What are the differences between agent export and self-operated export in terms of tax refunds? Which method is more beneficial for tax refunds?

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My company is currently considering export business models and would like to understand the exact differences between agent export and self-operated export regarding tax refunds. Which export method can yield more tax refunds? If we choose agent export, what is the tax refund process like, and will it be very complicated? For self-operated export, what specific precautions should be taken in terms of tax refund declarations? I hope knowledgeable friends can provide a detailed answer. Thank you.
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There are some differences between agent export and self-operated export in terms of tax refunds. Self-operated export means the enterprise is responsible for the entire export business process, including customs declaration, foreign exchange collection, etc., and the tax refund is declared and processed by the enterprise itself. Enterprises need to have professional foreign trade and finance teams, familiar with tax refund policies and procedures. Tax refund declarations are relatively complex and require timely and accurate submission of various documents and materials.

Agent export, on the other hand, involves entrusting a qualified agent company to handle export-related matters, and the tax refund is generally applied for by the consignor, with the agent assisting in providing some of the necessary documents. In terms of tax refund speed, for self-operated export, if the enterprise operates skillfully and the process is well-coordinated, tax refunds may be faster; for agent export, it depends on the agent's cooperation and efficiency. Which method is more beneficial for tax refunds depends on the enterprise's own situation. If the enterprise lacks sufficient foreign trade experience, choosing agent export can leverage their professional advantages to reduce the risk of errors; if the enterprise has a mature foreign trade system, self-operated export allows for better control over the tax refund pace.

However, regardless of the method, it is essential to strictly comply with tax refund policy regulations to ensure tax refunds are processed compliantly.

References: Unveiling Import Freight Forwarding Fee Tax Rates! 90% of Enterprises Get it Wrong

When conducting agent export, the consignor must promptly provide accurate export information to the agent to ensure a smooth tax refund process. Otherwise, incorrect information could lead to delayed or even unclaimable tax refunds.

For self-operated export tax refund declarations, a series of documents such as customs declarations, export invoices, and purchase invoices must be prepared. These documents must be properly preserved and guaranteed to be authentic and valid, and relevant forms must be filled out as required during declaration.

For agent export tax refunds, the agent will charge a service fee, which should be taken into account when choosing agent export, as it will affect the actual tax refund benefit.

Self-operated export tax refunds place high demands on enterprise financial and foreign trade personnel, who must continuously learn about policy changes; otherwise, misinterpretations of policies could easily lead to tax refund losses.

When conducting agent export, it is important to choose a reputable agent company, as some agent companies operate irregularly, which could cause trouble for tax refunds.

Regardless of whether it's agent export or self-operated export, attention must be paid to the cargo export time, and tax refunds must be declared within the stipulated period; otherwise, the tax refund policy may not be enjoyed.

The self-operated export tax refund declaration process is relatively complex, involving many steps, and enterprises need to establish a comprehensive export tax refund management process.

During the agent export tax refund process, the consignor and the agent must maintain close communication and promptly resolve any issues that arise.

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