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Regulatory Updates

China Tax Changes

Tax calculations on year-end bonus

China State Administration of Tax (SAT) published Circular.No.164 dated Dec 27, 2018 providing transitional rules on the favorable tax treatment for taxation of annual bonus. SAT has clarified that it is not necessary to include year-end bonuses in comprehensive income calculations until Dec 31, 2021. However, a taxpayer can choose to include the bonus if he / she wants to do so. From Jan 01, 2022 however, this option will not be available, and the bonus will form part of total income for tax calculation purposes.
In addition, income from stock incentive plans will be also taxed in the same manner as that applicable for year-end bonuses. The changes in the tax slabs and rates (as applicable to both salary income and bonuses) and quick deductions for annual bonuses are as follows:

New tax brackets and rates (w.e.f. from Oct 01, 2018):

New tax Bracket (RMB)RateQuick deduction
0-36,0003%0
36,000-144,00010%210
144,000-300,00020%1,410
300,000-420,00025%2,660
420,000-660,00030%4,410
660,000-960,00035%7,160
960,000-above45%15,160

Old tax brackets and rates:

Old tax Bracket (RMB)RateQuick deduction
0-18,0003%0
18,000-54,00010%105
54,000-108,00020%555
108,000-420,00025%1,005
420,000-660,00030%2,755
660,000-960,00035%5,505
960,000-above45%13,505

Implications / action points

  • Employers should obtain a declaration / confirmation from the employee every year that they want to opt for taxing the annual bonus separately and not as a part of comprehensive income.
  • Change the withholding tax amounts from 1 October 2018 for salary  income as well as for annual bonus

For more information on this important topic and how we may be of assistance, please contact: info@Nucleus-co.com