Online method offers an easier way to pay taxes

A package of measures to streamline taxpayers' administration procedure through online payments has been launched in the Weifang Hitech Industrial Development Zone.

The rollout, initiated by local taxation administrations, involved the merging of services provided by the national tax and local tax management departments.

Taxpayers can now pay up in one place. The merger is also aimed at improving the efficiency of the tax departments and optimizing the local business environment.

"In the past, when I finished the online application procedure, I had to queue up at the office hall and wait for my number to be called. In order to save time spent in waiting, I had to come to the office early in the morning," said Li Liuying, a local businesswoman.

But today, under the guidance of staff in the office hall, Li filled in the basic information form. After her submission, the value-added tax and additional tax was quickly calculated.

She then used her mobile phone to scan the payment code and completed the payment via WeChat.

After the reform, the number of taxpayers arriving at the taxation service office has decreased significantly, according to officials.

Moreover, the zone's tax bureau has launched services such as WeChat tax payment, online asset declaration, invoice collection and error correction in declaration.

As a result, some businesses have been streamlined by going online. The online volume of invoice collection, invoice verification and invoice generation have increased substantially, according to Mu Xiujian, deputy director of the tax service department of the zone's taxation bureau.

By June 2019, all kinds of services related to startup enterprises, including enterprise registration, official seal engraving, tax-related applications, employment and insurance registration, as well as certificate approval will be available online.

Cui Chengwang contributed to this story.

(China Daily 01/22/2019 page12)