More transparent fees and tax system to be launched
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-03-15 14:27

China has decided to extend a transparent tax and government fee regime from rural areas to cities, aiming to reduce the financial burdens of enterprises and individuals, according to the circular released by the State Development and Reform Commission (SDRC).

In order to ease the economic burden of farmers, Chinese governments launch an open fees and tax system in rural areas from 2001, which has proved effective in protecting farmers' interests, according to the commission.

The circular said that the open system characterized by more transparent procedures should be implemented across the country.

Local authorities in charge of price management should publicize the list of fees and standards, and all cities above county-level should complete the establishment of bulletin boards before the end of 2004, said a senior official of the commission.

According to the circular, the make-up of administrative charges, including items, standards, approving departments and complaint phone numbers should be opened to the public through bulletin boards or electronic touch-screen monitors, which should be fixed at convenient places.

The related authorities should strengthen supervision of the publicized contents of charge information, which should be publicized through newspapers, TV and radio broadcasts. An investigation should be launched to cancel illegal charges, the circular said.

Close