate good turnover and especially in the 2nd half of 2010 and now 2011 as business has improved. We diligently pay VAT (at least 30,000 every month). I believe what they are thinking is that I am 'creating' company expenses through our salaries and benefits to minimise taxable profit and whilst they can't nail me on that they have come up with this alternative route to gain more tax out of the company with the threat of further investigation if I don't comply.

I am happy to clear the problem and not have it ongoing but getting at least some agreement in place to have 'a number' seems to be the problem. I will go back to my accountants and advise them to take a harder line to reduce the amount in question. Failing that I'll give the Officers a call myself and see where I get to.  

Luckily I'm not in Wang Thong Lang but Pathumwan, though thinking that may not be much better