Core Viewpoint - The recent exposure of tax-related illegal activities by intermediary agencies serves as a warning to the tax service industry, highlighting the need for stricter compliance and regulation [1][2]. Group 1: Tax-related Illegal Activities - Four cases of tax-related illegal activities involving intermediary agencies were disclosed, including the registration of shell companies and the issuance of fraudulent VAT invoices [1]. - Specific cases include: - Yangquan Yichuang Business Service Co., which registered 22 shell companies and participated in fraudulent VAT activities from 2020 to 2021 [1]. - Xingan League Zhongcheng Financial Consulting Co., which registered 29 shell companies for issuing fraudulent VAT invoices from 2021 to 2024 [1]. - Anhui Shengqian Accounting Service Co., which fraudulently issued 61 VAT invoices using the identities of four companies without their knowledge in 2022 [1]. - Wang Dayong, a tax agent, colluded with former tax officials to issue fraudulent VAT invoices using the identities of 29 companies from 2018 to 2022 [1]. Group 2: Regulatory Measures - The introduction of the "Intermediary Tax Service Management Measures (Trial)" in March aims to strengthen the regulation of tax-related intermediary services, defining the boundaries of practice and legal responsibilities [2]. - The measures promote compliance and enhance the quality of tax declarations while imposing stricter penalties on illegal intermediaries [2]. - Local tax authorities are implementing practices such as the use of tax service credit codes to help taxpayers assess the credibility of intermediary agencies [2]. Group 3: Compliance and Best Practices - Experts emphasize the importance of compliance in the operations of tax intermediaries, warning that illegal practices may lead to severe legal consequences [3]. - Recommendations for businesses include thoroughly evaluating the qualifications, reputation, and service quality of tax intermediaries before selection [3]. - It is advised that companies prioritize intermediaries listed in tax authority records and those with high credit ratings [3].