Audit, financial statements, tax return: what is the difference?
The financial statements are the report your company prepares about itself; the audit is a licensed CPA’s opinion on those statements; the tax return, PND 50, is a separate filing to the Revenue Department built on the same numbers. They go to two different agencies on two different deadlines, which is why year end in Thailand is one process wearing three names.
Last reviewed 12 October 2026
| What it is | Who signs | Where it goes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial statements | Balance sheet and profit and loss for the year | A director | To the DBD with form ส.บช.3, after the AGM approves them |
| Audit report | A licensed CPA’s opinion on those statements | The auditor, with licence number | Attached to the statements wherever they go |
| PND 50 | The corporate income tax return | A director | To the Revenue Department |
The chain, in order
- Your accountant closes the books for the year and prepares the financial statements.
- The auditor examines them and signs the audit report. What the auditor needs from you covers this step.
- The shareholders approve the audited statements at the AGM, which must happen within 4 months of year end. For a 31 December close, that means by 30 April.
- The statements go to the DBD within 1 month of the AGM, with the ส.บช.3 cover form, and the บอจ.5 shareholder list goes in within 14 days of the AGM.
- PND 50 goes to the Revenue Department within 150 days of year end, currently 158 by e-filing, with the audited statements behind it.
Why the distinction matters when you buy
Because they are usually three line items from two suppliers. The bookkeeper prepares the statements and files the tax return; the independent auditor signs the opinion, and cannot be the same office that kept the books. A quote that says "year-end package" should say which of the three it covers and who signs the audit.
Every date above sits on the compliance calendar with its form and source, and what the audit itself costs is published by revenue band.
Related questions
- What does the auditor need from me, and when?
- What happens if you miss the DBD financial statement deadline?
- Can my bookkeeper also audit my company?
Sources
- DBD, แบบ ส.บช.3 financial statement submission form (PDF, Thai)
- Revenue Department, PND 50 frequently asked questions (Thai)
- Revenue Department, corporate income tax (English)
This is general information about how a filing works, not accounting or tax advice for your company. Confirm anything that matters against the official notice or with your accountant. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will fix it.