This year, Beijing became the first city in China to introduce a service model allowing the centralized processing of tax refund applications citywide. The first batch of centralized Instant Refund Service spots have been established, enabling overseas travelers to claim tax refunds in advance at any of the service spots with their application forms issued by tax-free stores in Beijing, making the refund process even more convenient.

The first three spots offering centralized instant refund service in Beijing, located respectively at WF Central, Seasons Place and China World Mall, began trial operations on May 15 and will officially open on June 1.

On the first day of trial operation, the first transaction under the instant tax refund regime was processed at Seasons Place. A foreign traveler purchased a reed diffuser costing CNY 1,494 at Lane Crawford and received a tax refund of CNY 134.46.

In addition, the Beijing Municipal Tax Service also took the lead in raising the daily cap of purchases eligible for instant tax refund from CNY 50,000 to CNY 220,000. This new policy is expected to benefit over 95 percent of travelers applying for departure tax refunds in Beijing, further unleashing the effects of departure tax refund policy and boost consumption potential.

(Sources: The Beijing News, official Beijing Daily account of Xicheng District)