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].

Core Viewpoint - The tax authorities in various regions of China have exposed four cases of illegal activities involving tax intermediary agencies and their personnel, marking the first detailed disclosure of such cases by tax departments [1][2]. Group 1: Cases of Illegal Activities - Some intermediary agencies instructed employees to register fake companies, purchase shell companies, and fabricate business chains to issue fraudulent VAT invoices [1]. - Certain intermediary agencies collaborated with invoice fraud groups to provide full-process services, acting as "technical accomplices" [1]. - In one case, an agent tax officer colluded with two tax officials to issue fraudulent VAT invoices, resulting in the dismissal and imprisonment of the tax officials involved [1]. Group 2: Regulatory Framework and Recommendations - The "Intermediary Tax Professional Service Management Measures (Trial)" was implemented in May, clarifying the operational boundaries, conduct standards, and legal responsibilities of tax service institutions [2]. - Experts recommend that businesses verify the qualifications and credit ratings of tax intermediaries before engaging their services to avoid being misled by so-called "tax-saving tricks" [1][2]. - The tax authorities will continue to support and regulate the development of the tax professional service industry while strictly investigating and penalizing illegal activities by tax intermediaries [2].

Core Viewpoint - The newly released "Management Measures for Tax-related Professional Services (Trial)" by the State Taxation Administration aims to strengthen the management and regulation of tax-related intermediaries, addressing issues of compliance and integrity in the industry [1][3]. Group 1: Industry Overview - Tax-related intermediaries play a crucial role in connecting taxpayers and tax authorities, providing services such as tax declaration, consulting, and advisory [1]. - The tax service industry in China has seen rapid growth, with many professional institutions emerging to offer personalized services, thereby aiding in the implementation of tax reforms and enhancing corporate management [1]. Group 2: Compliance and Regulation - Recent exposure of six typical tax-related intermediary violations highlights the prevalence of collusion between intermediaries and businesses to evade taxes, which poses risks to the tax ecosystem [2]. - The new regulations emphasize the urgent need for tax-related intermediaries to enhance their legal awareness and build a reputation for integrity within the industry [2]. Group 3: Self-regulation and Market Opportunities - Tax-related intermediaries are encouraged to adopt a long-term perspective, recognizing the vast market potential and the importance of compliance as a foundation for competition and brand development [2]. - The demand for tax services is shifting towards more specialized and intelligent solutions, necessitating a focus on lawful and ethical practices to seize market opportunities [2]. Group 4: Regulatory Framework - The "Management Measures" align with previous regulatory documents to create a comprehensive management system for tax-related professional services, emphasizing the need for collaboration among various stakeholders [3]. - A "credit + risk" management mechanism is proposed, which includes a credit scoring system and public disclosure of credit standings to promote lawful practices among tax-related intermediaries [3].