Published by ChinaMNC · Gaolan

Liaoning Tax Authorities Promote Learning to Solve Taxpayer Problems: Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

Liaoning's tax system uses a learning campaign to improve taxpayer services, offering insights for foreign founders on tax compliance and support in China.

Liaoning Tax Authorities Promote Learning to Solve Taxpayer Problems

Since the launch of the second batch of the thematic education campaign, tax authorities across Liaoning Province have focused on learning and practice to better serve taxpayers and fee payers. The campaign emphasizes solving problems and delivering practical results, with a focus on taxpayer needs. For foreign founders operating in China, these developments signal ongoing efforts to improve tax services and address compliance challenges.

Learning as the Foundation for Action

The Liaoning Provincial Tax Service of the State Taxation Administration prioritized theoretical study, guiding party committees at all levels to integrate learning with tax work. This approach aims to reinforce a service-oriented mindset and align tax administration with taxpayer expectations. Xu Guanglie, Party Secretary and Director of the Liaoning Provincial Tax Service, stated that the goal is to address "for whom to work, what to do, and how to do it" by focusing on taxpayer concerns and delivering benefits to enterprises and the public.

For foreign founders, this means tax authorities are encouraged to be more responsive to taxpayer needs, which can lead to more predictable and supportive interactions.

Practical Measures to Improve Tax Services

Various cities in Liaoning have implemented concrete measures to enhance service quality. For example, Chaoyang's tax departments used leadership-led study, joint party branch activities, and visits to red resources to deepen understanding of the guiding ideology. Dandong's tax bureau introduced 97 improvement measures after listening to public opinions, all of which have been implemented. Yingkou's tax bureau provided targeted tax policy services to heating companies under a "one enterprise, one policy" approach, ensuring timely delivery of tax benefits.

These examples show that local tax authorities are taking active steps to tailor services and resolve issues, which can benefit foreign-invested enterprises facing similar challenges.

Leadership Engagement and Problem Solving

During the campaign, provincial tax officials conducted in-depth research and visited frontline service channels to identify and solve problems. They addressed over 20 key issues raised by grassroots units and taxpayers. City-level leaders visited more than 50 county-level tax bureaus, over 60 grassroots party branches, and tax service fronts, collecting feedback and resolving over 140 practical problems.

In Benxi, tax officials participated in "process walking" activities, experiencing tax procedures from a taxpayer's perspective to identify service gaps. For instance, Qi Wei, Party Secretary and Director of Pingshan District Tax Bureau, visited a company to check policy implementation and solve issues related to policy understanding and documentation. Such hands-on approaches demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing taxpayer difficulties.

Innovations in Tax Dispute Resolution and Service

Huludao's tax bureau developed intelligent "inquiry and handling integrated" windows, which processed over 50 complex cases with a 100% satisfaction rate. This innovation reflects efforts to improve service efficiency and resolve taxpayer issues effectively.

Additionally, Liaoning is promoting the construction of "Fengqiao-style" tax offices, based on national guidelines. These offices aim to resolve tax disputes at the grassroots level and protect taxpayer rights. Fuxin's tax bureau established "New Fengqiao Windows" and "New Fengqiao Rooms" in 38 tax offices and service halls, standardizing identification and services to address disputes promptly.

For foreign founders, these dispute resolution mechanisms can provide accessible channels to address concerns without escalation.

Tax Policy Implementation and Benefits

Liaoning's tax system has implemented a "five-measure" strategy to ensure tax and fee reduction policies are delivered quickly and accurately. Since last year, the province added over 20 billion yuan in tax reductions, fee cuts, and refunds, easing burdens on businesses.

For example, Liaoning Xinhualong Dayou Molybdenum Industry Co., Ltd. received over 70 million yuan in VAT credit refunds, which helped stabilize its cash flow. In Jinzhou, tax authorities improved policy targeting to ensure benefits reach taxpayers.

Xu Guanglie also led efforts to bring tax policies to industrial parks and enterprises, solving tax issues for major investment projects and facilitating financing through "bank-tax interaction." The province's "project butler" mechanism involves 1,237 tax officials providing dedicated services to nearly 400 major projects, resolving over 300 problems and implementing over 1 billion yuan in tax benefits.

In Shenyang, a project butler team helped a commercial complex resolve a tax payment extension issue, alleviating pressure on over 70 million yuan in taxes.

Foreign founders should note that such policies and services are available, but eligibility and processes may vary. It is advisable to consult local tax authorities or professional advisors.

Implications for Foreign Founders

The initiatives in Liaoning reflect broader efforts across China to improve tax services and support businesses. For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, understanding these developments can help in navigating the tax system. Key takeaways include:

• Proactive problem-solving: Tax authorities are encouraged to address taxpayer issues directly, so don't hesitate to seek help.
• Tailored services: Local tax bureaus may offer customized support, such as policy briefings and dispute resolution.
• Policy benefits: Various tax reductions and refunds are available, but application processes should be followed carefully.
• Dispute resolution: Fengqiao-style offices provide a channel for resolving tax disputes at the local level.

While these measures are designed to ease compliance, foreign founders should ensure they understand their obligations and seek professional advice when needed.

Conclusion

Liaoning's tax authorities are actively working to improve taxpayer services through learning and practical measures. These efforts align with China's broader goal of optimizing the business environment for all enterprises, including foreign-invested ones. By staying informed and engaging with local tax services, foreign founders can better manage their tax responsibilities and leverage available support.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

For assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.