官宣！增值税5%征收率保留，不会降至3%

Core Viewpoint - The expectation for a reduction in the value-added tax (VAT) rate from 5% to 3% for certain real estate sales and leasing has not been realized, as the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration announced that the VAT rate will remain at 5% for specific transactions until the end of 2027 [3][5]. Summary by Sections VAT Rate Changes - The VAT rate for small-scale taxpayers is now uniformly set at 3%, with no mention of the previous 5% rate [3]. - The announcement specifies that from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, general taxpayers can choose to apply a simplified tax method at a 5% rate for certain taxable transactions [4]. Specific Transactions Affected - The transactions eligible for the 5% VAT rate include: - Real estate financing lease contracts signed before April 30, 2016 - Services related to real estate obtained before April 30, 2016 - Toll fees for highways and bridges with construction dates before April 30, 2016 - Leasing of real estate acquired before April 30, 2016 - Sale of real estate obtained before April 30, 2016 - Transfer of land use rights obtained before April 30, 2016 - Sale and leasing of real estate developed by real estate companies for projects started before April 30, 2016 [4][5]. Rationale Behind the Policy - The retention of the 5% VAT rate for these transactions is aimed at maintaining stability in the tax burden for older real estate projects, which were subject to business tax before the VAT reform [5][6]. - The policy is characterized by stability, transitional measures, and technical optionality, allowing taxpayers to choose between general and simplified tax methods based on their circumstances [6]. Fiscal Considerations - The decision to maintain the 5% rate may also be influenced by fiscal capacity, as recent years have seen significant challenges in fiscal revenue growth [6]. - In 2025, the national general public budget revenue was approximately 21.6 trillion yuan, a decrease of 1.7% from the previous year, with VAT revenue being the largest tax source at about 6.9 trillion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3.4% [6].