The National Taxation Bureau of the Northern Area, MOF, stated that during the individual income tax filing period, there are often inquiries from taxpayers whose total annual income does not reach the taxable threshold and who also have no tax withheld at source. Many assume that since they neither owe taxes nor have taxes withheld, they do not need to file a tax return.

The Bureau explained that during the May income tax filing season, a taxpayer, Ms. Li, called to ask whether she needed to file a return, as her total income for 2024 was only NT$200,000, below the taxable threshold. Upon further inquiry, it was discovered that part of her income was from dividends. The Bureau would like to specifically remind the public that since 2018, individuals receiving dividends or surplus distributions from companies, cooperatives, or other legal entities – sourced from earnings of 1998 or later – can calculate a deductible tax credit equal to 8.5％ of the total household dividend and surplus amount. The maximum deductible per household is NT$80,000. If this credit exceeds the amount of tax owed, the difference may be refunded. The Bureau assisted Ms. Li in logging into the “Mobile Tax Filing for Individual Income Tax” website using her smartphone. After calculating, she discovered she was eligible for a refund of NT$8,500. Once she confirmed the information was correct, she chose the “Direct Deposit Refund” option, entered her bank account details, and successfully completed her mobile tax filing.

The Bureau reminds the public that even if their annual income does not reach the taxable threshold, those with dividend income should still check whether they are eligible for a tax refund. A tax return must be filed to claim a refund – don’t let your rights for a tax refund slip away! For those using the “Direct Deposit Refund” option, simply provide a bank or post office account number during filing or choose to reuse the account used for a successful tax payment or refund in the previous year. Once approved, the refund will be directly deposited into the designated account, which saves time and is both secure and convenient. For further inquiries, please call the toll-free service hotline at 0800-000321, where detailed consultation services will be provided.

〔Contact person: Ms. Wang, Head, Collection and Information Management Division; Tel: （03）3396789, ext. 1180 〕