Comment on "China raises income tax threshold to 3,500 yuan" (China Daily, June 30)

After heated discussions and acceptance of public opinion, China's top legislature has revised the draft amendment to individual income tax law. The amendment has raised the individual income tax threshold from 2,000 ($307.7) to 3,500 yuan ($538.5) a month, which is 500 yuan more than that proposed in the original draft issued a few months ago.

Since the consumer price index has been rising rapidly and most people's wages have not increased accordingly, the raising of the income tax threshold is a welcome relief for many people.

The news is welcome also because it shows that public opinion is being heard and considered.

According to media reports, more than 220,000 citizens submitted their comments on the draft, with about half of them suggesting that the personal income tax threshold be raised to at least to 3,500 yuan.

The final version of the amendment shows that the authorities have accepted public opinion and adjusted their policy. I would like to see more public participation in the policymaking process, for it will contribute to social harmony.

Mao Ying, via e-mail

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(China Daily 07/05/2011 page9)