Harbin Launches "Instant Tax Refund on Purchase" Pilot at 6 Departure Tax Refund Stores

The State Taxation Administration recently announced a nationwide rollout of the "Instant Tax Refund on Purchase" service for overseas tourists under the departure tax refund policy. According to the Harbin Municipal Taxation Bureau, the city currently has 32 designated departure tax refund stores, with six outlets - including Heilongjiang Grand (Qunli) Shopping Center, Harbin Zhongyanghong Group, and Jin'an Europa Plaza - selected as the first batch of pilot stores for the "Instant Tax Refund on Purchase" service under the departure tax refund policy.

The "Instant Tax Refund on Purchase" under the departure tax refund policy refers to the service where eligible overseas tourists can immediately receive an advance cash payment in RMB equivalent to the tax refund amount at designated stores in pilot regions, after purchasing qualified goods, signing an agreement and completing credit card pre-authorization procedures. If the tourist subsequently passes customs verification, departs from designated ports within the committed timeframe as stipulated in the agreement, and meets all policy requirements, the tax refund agency will release the credit card pre-authorization to finalize the departure tax refund process. Should the tourist fail to meet these conditions, the advance payment will be recovered through the credit card pre-authorization, while the departure tax refund procedures will still be completed according to regulations.

The "Instant Tax Refund on Purchase" initiative relocates departure tax refund procedures from airports to shopping venues, significantly enhancing international tourists' satisfaction and shopping experience while effectively stimulating secondary consumption in our city. On the eve of the opening of the Harbin Asian Winter Games this year, with the strong guidance and support of the Provincial Tax Service, the Municipal Taxation Bureau obtained approval from the State Taxation Administration to implement the "Instant Tax Refund on Purchase" service under the departure tax refund policy for overseas tourists. Moving forward, the Municipal Taxation Bureau will continue to leverage its tax functions, using the "Instant Tax Refund on Purchase" initiative as a key measure to further streamline and expedite tax refund procedures for international shoppers, ensuring a smarter and faster refund process.（harbin.gov.cn）