China to impose stricter tax rules on celebrities
21 Sep – China is set to impose stricter regulations when it comes to taxes involving the entertainment industry to further deter more tax evasion crimes that have been pervading the industry.
As reported on Mingpao, the State Taxation Administration (STA) recently issued a "Tax Inspection Order", requesting for further strengthening of the tax management of employees in showbiz, which include measures like regular tax inspections, proactive reporting before the end of year, and timely correction of tax-related issues, which can be mitigated or exempted in accordance with the law.
Celebrities and social media influencers will also be required to set up tax accounts for their studios or businesses in accordance to the law, and have their taxes being audited and verified by authorities.
At the same time, the STA also stressed that celebrities are not the only ones who will be observed strictly on the matters of taxes, but tax authorities as well, adding that any tax officers who play favourites and commit fraud will be punished as well.
It is noted that the tax evasion scandal caught the attention of the Chinese authorities back in 2018, after actress Fan Bingbing was revealed to have been involved in the practice of the yin yang contract, in which celebrities signed two different contracts - one to be reported to authorities, and a much higher one being paid in secret.
(Photo Source: Zheng Shuang Instagram, Fan Bingbing Instagram)
