Shanghai has unveiled a new regulation on tax and fee collection to take effect on April 1 as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the city's business environment.

The regulation aims to solidify and enhance effective measures undertaken by the local tax authorities to optimize the business climate, improve service standards, and ensure the smooth operation of tax and fee collection services, ultimately fostering high-quality economic and social development.

The regulation focuses on expanding service channels and refining service methods. This includes improving the quality and efficiency of services and guiding and safeguarding tax and fee payers in fulfilling their obligations in accordance with the law.

Key highlights of the regulation include the enhancement of tax collection service models, the promotion of online services through platforms such as the electronic tax bureau and self-service tax terminals, as well as the provision of specialized assistance for elderly and disabled individuals, among others.

The regulation aims to streamline tax and fee payment procedures by promoting a comprehensive declaration of related taxes and fees, simplifying documentation, and minimizing the number of required transactions. It also seeks to facilitate the enjoyment of tax and fee preferential policies, allowing tax and fee payers to benefit from these policies at the time of declaration.

In addition, the regulation emphasizes the facilitation of cross-regional tax and fee processing, establishing coordination mechanisms between Shanghai's tax authorities and those in the Yangtze River Delta region as well as other provincial and municipal tax authorities.

To ensure the precise implementation of tax and fee preferential policies, the regulation requires tax authorities and relevant departments to provide consultation and guidance services through various channels. It also mandates the proactive use of tax and fee-related big data to identify eligible tax and fee-payers for preferential policies, providing them with timely notifications regarding available benefits.

The unveiling of this regulation underscores Shanghai's commitment to creating a more favorable and efficient business environment, ultimately contributing to the city's economic prosperity and overall development.