Can You Get License Plates Without Paying Purchase Tax?
2 Answers
You cannot get license plates without paying the purchase tax. Below is a detailed explanation of the reasons why: 1. National Regulations: The "Interim Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Vehicle Purchase Tax" stipulates in Article 14 that taxpayers must pay the vehicle purchase tax before registering their vehicles with the relevant vehicle management authorities. Taxpayers must present the tax payment certificate or tax exemption certificate issued by the competent authorities to complete the vehicle registration process. Without these certificates, the vehicle management authorities are not allowed to proceed with the registration. If the authorities find that a taxpayer has not paid the purchase tax as required, they have the right to order the taxpayer to make the payment. If the taxpayer refuses to pay, the authorities can notify the relevant vehicle management agencies to temporarily withhold the vehicle's license plates. 2. Related Laws: According to the relevant provisions of the "Interim Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Vehicle Purchase Tax," if the vehicle price is settled in foreign currency, the taxable amount shall be calculated in RMB based on the benchmark exchange rate published by the People's Bank of China on the day of tax declaration. The vehicle purchase tax is collected by the State Taxation Administration.
The purchase tax is mandatory, and I've been thinking about this. It must be paid before a new car can be licensed, as clearly stipulated by national regulations. The vehicle management office will only process your license plate after the tax bureau registers the tax payment receipt. Without paying the tax, your application materials will be outright rejected. Just recently, I encountered this issue while helping a friend buy a car. He wanted to save some money and delayed paying the tax, only to be turned away at the vehicle management office, wasting several days. Don't underestimate this purchase tax—though the rate isn't low, it's unavoidable. Unpaid taxes can accumulate interest and even lead to larger fines. So, after buying a new car, head straight to the tax bureau to settle the purchase tax. Don't delay the licensing process, or your car will just sit there unused. Driving an unlicensed car on the road is risky—if caught by traffic police, you could face fines, points deducted, or even have your car towed, which isn't worth it. Remember, paying the tax is the foundation, and only with complete license and documentation can you drive with peace of mind.
