China Tax Agency Announces VAT Refund Service for Nonresidents Departing From Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan

The Chinese State Administration of Taxation April 4 issued Announcement No. 9, on the “buy now, refund now” VAT refund service for nonresidents departing from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The announcement includes: 1) that refunds are issued for qualifying purchases by nonresidents who spent no more than 183 consecutive days in the country, provided that they have signed an agreement, obtained pre-authorization, and applied for the refund at the store; 2) the eligibility requirements for nonresidents and stores to apply for the service; 3) that all applications will be subject to customs review and verification; and 4) that refunds ...