How to remove VAT from a price in China
Why you cannot just subtract 13% from a gross price in China, and the correct formula for extracting VAT.
Key facts
| Place | China |
|---|---|
| Tax | VAT |
| Standard rate on file | 13% |
| Multiply net price by | 1.13 |
| Tax share of a gross price | 11.5% |
| Currency | CNY |
Why subtracting 13% gives the wrong answer
The tax was calculated on the net price, not on the gross price. Taking 13% off the gross price removes too much. The correct approach is to divide the gross price by 1.13, which returns the net price exactly.
Worked example
Here is the calculation with sample figures. Change any number in the China Reverse VAT Calculator to run your own.
| Gross amount | CN¥300.00 |
| Tax rate (%) | 13% |
| Net amount | CN¥265.49 |
|---|---|
| Tax | CN¥34.51 |
The tax fraction
If you only need the tax portion, multiply the gross price by 0.115. That fraction, the rate divided by 100 plus the rate, is sometimes called the tax fraction, and it is useful when you reconcile receipts that only show tax-inclusive totals.
Where this comes up
Expense claims, receipts from shops in China, marketplace payouts and quotes given "all in" all need the tax extracted before you can record the net cost correctly in your books.
Quick reference at 13%
Common amounts in China, worked both ways: adding tax to a net price, and extracting it from a price that already includes tax.
| Amount | Tax on net amount | Gross (net + tax) | Net if amount includes tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN¥10.00 | CN¥1.30 | CN¥11.30 | CN¥8.85 |
| CN¥50.00 | CN¥6.50 | CN¥56.50 | CN¥44.25 |
| CN¥100.00 | CN¥13.00 | CN¥113.00 | CN¥88.50 |
| CN¥250.00 | CN¥32.50 | CN¥282.50 | CN¥221.24 |
| CN¥500.00 | CN¥65.00 | CN¥565.00 | CN¥442.48 |
| CN¥1,000.00 | CN¥130.00 | CN¥1,130.00 | CN¥884.96 |
| CN¥5,000.00 | CN¥650.00 | CN¥5,650.00 | CN¥4,424.78 |
How China compares
Standard rates on file for other countries. A difference of a few points matters most on high-value purchases and on cross-border sales.
| Place | Rate on file | Compared with 13% |
|---|---|---|
| Cameroon | 19.25% | higher |
| Canada | 5% | lower |
| Chile | 19% | higher |
| Colombia | 19% | higher |
| Costa Rica | 13% | same |
| Croatia | 25% | higher |
Using the calculator step by step
- Open the China Reverse VAT Calculator.
- Type your figures into the numbered lines. Results update as you type.
- Check the rate field. It starts at 13%; change it if a reduced rate, local surcharge or exemption applies to you.
- Read the result on the receipt panel, and use the formula shown under it if you need to explain the figure to a client or colleague.
Key terms
- Reduced rate
- A lower rate that applies to specific categories, often essentials such as food, medicine or books.
- Deduction
- An amount subtracted from taxable income. It saves tax equal to the deduction times your marginal rate.
- Gross amount
- The amount after tax is added, which is usually what a consumer pays.
- Marginal rate
- The rate applied to the next unit of income. It decides how much of a raise or a deduction you keep.
- Taxable income
- Income left after allowances and deductions, on which the tax rates are applied.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Subtracting 13% from the gross price instead of dividing by 1.13.
- Reclaiming tax on receipts that do not show a valid tax breakdown.
- Recording gross amounts as costs and then reclaiming the tax a second time.
Run your own numbers. The China Reverse VAT Calculator updates as you type and shows the formula it uses.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove VAT from a price in China?
Divide the gross price by 1.13. The difference between the gross and net price is the VAT.
What is the VAT fraction at 13%?
It is 0.115 of the gross price.
This article is general information for planning, not tax advice. Rates and rules change; confirm with your tax authority or a qualified adviser.