Tax and accounting method

RO and WFOE differ at large when it comes to financial accounting and taxation. While the former’s financial accounting is relatively simple, the latter involves a relatively complex procedure such as revenue recognition and overall cost accounting.

RO may only subject to corporate income tax (CIT) or value-added tax (VAT) while WFOE pays for CIT as well as VAT and other taxes. This is due to its commercial nature where it generates an actual business income.

To see more details of taxation for WFOE, have a look at An Investor’s Guide to Incorporating WFOEs in China

In practice, ROs in Beijing and Guangdong do not need to pay VAT while ROs in Shanghai do.

Advantages of WFOE over RO

Although RO is easier to register than WFOE, there are also some disadvantages that may outweigh its advantages in the long run. For example, ROs cannot engage in profit-making activities. It also only focuses on market research, promotion, and other liaison activities in connection with the parent company. Thus, the absence of revenue entails that ROs cannot receive payments, issue invoices (fapiao), or sign contracts. Furthermore, parent companies of ROs cannot have full control of all business processes, daily operations as well as protection of intellectual property (IP) rights.

Nevertheless, it is possible to switch from RO to WFOE type. But it is recommended that a WFOE registration process must take place first before closing a Representative Office.

Read our previous article on Representative Office in China: How to Set Up One?

How to switch from RO to WFOE?

Moving from RO to WFOE is driven by many reasons especially because as the RO expands, it becomes difficult to remain limited on what it can do. The tax liabilities of the RO may grow over time and the inability to issue a fapiao may become a problem. Furthermore, after conducting several market or promotion activities, the RO realizes the need to make a profit in China.

After registering the WFOE and getting a business license, the RO employees can now be transferred to the WFOE with new contract agreements. Before that, however, the RO must negotiate with the hiring agency regarding the terms and conditions of termination. Finally, the closing or de-registration of the RO shall take place for 4 to 6 months depending on the circumstances.

Key takeaways

It is essential for businesses under RO to understand the full extent of WFOE management before making any decisions to switch. More often, ROs are established when venturing through the Chinese market and building a local network. This means that the switch to WFOE must be considered only when there is a 100 percent viability to do business in the long term. With that said, investing in WFOE requires confidence and experience in the Chinese market.

Contact us

If you want further assistance regarding the procedures and tax concerns of establishing a WFOE or RO in China, you may contact us or call our offices in different China locations. Also, visit our tax and accountancy page to see more details of our specialist services.

Moreover, you can take advantage of our easy-to-use, 24-hour access management tool like Kwikdroid. Kwikdroid is a Cloud-based accounting and company solution that will be made available in your workplace in no time.

S.J. Grand also offers Cloud ERP services for your business if you are currently experiencing difficulty in managing your operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out our IT services page for more details.