How to get tax refunds for export through an agent, does anyone know the process?

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Our company plans to export products through an agent but is not very clear about the tax refund process. We previously handled tax refunds ourselves for direct exports, so this change in method has left us a bit confused. I'd like to ask everyone, how exactly do we get a tax refund for exports through an agent? What are the specific steps involved? What documents do we need to prepare? I hope experienced friends can share the detailed information so I can have a clearer understanding. Thank you!
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The general process for tax refunds on exports through an agent is as follows: First, your company needs to sign an agency export agreement with the agent export enterprise, clarifying the rights and obligations of both parties. Second, after the goods are exported, the agent will obtain documents such as the customs declaration form and the verification form. At this time, your company needs to promptly collect and organize relevant materials, including export invoices, purchase invoices, etc. Then, the agent will apply to the competent tax authority for a certificate of goods exported through an agent and submit it to your company.

After your company receives the certificate, you should go to the competent tax authority to apply for the tax refund within the prescribed declaration period, bringing relevant documents. The required documents usually include the certificate of goods exported through an agent, export customs declaration form, export invoice, purchase invoice, copy of the agency export agreement, etc. Throughout the entire process, pay attention to the timeline of each stage to avoid delays affecting the tax refund.

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

Pay attention to the declaration time for tax refunds on agency exports, which is generally within the VAT tax declaration periods from the month after the date of customs export declaration of the goods until April 30 of the following year. If you miss this period, you may not be able to process the tax refund normally.

It is crucial that the prepared documents are complete and truthful, otherwise, if the tax authority's review is not passed, it will delay the tax refund progress. For example, invoice information must match the customs declaration form and cannot have any errors.

During the agency export process, maintaining close communication with the agent is very important, as this allows you to stay updated on the progress of export and tax refund processing.

If the exported products involve special goods, you may need to provide additional supporting documents. You should confirm this in advance with the agent and the tax authorities.

Before submitting the tax refund application, it is best to self-inspect the logical consistency of the documents. Key information such as amounts and quantities should be consistent.

If you are not familiar with the tax refund policies, you can consult the local tax authorities or ask the agent for interpretation to ensure accurate understanding.

During the tax refund process, if you encounter problems, such as documents being returned for supplementary modifications, you should handle them as required as soon as possible and avoid procrastination.

Remember to pay attention to exchange rate fluctuations, as the tax refund amount sometimes involves currency conversion, and different exchange rates at different times may affect the tax refund amount.

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