How much does it usually cost for agency import-export tax refund services? Any insights?
Our company handles import-export business and is looking for an agency to manage import-export tax refunds. Could anyone share how much agency import-export tax refund services usually cost? What are the fee standards—are they charged per case, as a percentage of the tax refund amount, or are there other charging methods? We'd appreciate insights from experienced individuals to get a clear idea and avoid being overcharged.
Professional consultant answers
Jennifer WangYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0
Market development consultantConsult
There is no unified standard for agency import-export tax refund fees, but two common charging methods exist.
One is per-case fees, which range from 1,000 to 5,000 CNY depending on the complexity of the case. Simpler cases with fewer documents cost less, while complex cases involving multiple trade methods and extensive documentation cost more.
The other is percentage-based fees on the tax refund amount, typically ranging from 3% to 15%. Higher tax refund amounts result in higher agency fees. For example, a 100,000 CNY tax refund with a 5% fee would cost 5,000 CNY in agency fees.
Additionally, some agencies may set prices based on factors like the company's import-export volume or the duration of cooperation. We recommend consulting multiple professional agencies like Zhongshitong to compare fees and services before making a decision.
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
When I used an agency, they charged a percentage of the tax refund amount—around 8%, which seemed reasonable, though rates may vary by region.
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
A friend mentioned that some smaller agencies charge per case, ranging from a few hundred to a couple thousand CNY, but service quality varies, so choose carefully.
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Fees can also depend on business volume—larger volumes may qualify for discounts, so it's best to negotiate with the agency.
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Per-case fees suit businesses with fewer and simpler cases, while percentage-based fees are more cost-effective for companies with high tax refund amounts. Choose based on your company's needs.
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Don’t just focus on price when choosing an agency—professionalism matters, as issues during the tax refund process can be troublesome.
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Fees may also vary by industry—for example, electronics import-export tax refund services might differ from those for the garment industry.
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
If your company handles import-export business long-term, consider partnering with a reliable agency for potential better rates.
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0
Document expertConsult
Some agencies may charge additional fees beyond the basic service fee, so it's best to clarify upfront.