Corporate income tax in China is paid on the difference between "revenue minus verified expenses." The keyword here is verified: the tax authority only accepts expenses with a fapiao (official invoice) or receipts issued to the company name. Everything verified reduces the tax base; everything else does not exist.
What can be deducted
| Expense category | Proof required |
|---|---|
| Office rent (from 350 ¥/month) | Contract in company name + fapiao |
| Accountant (3,600 ¥/year) | Contract + service act + fapiao |
| Product procurement | Supplier fapiao — <a href="/en-US/knowledge/sourcing-without-fapiao/">what to do if you don't have one</a> |
| Logistics and transport | Tickets, waybills + fapiao |
| Hardware and equipment | Official seller fapiao |
| Bank services | Bank statements and invoices |
| Marketplace commissions | Wildberries/Ozon reports |
How much profit to report
There is no minimum profitability threshold, but there must be profit. Constant losses or expenses equal to revenue are a red flag: the tax authority will ask why the firm exists. A normal status is a profit of 5–15% of turnover. With a turnover of 1 million ¥ and a profit of 10,000 ¥, the tax will be 500 ¥ — and there will be no questions.
How it works with an accountant
- All receipts, fapiao, and contracts are saved — photos are sufficient
- Documents are sent to the accountant electronically
- The accountant enters them into the expense base and calculates the profit
- Before the annual declaration, you verify the final figure and pay 5% on it
The economics: every verified expense of 10,000 ¥ saves 500 ¥ in taxes. Rent and an accountant for the year provide a base of ~7,800 ¥ — which is significant for a small turnover. More details on rates — 1% VAT and 5% income tax.
Frequently asked questions
Can I include expenses paid before the company was registered?
Generally no — expenses must be incurred by the firm. Therefore, it is more logical to conduct large purchases after opening the company account, not before.
Is advertising on marketplaces taken into account?
Yes, reports and platform deductions serve as confirmation. This is a full-fledged expense, just like commission.
Is there a "safe" limit for expenses?
There is no formal limit, only common sense: expenses must correspond to the business profile, and the firm must show a profit. A normal benchmark is a profit of 5–15% of turnover.
What documents do I need to prove my business expenses for tax purposes?
You must provide official invoices known as fapiao or receipts issued specifically to your company name. These documents, along with contracts, service acts, and bank statements, are required to verify expenses and reduce your tax base.
Can I deduct personal expenses like family dinners if I get a fapiao?
No, personal expenses cannot be deducted even with a fapiao because they lack business justification. Mixing personal and corporate finances is discouraged as it is the fastest way to attract a tax audit.
Is it okay to report zero profit to minimize my tax liability?
No, constant losses or expenses equal to revenue are red flags that will prompt inquiries from the tax authority. A normal status is to report a profit of 5–15% of your turnover.
Are marketplace advertising costs considered valid business expenses?
Yes, advertising costs on marketplaces are considered full-fledged expenses. You can use platform reports and deduction records as official confirmation.