Hainan launches bilingual tax platform for foreign nationals

In a move to streamline tax services for foreign nationals, the tax authority of Hainan province launched a bilingual booking platform in Chinese and English on Aug 15.

The initiative is part of the province's efforts to accelerate plans to become a free trade port.

The service aims to remove language barriers for expatriates living and working in Hainan. Officials say it forms part of wider efforts to improve the province's international business environment ahead of its island-wide special customs operations due to begin on Dec 18.

According to the Hainan Provincial Tax Service, State Taxation Administration, the service targets three high-demand scenarios: annual individual income tax reconciliation and refunds, applications for treaty benefits for non-resident taxpayers - including reduced rates on dividends, interest, and royalties - and personal income tax record updates following passport renewals.

Foreign nationals can access the English interface through the "International" button on the Hainan Tax WeChat account, without downloading additional software. Appointment types, time slots and office locations are fully translated, with calendar icons and detailed address descriptions to aid navigation.

Sun Liang, director of the tax service department, said the upgrade anticipates a growing influx of foreign professionals and businesses.

"As Hainan Free Trade Port prepares for island-wide special customs operations, we must advance our internationalized services to meet future demand," Sun said, adding that the local tax authority will continue to gather feedback through hotlines, suggestion boxes, surveys and forums to expand bilingual offerings to more tax-related scenarios.

The move underscores Hainan's ambition to align with international standards and foster a more attractive investment environment.