TENCENT(HK:00700) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-02-03 13:28Core Viewpoint - Recent rumors regarding an increase in value-added tax (VAT) for internet value-added services have caused significant stock price fluctuations for companies like Tencent Holdings, although these rumors have been debunked [1][3]. Group 1: Tax Policy Changes - The Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration have announced that the VAT rate for internet broadband access services provided by operators like China Mobile and China Unicom will increase from 6% to 9% starting this year [3]. - Despite the rumors, the VAT rate applicable to core businesses of internet companies, including Tencent, remains unchanged at 6% according to the current regulations [3]. - Experts have confirmed that the recent announcements regarding VAT policies are aimed at ensuring legislative consistency and do not indicate any changes to the VAT rates for the gaming and financial sectors [3]. Group 2: Debunking the Rumors - Industry insiders have stated that claims of the gaming industry's VAT rate increasing from 6% to 32% are unfounded, as the maximum VAT rate in China is legally set at 13% [3]. - The spread of misinformation regarding tax rates has been addressed by experts, emphasizing that the recent policy announcements have clarified the tax rates for various industries, reinforcing the stability and certainty of the tax system [3].