WeChat – the mighty app for all your needs. Using the WeChat app gives you every chance to live a convenient life in China. Most expatriates in China use WeChat in a lot of ways from chat messaging, video calling, buying movie or train tickets, or paying at the store. There are also mini-programs for playing games or even getting a tax refund.
Read our previous article on WeChat’s New Digital Tax Refund for Tourists in China
But one of the most useful things WeChat provides includes a function or a mini app for claiming a fapiao or an invoice. If you are working in China, this mini-program will be a huge help for you. Keep reading and find out how to use it.
Backgrounder: Why you need a fapiao or invoice in China?
Generally, a fapiao or an invoice is needed for a variety of purposes. However, it is more important to have it for reimbursement purposes when living or working in China. For individuals, fapiaos are necessary to refund expenses considered as a working benefit. For instance, in order to enjoy your housing allowance, you will need a rental fapiao from your landlord. On the other hand, companies need to present fapiao to tax authorities for audit, refunds, or tax deduction purposes.
Also, have a look at Fapiao and Tax Deduction for Freelancers
In July 2017, China’s tax administrators through Announcement 9 [2017] have required tax identification numbers for issuing general fapiao or special VAT fapiao. Thus, it became obligatory to provide this information before individuals could ask for a fapiao.
The WeChat invoice assistant
To claim your invoice or fapiao, you need to take some simple steps as shown below.
After completing all the information, a QR code will be generated which you can show to fapiao providers for them to scan. This code containing the tax information can also be shared with WeChat contacts by entering the “Mini Programs” (You can easily add this program by searching “微信发票助手”).
Steps on sending to contacts
You can also scan the QR code of receipts as shown below to get an official fapiao via e-mail if the service provider has made it available.
Contact us
Our team of local and foreign experts can assist your business in matters regarding your accounting and financial works. Moreover, you can take advantage of our easy-to-use, 24-hour access management tool like Kwikdroid.
Kwikdroid is a Cloud-based accounting and company solution that allows your company to standardize your business operations. It helps you generate electronic invoices by scanning your fapiao with OCR technology and automatically uploading them into one single storage.
S.J. Grand also offers Cloud ERP services for your business if you are currently experiencing difficulty in managing your operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out our IT services page for more details.If you want to know more about doing business in China, contact our team for consultation and assistance. Follow us on social media to get the latest news!
Our experienced team has the necessary expertise and the know-how to support you with your business – have a look at the services we offer.
