The new audit policy will take effect in March 2026. This marks a turning point in economic transparency and public asset management in Vietnam. From March 1st, 2026, the new Circulars (01, 02, 03/2026/TT-KTNN) will officially come into effect. These regulations change the planning methods and tighten post-audit procedures. This requires audited entities and accounting teams to be thoroughly prepared in terms of data and operational processes.
Understanding the new auditing policy effective March 2026 is mandatory for chief accountants and managers. This is especially relevant in the context of the implementation of the 2025 Budget Law and the changes at... Circular 03/2026/TT-KTNN This helps reduce overlap and increase predictability. This article by MAN – Master Accountant Network will summarize the new points in detail so that readers can promptly apply them to their management practices.
Download the article summary here.
Overview of legal documents governing audit policy in 2026
Before delving into the content, it is necessary to clearly define the legal framework of the new auditing policies effective March 2026. These documents are based on the 2015 Law on State Audit (amended 2019) and the 2025 Law on the Promulgation of Legal Normative Documents.
| No. | Document number | Date of issuance | Effective date | Main content |
| 1 | Circular 01/2026/TT-KTNN | 12/01/2026 | 01/03/2026 | Regulations for monitoring and verifying the implementation of audit conclusions. |
| 2 | Circular 02/2026/TT-KTNN | 12/01/2026 | 01/03/2026 | Procedure for preparing, reviewing, and issuing audit plans. |
| 3 | Circular 03/2026/TT-KTNN | 12/01/2026 | 01/03/2026 | The sequence for developing annual and medium-term audit plans. |
| 4 | Circular 04/2026/TT-KTNN | 12/02/2026 | 01/04/2026 | The latest system of state audit standards |
The simultaneous issuance of these circulars aims to standardize the process from planning to reviewing post-audit recommendations.
Clearly define the scope and principles for developing audit plans according to the new audit policy effective March 2026.
The goal of the new auditing policy, effective March 2026, is to ensure absolute independence and objectivity. Article 3 of Circular 03/2026/TT-KTNN clearly stipulates the principles for developing professional audit plans.
Principles of independence and adherence to the law
The audit plan is not subject to external interference and strictly adheres to the State Audit Law. This enhances the reputation of Vietnam's auditing sector with international investors.
Systematic, comprehensive, and feasible
The new policy requires plans to cover key areas and align with available resources. Coordination with inspection agencies is mandatory to avoid duplication and waste of business resources.
Identify the basis and criteria for selecting key audit areas.
In the new auditing policy effective March 2026, the criteria for selecting auditing firms are quantified in Articles 4 and 5 of Circular 03/2026/TT-KTNN. This helps entities proactively assess their financial risks.
The basis for developing an audit plan.
The audit plan is built on a foundation of long-term strategic orientation and practical management requirements. Specifically, the planning is based on the State Audit Office's Development Strategy until 2030, the Party and State's policies on socio-economic management, the oversight requirements from the National Assembly and the Government, and the concerns of public opinion. At the same time, the plan must also be consistent with actual capacity and medium-term work orientation to ensure feasibility, effectiveness, and focus.
- Strategy for the Development of State Audit Office until 2030.
- The Party and State's policies on socio-economic management.
- Demands from the National Assembly, the Government, and public opinion.
- Practical capabilities and medium-term work plans.
Criteria for selecting audit firms and projects
The selection process focuses on high-risk entities in public financial management or key national projects. Additionally, public opinion and the time elapsed since the previous audit are also important determining factors.
The process of developing and issuing the annual audit plan: A new step forward in technology and management.
The new auditing policy, effective March 2026, stipulates a strict three-step process in Article 6 of Circular 03/2026/TT-KTNN. This process ensures that all plans are thoroughly reviewed before implementation.
Step 1: Orientation and guidance for plan development
Before June 15th each year, the State Audit Office issues a guidance document for the following year. This signals to subordinate units to begin surveying and gathering pre-audit information.
Step 2: Organize the development, evaluation, and consultation process.
Units are required to submit their proposed plans to the General Affairs Department before July 20th. A new feature is the inclusion of input from the National Assembly delegation, enhancing democracy and practical oversight.
Step 3: Finalize and officially issue.
The annual audit plan must be signed and issued before December 31st of the preceding year. This helps the entity prepare the best possible accounting records and documents for the upcoming audit.
Standardize the process for developing a 3-year medium-term audit plan.
A breakthrough aspect of the new auditing policy, effective March 2026, is the standardization of medium-term plans. According to Article 12 of Circular 03/2026/TT-KTNN, these plans are developed using a flexible, phased approach.
Benefits of a medium-term audit plan
A medium-term audit plan offers many practical benefits in the management and supervision of public finances. Developing a three-year roadmap helps clearly identify key areas of focus for each stage, creating a long-term vision and stable direction for audit activities. Simultaneously, the plan helps minimize overlap between audits, allowing audited entities to proactively schedule their work. Furthermore, resources are allocated more efficiently by prioritizing top-priority oversight topics as required by the National Assembly and the Government.
- Long-term vision: Identify the key focus areas for the 3-year period (e.g., 2026-2028).
- Avoid overlap: This helps the audited entity know the schedule in advance so they can plan their work accordingly.
- Focus resources: Prioritize topics that warrant supreme oversight by the National Assembly and the Government.
Comparing annual and medium-term audit plans.
To clearly distinguish their roles and scopes, annual and medium-term audit plans need to be considered in a specific comparative context. While annual plans focus on implementing detailed tasks within each fiscal year, medium-term plans serve as strategic guidelines over a multi-year cycle. The table below clarifies the fundamental differences between these two types of plans in terms of timing, purpose, issuance date, and implementation characteristics.
| Characteristic | Annual audit plan | Medium-term audit plan |
| Time | 01 fiscal year | 03 consecutive years |
| Purpose | Perform specific tasks | Strategic orientation |
| Promulgate | Before December 31st of the previous year | Let's guide each other next year. |
| Nature | Details required. | Rolling orientation |
Procedure for verifying the implementation of audit recommendations according to Circular 01/2026/TT-KTNN
Beyond just planning, the new auditing policy, effective March 2026, also tightens post-audit procedures. Circular 01/2026/TT-KTNN clearly stipulates the process for monitoring the implementation of audit conclusions.
Steps for organizing post-inspection checks:
- Planning: Identify recommendations that have not been implemented or have been only partially implemented.
- Implemented at the unit: Compare the documents and records that have been adjusted as required.
- Report of results: Publicly identify units that perform well and those that are lagging behind in addressing issues.
This ensures that any detected irregularities are thoroughly rectified, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of state audit work.
The impact of new policies on businesses and the role of internal audit.
The new auditing policy, effective March 2026, presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses to improve their governance. Organizations with weak control systems will be more vulnerable when risk criteria are prioritized.
Enhancing accounting and internal control capabilities.
Organizations should proactively review new accounts such as Account 215 or the global minimum tax. Equipping a professional internal audit team is the optimal solution for sustainably reducing legal risks.
Application of technology in auditing
The new policy encourages pre-auditing and real-time control. Therefore, businesses need a strong digital transformation in accounting to provide real-time data to auditors when requested.
Conclude
The new auditing policy, effective March 2026, serves as a benchmark for the transparency of the national financial system. Understanding the planning process and post-audit procedures helps organizations avoid errors and optimize resources. This is the time for managers to recognize the importance of compliance and professional ethics in accounting and auditing.
To help businesses navigate legal changes, MAN – Master Accountants Network provide daudit services In-depth expertise. With a team knowledgeable about the new auditing policies effective March 2026, MAN is committed to helping businesses build robust governance systems. Contact us for advice on the best adaptation roadmap and how to protect your business assets.
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Content production by: Mr. Le Hoang Tuyen – Founder & CEO MAN – Master Accountant Network, Vietnamese CPA Auditor with over 30 years of experience in Accounting, Auditing and Financial Consulting.
Frequently Asked Questions about the new audit policy effective March 2026
Does Circular 03/2026/TT-KTNN apply to private enterprises?
The circular applies to the State Audit Office's audit planning. However, private enterprises using public funds will be indirectly affected by this audit plan.
When will the 2026 audit plan be issued?
According to the new audit policy effective March 2026, the 2026 plan must be officially published before December 31, 2025.
What are the consequences for a business if it fails to implement audit recommendations?
According to Circular 01/2026/TT-KTNN, this will be closely monitored, the names of the units involved will be publicly disclosed, and the case may be transferred to the investigative agency if there are signs of significant losses.
