Withholding tax is crucial in the tax system. It influences a range of financial transactions, from businesses importing goods to those receiving income from state-owned enterprises. This article seeks to simplify Indonesia's tax framework, offering insights into its application and impact on local businesses.
Withholding tax is a tax collection system that the government authorizes. The system lets taxpayers deduct or collect tax from income payments to the income recipients and remit it to the national treasury.
In other words, this tax system involves paying taxes by a third party. At the end of the tax year, the tax withheld and remitted to the state treasury can be used as a tax reduction or tax credit. This is provided that the recipient can provide proof of withholding or collection.
According to the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP), tax revenues through the withholding tax system significantly contribute to the growth of non-oil and gas income tax (PPh).
For instance, from January to July 2019, the most significant non-oil and gas tax revenue came from Article 21 Income Tax, with double-digit growth of 12.31%.
Recognizing the importance of this tax in securing the state's revenue in the tax sector, the Directorate General of Taxes mandates all tax withholders and collectors to remit and report their tax obligations following the prevailing regulations.
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Self-assessment is a tax system where taxpayers are solely responsible for determining and reporting their tax liabilities. It differs from withholding tax, which involves relying on others to manage tax obligations.
This tax applies to all business-related income in Indonesia, per the Directorate General of Taxes Regulation No. Per-70/PJ/2007. This regulation is also governed by Law No.7 of 1983, particularly concerning instalment payments and final tax collection.
Several types of withholding tax in Indonesia, with their brief explanation as follows:
As stipulated under the income tax law (PPh), Article 21, employers must deduct taxes from their employees' salaries and severance payments.
The deducted tax is then remitted to the state treasury on behalf of the employee. The withholding tax on salary, as specified in Article 21, is considered final, and the amount withheld can be proclaimed as a tax credit when the employee files their annual personal income tax return.
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Withholding tax under Article 22 pertains to companies involved in various activities such as importing goods, receiving income from state-owned enterprises, purchasing specific products, or acquiring extravagant luxury items.
A 2.5% withholding tax rate is applied to imported goods for registered importers, while unregistered importers face a 7.5% rate.
However, companies located in Free Trade Zones are exempt from Article 22 withholding tax on the importation of capital goods and raw materials.
The withheld tax of 1.5% is not considered final and can be credited when the company files its annual corporate income tax return, provided that valid withholding tax documents are available. Article 22 also applies to certain local purchases.
The tax rates applied to these transactions are:
| Transaction | Applicable Tax Rates |
| Buying oil fuel from state-owned or private gas stations | 0.25% or 0.30% based on the selling price |
| Purchasing oil fuel by entities other than gas stations | 0.30% |
| Purchasing gas fuel | 0.30% |
| Buying lubricants | 0.30% |
| Manufacturers of cement, steel, automotive goods, paper, and cigarettes | 0.1% to 0.45% when selling to agents or distributors |
Goods categorized as highly luxurious are subject to a 5% withholding tax based on their selling prices; these include:
Exemptions under withholding tax article 22 cover specific scenarios, such as:
A tax resident who does not possess a taxpayer identification number (NPWP)is subject to an elevated tax rate of 100% compared to the standard rates.
Under Article 23, specific income payments made to tax residents are subject to withholding tax at 2% or 15%. Payments subject to a 15% withholding tax rate include:
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On the other hand, payments subject to a 2% withholding tax rate comprise rental payments for property (excluding land and buildings). Additionally, remuneration is included for various services such as:
Income received by non-Indonesian taxpayers is taxed at a final withholding rate of 20%. Article 26 covers specific types of income, including dividends, interest, royalties, compensation, prizes, awards, and swap premiums.
Article 4, paragraph 2 imposes final withholding tax on various transactions. These transactions include rent for land and buildings, property rights transfers, construction services, IPO share sales, interest on savings, bonds, lottery prizes, and individual dividends.
Services related to shipping and airline operations by domestic or foreign firms are subject to withholding tax under Article 15, with the following tax rates:
| Services | Tax Rates |
| Charter of local airline | 1.8% |
| Local shipping company | 1.2% |
| Foreign shipping and airline | 2.64% |
This tax provides several benefits for businesses, as described below:
Companies with high credibility consistently pay their taxes on time. Therefore, one of the benefits of taxation for business operators is to enhance their company's credibility.
Investors typically assess the financial quality of a company before providing capital. Business operators must, therefore, maintain their company's financial quality.
By consistently paying taxes on time, consumers are more likely to trust and engage with a company's services or products, which can boost sales.
Loans are a fundamental need for any company. A company can more easily secure its required loans by maintaining a professional image and demonstrating solid financial quality.
Managing withholding tax can be intricate and time-consuming. Ascentium Indonesia aims to simplify your business operations and enable you to concentrate on business growth by providing payroll processing and accounting services.