Our company is preparing to export products. Due to lack of experience, we want to find a professional Shanghai export trade agent company that is familiar with export procedures, provides professional customs declaration and tax refund services, and charges reasonably. The best answer suggests comprehensive consideration, such as Zhongmaoda, which has strong professionalism, is familiar with operations at all stages, offers one-stop service, has reasonable and transparent fees, and a good reputation, making it worth considering.
Who Can Claim Tax Refunds for Agent Exports? Is Anyone Clear About This?
Resolved
My company plans to find an agent to export products, but I'm not very clear about the tax refund aspect. I want to know, in the case of agent exports, whether it's the consignor or the agent who can claim the tax refund. Will the tax refund process be very complicated? What documents need to be prepared? I hope friends who understand this can provide a detailed explanation. Thank you very much!
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat
In agent export business, generally, the consignor handles the tax refund. The reason is that the consignor is the actual exporter and seller of the goods, bearing the costs of production, procurement, and so on, thus being entitled to the tax refund.
The tax refund process is roughly as follows: First, after the goods are declared for export and financially processed as sales, the consignor needs to prepare relevant documents and apply for a tax refund to the competent tax authority. Documents include export goods customs declarations, agent export certificates, export invoices, special VAT invoices for purchased goods, and so on.
The agent's main responsibility is to promptly issue an agent export certificate for the consignor after the goods are exported, assisting the consignor in completing the tax refund process. Although the process may seem complex, as long as the documents are prepared according to regulations and the process is familiar, the tax refund work can proceed smoothly.
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
Usually, the consignor claims the tax refund because the ownership of the goods belongs to the consignor, and the sales are essentially completed by the consignor. Therefore, the tax refund goes to the consignor. The agent merely provides agency services and generally does not involve tax refunds.
Daniel KimYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat
The consignor claims the tax refund, but the consignor must ensure their own tax compliance, otherwise, it may affect the tax refund. For example, the accounting treatment for exported goods must be standardized, and invoices and other vouchers must be genuine and valid.
Richard WuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
It is the consignor who claims the tax refund. When claiming the tax refund, special attention must be paid to time limits; for example, the tax refund must be declared within 90 days from the export date on the customs declaration, otherwise, it may not be possible to process the tax refund normally.
David ChenYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat
Definitely the consignor claims the tax refund. The agent is generally only responsible for export-related procedures, and the tax refund is an entitlement enjoyed by the consignor based on their own export business.
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
The consignor claims the tax refund. The consignor must prepare all necessary documents for the tax refund, and it's best to also prepare materials that can prove the authenticity of the business, such as export contracts, for inspection.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
Generally, the consignor claims the tax refund. Before submitting the tax refund application, the consignor should preferably conduct a self-inspection of various data related to the export business, such as whether quantities, amounts, etc., are consistent with the customs declaration.
Sophia WangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat
The consignor claims the tax refund. At the same time, when the agent and the consignor cooperate, the contract should clearly define the responsibilities and obligations related to the tax refund to avoid future disputes.
Michael ZhangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat
The consignor claims the tax refund. The consignor needs to pay attention to changes in tax refund policies, such as adjustments to tax refund rates, and only by staying informed can they make proper tax refund plans.
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
The consignor claims the tax refund. In practical operation, the consignor should actively communicate with the agent to ensure accurate transmission of export information, which is beneficial for processing the tax refund.