前9月离境退税境外旅客增229.8%

Core Insights - The number of overseas travelers utilizing the departure tax refund service has increased by 229.8% year-on-year from January to September this year, with the refund amount rising by 97.4% in the same period [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Enhancements - Since April, China's departure tax refund policies have been continuously optimized, enhancing convenience for overseas travelers and stimulating their consumption [1]. - On April 8, the State Taxation Administration announced the nationwide promotion of the "immediate refund upon purchase" service for overseas travelers [1]. - A joint notice was issued on April 26 by six government departments to further optimize departure tax refund policies and expand inbound consumption [1]. Group 2: Technological Improvements - The tax authorities have integrated tax information systems, allowing automatic retrieval of invoice information upon issuance, which has improved refund processing efficiency by over 45% [2]. - A new QR code feature has been introduced, enabling overseas travelers to input relevant information once, which can be shared across different stores [2]. Group 3: Service Accessibility - The tax authorities encourage agencies to recognize "immediate refund upon purchase" services across different locations, facilitating travelers whose shopping and departure locations differ [2]. - As of now, mutual recognition for processing refunds has been established between several regions, including Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, and Shaanxi, as well as between major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou [2]. - The tax authorities are exploring the establishment of centralized refund points in major shopping districts in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, allowing travelers to shop at multiple locations and process refunds at a single point [2].