Step-by-Step Instructions for Obtaining Your Personal Income Tax Return

      China's annual tax filing period has arrived once again. Although the deadline to submit your Individual Income Tax (IIT) return is June 30, it's advisable to complete it early while it's still fresh in your mind.

      Filing your taxes may seem daunting, but the "个人所得税 gèrén suǒdéshuì" (Individual Income Tax) app simplifies the process more than you might expect. To make this even easier for you, we've compiled a step-by-step guide to assist you through the process!

      **Step One:**

      First, if you haven't already installed the tax app, download it by searching for "个人所得税" in your phone’s app store.

      **Step Two:**

      Next, register for an account within the app. If you've previously filed for an individual tax refund, you're likely already registered and can skip this step. If not, you'll need to visit your local tax office to obtain a registration code. For directions on how to visit the tax office, refer to this article.

      **Step Three:**

      Open the app and click on the blue button in the 2025 Individual Income Tax submission section at the top, labeled "进入专题页" (go to the dedicated page).

      **Step Four:**

      This will direct you to a login page. Click the orange button "立即登录" (immediately log in).

      **Step Five:**

      Enter your account username, which can be either your phone number or passport number, along with your password. Then slide the validation bar at the bottom and click "登录" (log in).

      **Step Six:**

      You will arrive at a page where you can begin your application. However, before that, you'll want to file for any special deductions you may qualify for. To do this, scroll down to the section called "专项附加扣除信息" (special additional deductions).

      **Step Seven:**

      There are seven categories for deductions: children's education, ongoing education, medical care, housing loan interest, housing rent, elderly care, and childcare for children under three years old. Your eligibility for these deductions will depend on your specific circumstances, but the most common is the rental deduction, which we will outline below. If you believe you qualify for other deductions apart from rent, please reach out to your HR for further assistance.

      **Rental Deduction:**

      Click on "住房租金" (housing rental fee) and select the year 2025. A pop-up will remind you to have your housing contract and related documents ready; just click the big blue button "准备完毕，进入申报" (preparation complete, entering the registration process).

      You will then see a page where you need to input your personal information, including your phone number, email address, and accommodation address.

      Below that, there is a section requesting details about your spouse. If you are single, choose "无配偶" (no spouse); if you have a spouse, select "有配偶" (with spouse) and provide their information.

      Then, click on the blue button at the bottom "下一步" (next step). You’ll be taken to a page where you need to fill in your rental contract details, such as the address and contract start and end dates. A side-by-side translation is available below.

      At the bottom, you can click on "证明材料" (supporting documentation) to upload a copy of your rental contract as supporting evidence.

      Finally, click on the blue button at the bottom, "下一步" (next step) to submit your rental deduction.

      **Step Eight:**

      After submitting your deductions, click the orange button "开始申报" (start declaration) and confirm that you reside in China by clicking "是" (yes).

      **Step Nine:**

      You will then be asked to accept a standard declaration notice; click the blue button "我已阅读并知晓" (I have read and understood this). This will direct you to a page with your basic information, such as your name and workplace. Click the blue button "下一步" (next step).

      **Step Ten:**

      You will now see a summary page displaying your salary and tax records from the past year. If everything appears correct and you're ready to submit your application, click "下一步" (next step) and then "继续" (continue).

      **Step Eleven:**

      You will be taken to a page showing the amount of tax that you are eligible to be refunded, highlighted in orange at the bottom. If everything looks right, click "下一步" (next step) and then "确认" (confirm) in the pop-up to submit your refund.

      **Step Twelve:**

      If your declaration is successful, you will be directed to a page where you can request your refund. Just click the blue button "申请退税" (apply for tax refund).

      **Step Thirteen:**

      Select the bank card you want your refund

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