How to get a Taxpayer identification number in China
Who needs a Taxpayer identification number in China, how to register with State Taxation Administration, what the number looks like, how to find or check one, and where it goes on your invoices.
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Updated for 2026
Last reviewed September 2026
This is the general edition of this guide for China. It explains how the Taxpayer identification number, VAT and annual filing work and names State Taxation Administration as the place to confirm thresholds and dates. Country-specific figures are added as each edition is reviewed.
What the Taxpayer identification number is
The Taxpayer identification number is the number State Taxation Administration assigns to a taxpayer in China. It follows you across every tax you deal with: VAT, income tax and withholding. Businesses that pay you will ask for it before they release payment, because they report their suppliers to State Taxation Administration by this number.
Who needs one
Anyone who earns taxable income, runs a business, employs staff or wants to be paid by a company that must report its suppliers. In practice, if you invoice, you need one.
How to register, step by step
Gather your identity document and, for a business, the registration certificate and the owners' or directors' details.
Register with State Taxation Administration. Choose the taxes you will be liable for; do not add VAT unless you must or want to register for it.
Download or collect the registration certificate. It shows your Taxpayer identification number; keep the PDF, because clients will ask for it.
Add the Taxpayer identification number to your invoice template and letterhead.
How to find or check a Taxpayer identification number
Your own number is on the registration certificate and on every letter or notice from State Taxation Administration. Most authorities now offer an online lookup to confirm a supplier's number and registered name before you pay them; use it for any new supplier.
Where it goes on your paperwork
In the invoice header next to your business name, and in the client block when the client is a registered business. Quotations and purchase orders carry it too, so the client's accounts team can match documents. The China invoice generator has a Taxpayer identification number field in both blocks.
Questions people ask
Does it cost anything to get a Taxpayer identification number?
Registration with State Taxation Administration is normally free. Agents charge for filling in the same form; pay one only if you want the time saved.
Can I invoice without a Taxpayer identification number?
You can write the document, but many clients will not pay an invoice that has no Taxpayer identification number, and you cannot charge VAT without being registered. Register first; it is usually quick.
Is the Taxpayer identification number the same as VAT registration?
Not necessarily. The Taxpayer identification number identifies you as a taxpayer; VAT registration is a separate status you take on when turnover passes the threshold or you opt in. Some countries use one number for both, others issue a separate VAT number.
How long does registration take?
Online registrations are often instant or take a few days; applications that need a visit or document checks take longer. Start before you need to send your first invoice.
Sources
State Taxation Administration — the official guidance for China
How this guide was made
Written from published tax-authority guidance and reviewed on 2026-09-03. Everything here is indicative rather than a ruling on your circumstances, and rules change. Confirm anything you rely on with State Taxation Administration before acting on it, and tell us if you find something out of date so we can correct it.
This guide explains the rules in general terms and is not tax advice for your circumstances. Confirm your position with a qualified adviser or with State Taxation Administration.
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Tools for China
Invoices, quotations, purchase orders, credit notes and waybills in CNY, with VAT and the Taxpayer identification number on the document. Plus a VAT calculator. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.