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File your China VAT, CIT, and IIT taxes the right way
China tax filing for a foreign-invested entity is a monthly cadence, not an annual scramble — VAT and CIT prepayments by the 15th, IIT by the 15th, social insurance by the local cut-off, and an annual CIT reconciliation by 31 May. Miss one, and the tax bureau goes from invisible to involved. The complexity isn’t any single filing; it’s the dozen of them happening on different cadences across CAS books that HQ doesn’t read.
MSA Asia has handled VAT, CIT and IIT filings for foreign-invested entities since 2011 — 1,500+ entities across 9 jurisdictions, backed by 56 local experts in 11 offices and trusted by Siemens, LVMH and Bosch. Monthly VAT, quarterly CIT prepayments, annual CIT reconciliation, IIT for foreign and local employees, fapiao management, tax-bureau enquiries — that’s where MSA Asia keeps you penalty-free instead of explaining yourself.
Operating within China’s accounting environment can be difficult. Our team of expert accountants simplifies this process, ensuring full compliance with local regulations while providing valuable insights to fuel your business growth.
We keep clients informed about changing regulations and provide proactive strategies for tax savings.
We handle all aspects of your tax filings, including VAT, corporate income tax, and individual income tax, providing peace of mind and allowing you to focus on growing your business.
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China Tax Filing Services
Corporate Income Tax Calculation and Optimization
Preparation and Submission of Tax Returns
Communication and Negotiation with Tax Authorities
Advisory Services and Legislative Updates
Filing VAT Returns
VAT Taxpayer Registrations with Chinese Authorities
Advising on VAT Recoverability and Refunds in China
Advising on Customs Tariffs and Taxation of Imports/Exports
Applying for Export VAT Refunds
Calculation of Chinese Individual Income Tax
Benefits of our China Tax Filing Services
Local Expertise: For more than 13 years, we have supported our international clients with their tax filings across China. Our presence in all major regions allows us to maintain strong relationships with local tax authorities.
Proactive Tax Planning: We provide proactive tax planning strategies to help you optimize your tax structure and minimize your overall tax burden.
Communication: Your trilingual account manager will be your primary point of contact with our team and local authorities, ensuring clear communication and minimizing the risk of misunderstandings.
Multidisciplinary Team: Consisting of lawyers and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), this team ensures that legal and economic factors are carefully evaluated in areas where tax matters overlap with these factors.
China Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
China’s Corporate Income Tax (CIT) is a tax levied on the profits of both domestic and foreign companies operating within China. The standard CIT rate is 25%, but various incentives and preferential tax rates are available for certain industries and qualifying enterprises, such as high-tech companies.
China Value-Added Tax (VAT)
In China, businesses and individuals involved in the sale of goods, provision of services, or importation of goods are generally required to pay Value-Added Tax (VAT) on their revenue.
Standard Rates: The standard VAT rate for most goods is 13%, while services are typically taxed at 6%.
Small-Scale Taxpayers: Small-scale businesses with limited revenue may qualify for a 3% VAT rate.
Reduced Rates: From 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2027, the VAT rate for small-scale VAT payers is reduced from 3% to 1%.
China Individual Income Tax (IIT)
China’s Individual Income Tax (IIT) is a progressive tax levied on the income of both residents and non-residents. Residents are generally taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are typically taxed only on income sourced within China. The IIT system includes various deductions and exemptions, and the tax rates range from 3% to 45% based on taxable income brackets.
Access to Experts
Gain support throughout the entire lifecycle of your company establishment, from advisory on structuring activities to legal incorporation, opening bank accounts and applying for special licenses
Frequently Asked Questions
China’s tax system is one of the most detailed in the world. Below are the questions foreign-invested companies ask us most often about monthly, quarterly and annual tax filings.
Which taxes does my China company need to file?
The most common ones are Value-Added Tax (VAT) and local surcharges, Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Individual Income Tax (IIT) withholding for employees, Stamp Duty, and withholding tax on outbound payments (dividends, royalties, services). Specific industries may also face Consumption Tax or customs duties.
How often do I need to file?
VAT and IIT are filed monthly. CIT is prepaid quarterly and settled annually by 31 May of the following year. Stamp Duty depends on triggering events. The annual CIT reconciliation is often the most complex filing and should not be left to the last minute.
What is the CIT rate for a foreign-invested company?
The standard Corporate Income Tax rate is 25%. Reduced rates are available, including 15% for qualifying High and New Technology Enterprises (HNTE) and preferential rates for qualifying small and micro enterprises, subject to strict criteria.
What is a fapiao and why does it matter?
A fapiao is the official tax invoice issued through China's Golden Tax System. It is the only document that legally substantiates VAT input credits and deductible expenses for CIT. Missing, delayed or invalid fapiao can lead to additional tax and penalties, so fapiao management is a core part of compliance.
What are the penalties for late or wrong filings?
Late payment incurs a daily surcharge of 0.05% (about 18% per year) plus potential fines of 50% to 500% of the underpaid tax in more serious cases. Continued non-compliance can affect the company's tax credit rating and the legal representative personally.
Can MSA handle all monthly and annual filings on our behalf?
Yes. MSA Advisory manages full tax compliance for WFOEs, JVs and branch offices — from monthly VAT and IIT filings to the annual CIT settlement, transfer pricing forms and interaction with the tax bureau — and integrates with your internal ERP or group reporting tools.
MSA is one of the most customer friendly incorporation firms in China. They took the time to understand our business and key objectives, then tailored the whole incorporation process accordingly.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
EOR & HR
Can Highly Recommend MSA!
MSA has been outstanding in providing comprehensive EOR services. Their team is incredibly knowledgeable about local employment laws and regulations, ensuring full compliance at all times.
RH
Rick H.
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Positive Experiences with MSA Throughout Whole Process
MSA was great to work with during the process of setting up our representative office in Shanghai. They were always responsive, clearly explained all required steps, and kept us on schedule.
JD
Jim D.
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Excellent Service for Company Incorporation and Compliance
We needed to set up a WFOE in China quickly to meet an important client deadline. MSA handled the entire process from start to finish, including registration, bank account setup, and initial compliance.
LN
Lisa N.
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
Help with Tax Matters in Malaysia
MSA's tax advisory team helped us navigate a complex cross-border tax situation between China and Malaysia. Their advice was practical and always tailored to our specific business structure.
VU
Katherine B.
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
Excellent Experience with MSA, 100% Recommended
From the very first consultation, MSA demonstrated deep expertise in Asia business services. They helped us restructure our regional operations for better tax efficiency.
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Jeanne Y.
Verified on G2
4.5/5
Advisory
Global Standards, China Know-How
We were looking for a partner that understood both international standards and local Chinese business practices. MSA turned out to be exactly that kind of partner.
TG
Tom G.
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5/5
EOR & HR
Entering HK and China First via EOR Then Setting Up Our Subsidiary
MSA helped us enter the Chinese and Hong Kong markets quickly through their EOR service, while simultaneously handling the full subsidiary setup process.
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Sinan S.
Verified on G2
5/5
EOR & HR
Our Experience with EOR Services Switching to MSA
Switching our EOR services to MSA was one of the best decisions we made. The transition was seamless, and we saw immediate improvements in both service quality and cost efficiency.
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Dennis K.
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
MSA Promised and Delivered Effortless Transition
When we decided to switch our accounting and compliance services to MSA, we were nervous about the transition. MSA made it completely stress-free with a clear migration plan.
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Victoria C.
Verified on G2
5/5
EOR & HR
We Did Payroll Optimization with MSA, Worked Like a Charm
Our payroll processes across multiple Asian entities were fragmented and inefficient. MSA consolidated everything into a streamlined system that reduced errors significantly.
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Chris Y.
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
Tax Declaration and Accounting Support, + IFRS Reporting
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5/5
EOR & HR
MSA Onboarded Our Team via PEO: Can Recommend Absolutely!
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5/5
Tax & Accounting
Our Go-To Partner for Solving Tax and Cashflow Issues
MSA has been our go-to partner whenever we face tax or cashflow challenges in China. Their proactive approach means they often identify issues before they become problems.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
4.5/5
Advisory
Dedicated Service Solving Issues
What stands out about MSA is their dedicated approach to problem-solving. When we had a complex visa issue for one of our employees, they worked tirelessly until it was resolved.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
Tax Optimisation in China
MSA's tax optimization strategies saved our company a significant amount in our China operations. Their team identified several tax incentives we were eligible for but hadn't been claiming.
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Wilson H.
Verified on G2
4.5/5
Tax & Accounting
Cost Savings Through Accounting- and Tax Restructuring
We engaged MSA to review our accounting and tax structure in China. Their recommendations led to substantial cost savings while keeping us fully compliant with local regulations.
ES
Edouardo S.
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Nanjing Company Incorporation
Setting up our company in Nanjing was made straightforward by MSA. They handled all the local government interactions, documentation, and registration processes efficiently.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
4.5/5
Tax & Accounting
We Liquidated One of Our Subsidiaries in China with MSA
Liquidating a Chinese subsidiary is notoriously complex. MSA managed the entire process professionally, handling tax clearances, employee settlements, and deregistration.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Excellent Help with Setting Up WFOE in Shanghai
MSA provided excellent support throughout our WFOE setup in Shanghai. They were transparent about timelines, costs, and requirements from the very beginning.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Establishment of Our RO with Guidance of MSA
We wanted to explore the Chinese market but were not ready to set up a full company. MSA guided us in making the right choice based on our company's activities and goals.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
MSA Went Far and Beyond During Our WFOE Set-Up in China
Interest, response time, diverse cultural backgrounds, and assistance in different languages made our WFOE setup experience exceptional.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
MSA Set Up Our WFOE in Shanghai and Works from Our Accounting System
Clear advice and instructions during the setup. And the ability to work in our accounting environment, so we can easily consolidate the financials at headquarters level.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
MSA Helped Setting Up Our Subsidiary in China
We saw business opportunities in China and were debating whether to set up a company. Due to the excellent guidance of MSA we were able to successfully establish our subsidiary.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
Our Go-To for China Tax Issues and Support
Responsive and proactive team that listens to our issues and comes with practical and quick solutions.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Great Support Setting Up WFOE in Beijing
Ability to speak Dutch, clear and fast communication, and guidance and advice along the way made the process smooth.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Advisory
Great Backoffice Support
They require very little input from our side, but if we need some clarifications, they are quick to respond.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Advisory
Fast and Easy Entry to China
Communication was very fast and easy, services clearly communicated. MSA made our market entry straightforward.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Starting Our JV in China with the Support of MSA
Knowledge, responsiveness, and cultural understanding made MSA an invaluable partner for our joint venture setup.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Advisory
Great Partner to Complement Our Own Service Portfolio
They add value to our customers while respecting that we are the primary contact for them.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Great Assistance During Company Incorporation in China!
Professional expertise and English proficiency made the entire incorporation process smooth and efficient.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Advisory
Great Support in China
They cover also smaller cities in China, providing excellent support regardless of location.
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Verified User
Verified on G2
1,500+ Companies Served · Since 2011 · 9 Asian Markets
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