Han Ximin

    FOREIGNERS earning more than 120,000 yuan (US$16,439) annually in Shenzhen are required to report their income to tax authorities by March 31.

    Those who have questions relating to the declaring of taxes can call the taxation bureau hotline 123662, or visit agents for help.

    Those who fail to declare their income tax before the deadline will be fined between 2,000 yuan and 10,000 yuan. Those who attempt to falsify their incomes will be severely punished.

    “People who are caught falsifying their annual income are subject to a fine up to 50,000 yuan, in addition to a maximum of five times the tax amount due,” Ma Xiaoqian, a section chief of Shekou local taxation bureau, said in an interview yesterday.

    In addition, foreigner who have been living in the city for more than a year must declare their income voluntarily, regardless of how much money they make.

    Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents will also be required to make declarations.

    The city’s local taxation bureau recently opened an Web site to encourage online reporting, the State bureau is working on an English version to help foreigners. However, she did not say when the English version would be put into use.

    The taxation official said that anyone earning less than 120,000 yuan annually but meeting any of the following criteria would have to declare tax: People working for more than one employer; with income from overseas; whose tax is not deducted at source.