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Do you need to pay taxes for export by proxy? Find out now!

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Our company plans to use an agent for exporting products and wants to know whether taxes still need to be paid in such cases. If so, which taxes are involved? Is it the agent or our company that is responsible for payment? We hope for a detailed explanation so we can prepare in advance and avoid tax-related issues affecting our operations later.

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Professional consultant answers

Sarah Zhang
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0

Document expertConsult

Whether taxes are payable for export by proxy depends on the situation. Generally, when a manufacturer entrusts a foreign trade enterprise to export self-produced goods, the "exemption, credit, and refund" policy applies: VAT on exports is exempt, corresponding input tax credits offset domestic sales tax liabilities, and any uncredited amount is refunded.

For foreign trade enterprises acting as agents, the principal handles export tax refunds, while the agent only provides services and collects fees, on which VAT is payable (typically at 6%). For other taxes, if the exported goods are subject to consumption tax, the refund calculation depends on the levy method: specific duty is based on the quantity of goods returned, while ad valorem duty is based on the factory sales price. Regarding tax liability, the agent pays VAT on service fees, while the principal handles export tax refund procedures.

Specifics should be determined based on actual business operations and local tax policies.

David Li
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Senior customs declaration consultantConsult

For exported products handled by proxy, qualified cases can enjoy export tax refund policies without paying VAT on exports. However, agents must pay VAT on service fees as required.

Joseph Zhou
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Senior foreign trade managerConsult

If the exported goods are subject to consumption tax and the principal is a manufacturer, the principal typically pays consumption tax when reclaiming processed goods.

Emily Liu
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Settlement and payment expertConsult

For export by proxy, the principal's status matters: if it’s a small-scale taxpayer, exported goods are tax-exempt but non-refundable, meaning no VAT is payable on exports.

Robert Chen
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Customer service consultantConsult

For agents, besides VAT on service fees, stamp duty may apply if an export agency contract is signed.

Andrew Huang
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

If the principal is a foreign trade enterprise acting as an agent, meeting refund conditions means applying for a refund without additional tax payments. However, proper documentation and deadlines must be observed.

Amanda Yang
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Cost control consultantConsult

For export by proxy, if taxes were already paid during domestic procurement and export qualifies for a refund, the refund can be claimed—this is not double taxation.

William Yang
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0

International logistics consultantConsult

Tax policies for export by proxy may vary by region. Consult local tax authorities to ensure compliance.

Elizabeth Li
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Compliance and risk managerConsult

If export by proxy involves special models like cross-border e-commerce, tax treatment differs—pay attention to relevant special policies.

The relevant questions or replies only represent the user’s personal stance and do not represent any views of this website.

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