Beijing to launch tax refund scheme in 2015

BEIJING - Overseas visitors will be able to claim tax refunds on purchases made in Beijing starting in 2015 in a move to boost tourism and consumption in the city.

The Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development is discussing the details with revenue authorities, and the tax refund scheme is expected to be implemented this year, Beijing vice mayor Chen Hong announced earlier this week.

According to the plan, foreign tourists and those from China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who have stayed on the Chinese mainland for no more than 183 days may receive a rebate of 11 percent on consumer goods purchased at designated department stores.

The minimum purchase for a tax refund is 500 yuan (about $82) at any one store in one day.

China started a pilot tax refund program in the southern island province of Hainan on Jan 1, 2011.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced in January that China will expand the tax refund program to spur inbound trips and boost exports of China-made commodities.