Q: I submitted my "Annual Personal Income Tax Settlement" and now I have to make a claim to get a refund but am unable to link my bank card. I am not in China now and will not be able to return anytime soon.

So, how can I apply offline to get my tax refund?

A: You may authorize a tax-related service agency, another organization, or an individual to handle tax matters on your behalf. First, you must sign a letter of authorization for the entrusted party. You are also required to provide complete and accurate information for the tax year, including comprehensive income, deductions, and tax incentives you enjoyed.

If you don't have a bank account in China and want to apply for a tax refund via a third-party account, in addition to the standard documents required for annual tax settlement and refund, the following must also be provided:

•  a signed statement from the taxpayer explaining the situation
•  identification documents of the refund recipient
•  bank account information of the refund recipient

If you have confirmed eligibility for a third-party refund, you'll need to proceed with the tax settlement and apply for the third-party refund at a tax service office.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Tax Service