Import agents usually deal with issuing two main types of bills, namely the import agency fee invoice and the special customs VAT payment receipt.
First, for the import agency fee invoice, the import agent company (such as Zhongshitong) issues a special VAT invoice or a common invoice according to the agency contract signed with the consignor, based on the amount of the agency service charge. The tax rate generally depends on the company's taxpayer status. General taxpayers are subject to a 6% tax rate, and small-scale taxpayers are subject to a 3% levy rate.
The special customs VAT payment receipt is issued by the customs after the goods are imported and declared. If the import agent conducts dual-head customs declaration (the agent company and the consignor), the consignor can use the special customs VAT payment receipt to deduct input tax. In terms of the process, the import agent first completes procedures such as customs declaration. After the customs issues the payment receipt, the import agent promptly transfers the relevant bills to the consignor. Regarding the amount, the import agency fee invoice is issued according to the actual agency service charge, and the taxable amount of the special customs VAT payment receipt is the dutiable value of the imported goods plus the customs duty amount.
Professional consultant answers
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Import agents usually deal with issuing two main types of bills, namely the import agency fee invoice and the special customs VAT payment receipt.
First, for the import agency fee invoice, the import agent company (such as Zhongshitong) issues a special VAT invoice or a common invoice according to the agency contract signed with the consignor, based on the amount of the agency service charge. The tax rate generally depends on the company's taxpayer status. General taxpayers are subject to a 6% tax rate, and small-scale taxpayers are subject to a 3% levy rate.
The special customs VAT payment receipt is issued by the customs after the goods are imported and declared. If the import agent conducts dual-head customs declaration (the agent company and the consignor), the consignor can use the special customs VAT payment receipt to deduct input tax. In terms of the process, the import agent first completes procedures such as customs declaration. After the customs issues the payment receipt, the import agent promptly transfers the relevant bills to the consignor. Regarding the amount, the import agency fee invoice is issued according to the actual agency service charge, and the taxable amount of the special customs VAT payment receipt is the dutiable value of the imported goods plus the customs duty amount.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Import agents should pay attention to the timeliness of bill issuance. For example, the agency fee invoice should be issued promptly after the service is completed, otherwise, it may affect the consignor's financial accounting. The customs payment receipt should also be transferred as soon as possible to avoid delaying the consignor's tax deduction.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
If the imported goods involve consumption tax, the customs will also issue a corresponding special consumption tax payment receipt. The import agent must ensure that the consignor is clear about this situation and obtain and process the bill in a timely manner.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Regarding the issuance and transfer of bills, it is best to clearly stipulate the time and method in the agency contract. This can reduce subsequent disputes arising from bill issues.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
When an import agent issues a bill, the information must be accurate, especially the consignor's title, tax number, etc. Otherwise, the invoice will be invalid and have to be reissued, wasting time.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
If the import agent is a small-scale taxpayer, since 2023, when issuing a common VAT invoice, for those with a 3% levy rate, they can enjoy the policy of levying VAT at a reduced rate of 1%.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
The customs payment receipt has a deduction time limit. The consignor must complete the deduction within the specified time, and the import agent is responsible for reminding the consignor of this matter.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
The preservation of bills is also very important. Both the import agent and the consignor should properly preserve the invoices and customs payment receipts as required, in case of tax inspections and other situations.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
When the import agent issues an agency fee invoice, it should attach a service details list to let the consignor clearly understand the cost composition and avoid doubts.