Income Tax: China

Yes, it is possible to collect unclaimed Individual Income Tax (IIT) refunds from China even after leaving the country, but the process depends on whether you actually *overpaid* tax during your employment. China does not automatically refund taxes unless there is a confirmed overpayment based on official filings.

Here’s the general way foreigners handle it:

**1. Confirm that a refund actually exists**

You need access to your old tax records. These records show whether your employer overpaid IIT on your behalf. If you do not have login access anymore, the employer or a local tax agent must check it for you.

**2. Contact your former employer**

In China, companies file taxes for foreign workers. The employer must cooperate, because the refund is tied to their past filings. They can retrieve your IIT history through the local tax bureau.

**3. Authorize someone in China to handle the refund**

Most foreigners abroad use:

• A former HR representative

• A trusted Chinese friend

• A licensed tax agent

You will need to give them a signed authorization letter and a copy of your passport.

**4. Provide a valid Chinese bank account**

Refunds are sent only to accounts within mainland China. If your old bank account is closed, you must reopen one or use an authorized person's Chinese account (some bureaus accept this with proper authorization).

**5. The local tax bureau processes the refund**

Your representative submits:

• Proof of overpaid taxes

• Authorization letter

• Passport copies

• Bank information

Processing times vary by city.

**Important notes:**

• If you never overpaid IIT, there is no refund to collect.

• If the employer filed incorrectly or did not complete annual reconciliation, it must be corrected before any refund is issued.

• China does *not* refund social insurance or pension contributions to foreigners except in special cases.

If you want, tell me **which city you worked in**—Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, etc.—and I can explain the exact steps for that specific region, because procedures vary by local bureau.

@stunnerzee10 Thanks with the comprehensive information.

I used to work in Nantong-Jiangsu, Dongyang-Zhejiang, and Guangzhou-Guangdong, provinces. Uncertain whether former employer deducted in excess but for certain want to claim my taxes. Thanks