Businesses in Bhutan are required to register, obtain a license, and follow various tax laws. This applies to the ones operating online as well. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) has guidelines for online businesses and as of now, there are 185 businesses licensed to sell online using …
Read More »Govt assessing WTO membership weighing opportunities and risks
While there are ample advantages of being a World Trade Organisation (WTO) member, the Government is also assessing how the membership aligns with initiatives like the Gelephu Mindfulness City, ensuring any integrations support Bhutan’s developmental aspirations. The Government recognizes that WTO membership can be a significant step toward achieving Bhutan’s …
Read More »Businesses with Nu 5mn plus turnover to be under GST
Though the Goods and Services Tax is yet to be finalized, the Ministry of Finance aims to implement it by July 2025. The Department of Revenue and Customs will start a comprehensive outreach program for businesses and taxpayers. Business units with a turnover of more than 5 million will be …
Read More »NA passes motion to amend Property Tax to reduce Kamzhing taxes and for other concessions
The Member of Parliament (MP) of Gangzur Minjey Constituency, Loday Tsheten, has called for Amendments to the Property Tax Act of Bhutan 2022, focusing on the tax concessions for Kamzhing and Chhuzhing. Under the Act, Chhuzing receives a 90% tax concession, while Kamzhing is given a 50% concession. The problem, …
Read More »Tax rebate for highlanders clarified by Finance Minister
In response to a question raised by the Member of Parliament of Bji Katsho, Lhendup Wangdi, regarding the tax rebate for highlanders, the Finance Minister, Lekey Dorji, clarified that citizens living in high-altitude areas are eligible for a tax rebate under the Property Tax Act of 2022. Under the Property …
Read More »BNB launches loyalty program
Bhutan National Bank (BNB) has introduced its first Loyalty Program for its users. It is an initiative aimed at the users for their continued support throughout the years. The bank’s Loyalty Program allows customers to earn reward points for using various banking services through the mPay App, including QR payments, …
Read More »Ed Sheeran announces 2025 Mathematics Tour, First-Ever Global Concert in Bhutan
Global music icon, Ed Sheeran, is going to be the first-ever mega international singer to perform in the country. The singer has unveiled his 2025 Mathematics Tour dates, which include performances in Bhutan, India, and the Middle East from January to May. The +–=÷× Tour is being organized by Gelephu …
Read More »600 MW Khorluchhu aiming for completion by 2029
The long awaited 600-Megawatt (MW) Khorluchhu Hydropower Project previously known as Kholongchhu Hydropower Project in Trashiyangtse has begun its construction. The first major milestone was marked on 19th November with the successful blasting at the powerhouse portal and head race tunnel. These blasts signal the beginning of large-scale civil work, …
Read More »National Assembly agrees to approve Pension Act by 2025 but sustainability issues around pension remain
After more than two decades of operating without a formal legal framework, Bhutan’s pension system is set to undergo significant reform. The National Assembly (NA) through a motion has agreed to enact a Pension Act within the next year, aiming to address the governance, management, and regulatory challenges currently facing …
Read More »Rising trend of TikTok-based businesses puts traditional shopkeepers at a disadvantage
With a growing number of individuals opting to buy from online businesses, which operate without the heavy burden of taxes or rent typically faced by shopkeepers, the traditional market is at risk. These home-based businesses operate from TikTok, a social media platform that has been rapidly gaining popularity in Bhutan. …
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