Is the process of agency export tax refund complicated? How to operate?

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Our company plans to find an agency to export products. We heard that export tax refunds are quite important and relate to costs. However, I'm not entirely clear on how agency exports get tax refunds. Is it handled by the agency, or do we handle it ourselves? What specific materials need to be prepared, and what is the process? I hope you can explain it in detail so I can have a clear understanding.
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For agency export tax refunds, the principal generally applies for the tax refund. However, in practice, the agent can also handle it. The process is as follows: Firstly, the principal and the agent sign an agency export agreement. The agent needs to promptly deliver documents such as the customs declaration form and the verification form to the principal after the goods are exported. After receiving the documents, the principal needs to declare for export tax refund within the prescribed time limit.

Before declaration, a series of materials need to be prepared, including a copy of the agency export agreement, the export goods customs declaration form, the export foreign exchange verification form, and the agency export goods certificate. Then, enter the data into the declaration system, generate a declaration floppy disk, and submit the declaration materials and the floppy disk to the competent tax authority for review. If the information is correct and meets the tax refund conditions after review by the tax authority, the tax refund will be returned to the principal according to regulations. In summary, throughout the entire process, pay attention to the completeness and timeliness of the documents and operate strictly according to the regulations.

References: Tianjin Export Tax Rebates: Hidden Secrets? 3 Little-Known Facts to Skyrocket Your Profits

The principal needs to ensure they have the eligibility for export tax refunds, otherwise, it may affect the handling of the tax refund. At the same time, clarify the responsibilities related to tax refunds with the agent to avoid subsequent disputes.

During the tax refund process, the tax authority may verify certain data, and enterprises should cooperate actively and provide accurate information to ensure a smooth tax refund.

The information on the export goods customs declaration form must be accurate and error-free, otherwise, it will lead to failed or delayed tax refund applications. This requires careful verification of relevant content during the customs declaration process.

The agency export certificate is applied for by the agent from its competent tax authority. The principal obtains it and uses it for the tax refund declaration, which is a very crucial document.

Pay attention to the deadline for tax refund applications. Late applications may result in the inability to obtain tax refunds, so it is important to constantly monitor the timelines and prepare in advance.

The situation of foreign exchange collection will also affect tax refunds. Foreign exchange should be collected in a timely manner according to regulations, and relevant collection vouchers should be prepared for inspection by the tax authority.

If the exported products involve consumption tax, its tax refund process differs from that of value-added tax. They should be distinguished and handled separately according to regulations.

For enterprises handling agency export tax refunds for the first time, it is recommended to first understand the specific requirements and procedures of the local tax authority. Consultation in advance can help avoid detours.

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