Verify tax-payment demands independently through the electronic tax office or China's 12366 hotline
China's tax authorities do not request bank passwords, payment passwords or SMS verification codes by phone, nor provide an account for you to transfer taxes into. Actual inspectors must show an inspection notice and credentials. Hang up and verify through 12366. If money has already been sent, immediately call China's 110 or 96110 to request a payment stop.
What it takes
Free. End unexpected calls or messages claiming a tax inspection, abnormal account or imminent penalty; do not reply to new social-media contacts. Independently call 12366 or your tax office's landline.
What you may gain
State Taxation Administration warnings say tax authorities do not request bank/payment passwords, account balances or payment-related SMS codes through WeChat mini-programs, telephone or texts. Impersonators offer filing assistance, tax-preference processing or policy advice. Verify through 12366 or the responsible office's fixed telephone number. Genuine on-site inspectors must show both notice and credentials. Taxes are paid through the electronic tax office or a tax-service hall; the authority does not provide a designated transfer account. Tax intermediaries extorting taxpayers or withholding agents in the name of tax authorities or officials face penalties according to severity. Impersonating state personnel to defraud brings 10–15 days' public-security detention and an optional fine up to RMB 1,000. Where both fraud and impersonation offenses apply, the heavier criminal provision governs. These rules and numbers concern China.
Context & considerations
These scams target newly registered small businesses, claiming an unfiled return must be handled today to avoid a fine, then directing the owner to a private account or mini-program charging hundreds of RMB for a free, minutes-long filing. Hiring an accounting firm is lawful, but it is not a government body and should not pressure you under the tax office's identity. After payment, follow Chapter 8, entry 2 and immediately call 110 or 96110 for a payment stop.
Research & references
State Taxation Administration (2025). Taxpayers Urged to Guard Against Internet Tax Scams. https://www.chinatax.gov.cn/chinatax/n810219/n810724/c5243181/content.html; Yangzhou Taxation Bureau (2023). Tax-Scam Prevention Publicity. https://jiangsu.chinatax.gov.cn/art/2023/8/28/art_23038_432322.html; State Taxation Administration (2025). Tax-Related Professional Services Management Measures (Trial), Order No. 58, Articles 32(7) and 33. https://fgk.chinatax.gov.cn/zcfgk/c100011/c5239044/content.html; NPC Standing Committee (2025). Public Security Administration Punishments Law, 2025 revision effective January 1, 2026, Article 62. https://www.spp.gov.cn/spp/fl/202506/t20250627_699863.shtml; Supreme People's Court, Supreme People's Procuratorate and Ministry of Public Security (2016). Opinion on Telecommunications and Internet Fraud Criminal Cases, [2016] No. 32. https://www.spp.gov.cn/zdgz/201612/t20161221_176278.shtml