When engaging in re-export trade, if goods are first shipped to a transit country and then transshipped to the final destination country, are import duties still levied, and is it related to the operational model? The best answer states that if goods do not enter the domestic market circulation in the transit country and enjoy bonded policies, import duties are generally not levied in the transit country. The final destination country will levy taxes according to its own policies. It is necessary to understand the tax policies of relevant countries in advance when operating.
Where Exactly Will Agency Export Tax Refunds Go? Find Out Now!
Resolved
Our company engaged an agency to handle export business, and it now involves export tax refunds. I'd like to ask, where do agency export tax refunds generally go? Are they refunded to us, the principal, or to the agent? Will the flow of tax refunds be affected by certain factors? I hope to receive a professional answer, thank you!
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Michael ZhangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat
The flow of agency export tax refunds depends on the model of the agency export business. For conventional agency exports, the tax refund generally goes to the principal, which is your company. This is because the principal is the actual bearer of the VAT on exported goods and should rightfully enjoy the tax refund entitlement.
However, if the agent and principal have signed a relevant agreement explicitly stipulating that the tax refund goes to the agent, and this agreement complies with laws and regulations, then the tax refund can also be deposited into the agent's account.
Additionally, if the agent exports in their own name and processes the tax refund, the tax refund will go to the agent. But in this scenario, the agent needs to bear corresponding tax refund risks. Overall, in most cases, if there is no special agreement, the tax refund goes to the principal.
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
Usually, if there's no special agreement, it's refunded to the principal company, as the goods belong to the principal and the tax is also borne by them.
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat
If the agency agreement explicitly states that the refund goes to the agent, then it should be handled according to the agreement. Therefore, pay attention to this point when signing the agreement.
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat
Some local tax authorities may require various supporting documents to determine who receives the refund, so just prepare them as required.
Olivia LiuYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat
If the agent prepays the tax and both parties agree that the tax refund goes to the agent to cover the advanced payment, this is also a common practice.
Richard WuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
It mainly depends on who is listed as the operating entity on the export customs declaration; generally, the refund goes to that operating entity.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
In practical operations, it's crucial to communicate with the tax authorities in advance, as they will provide accurate guidance.
Daniel KimYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat
Sometimes it also depends on the invoice header; whoever obtains the purchase invoice may receive the refund.
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
Mutual agreement between both parties is crucial to determine the destination of the tax refund based on the actual business situation and avoid future disputes.