Business models and styles have been more diversified nowadays. No matter the business is run online or in physical stores, the list price of taxable goods or services should include business tax in it. However, some online stores claim that they do not include business tax in the list price and require an additional 5% business tax charge to their clients, which lead to consumption disputes.
Taiwan National Taxation Bureau indicates that business tax is a kind of consumption tax. When a company is selling taxable goods or services, it should include the consumption tax in the selling price and collect it from the consumers. Therefore, according to the Value-added and Non-value-added Business Tax Act Article 32 Paragraph 2 and 3, the list price for taxable goods or services should include business tax. In other words, the list price should be the selling price adding consumption tax, which should also the same as the amount consumers pay to the seller. If the consumer is a company, the selling price and consumption tax should be listed separately on the triplicate uniform invoice. If the consumer is an individual, then a duplicate uniform invoice should be issued.
The Bureau reminds that regardless of the company is selling the taxable goods or services online or in physical stores, if the listed price does not include the business tax as stated, and no improvement shown after the notice deadline from the Taxation Bureau, the company shall be fined from TWD1,500 to 15,000, in accordance with the Value-added and Non-value-added Business Tax Act Article 48-1. Business owners are reminded to amend the list price accordingly to prevent from the penalty.
Disclaimer
All information in this article is only for the purpose of information sharing, instead of professional suggestion. Kaizen will not assume any responsibility for loss or damage.
Since February 20, 2023, Taiwan has reopened independent travel (FIT) for Hong Kong and Macau residents, including the online application systems for permit. Holders of a Hong Kong SAR passport, Macau SAR passport who are permanent residents can apply. This does not apply if you also hold another foreign passport. All applications must be made online. In-person or postal applications are not accepted.
On July 17, 2025, Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency announced new adjustments to its entry policy. While most foreign nationals and Hong Kong/Macau residents may enter for tourism, what about travelers from Mainland China? Students – Studying abroad or in Hong Kong/Macau. Permanent Residents – Already hold permanent residence status overseas or in Hong Kong/Macau.
Influencers are an emerging profession, and in Taiwan there has not yet been a clear consensus on how they should be taxed. Recently, however, the Ministry of Finance issued the “Guidelines on the Imposition of Business Tax for Individuals Who Regularly Publish Creative Works or Share Information Online.”
Some online sellers in Taiwan often register multiple accounts on e-commerce platforms using the names of their spouses or close relatives and friends. This practice is intended to distribute sales revenue across accounts in order to avoid registering with the Taiwan National Taxation Bureau or issuing uniform invoices.