Chapter 52 (1/2)

Chapter 52: A Turnover of Three Million

The taxi stopped at the designated parking spot.

“Here we are at the Municipal Tax Bureau. That would be 22RMB.” After parking, the driver said as he turned to Yuan Zhou.

“Thank you. Here is 25RMB.” Yuan Zhou drew out a black wallet. He then took 25RMB out and gave it to the driver before sitting back leisurely, waiting for his change.

The driver gave back the change quickly. In a short while, Yuan Zhou left the taxi with 3RMB in his hands which he proceeded to stuff into his wallet in a carefree manner.

The tax bureau was about 200 meters away from where the taxi stopped. Even though Yuan Zhou seemed old, he was still a good 177cm or so. With an amiable pace, he arrived at the main hall in 5 minutes.

The main hall of the tax bureau was spacious and bright. The tax-paying location was also clearly indicated. Yuan Zhou had already steeled his heart in preparation for paying the tax, hence he joined the line to take his waiting number.

The taxpaying procedures in the tax bureau resembled those of a bank, confirming the size of his restaurant, showing his business license and last paying amount that was due. The tax rate for individual business like Yuan Zhou’s was fixed and not high. Nevertheless, Yuan Zhou’s restaurant was different. Due to the high price of his dishes, he had to pay tax as a small-scale taxpayer.

There were several counters for different kinds of taxpayers, for example, sole traders, small-scale taxpayers, manufacturing business and merchandise enterprises, etc, and all were fairly complicated. For chain restaurants and large-scale food and beverage enterprises, they usually paid tax by wire transfer through banks. Actually, Yuan Zhou could have paid tax by wire transfer. However, he had to declare the revenue for the first month after getting his business license, operating permit and certificate at the Bureau of Commodity Prices.

Holding the blank form in his hands, Yuan Zhou was rather hesitant. Was it possible to declare lower revenue on his form? This way, he could avoid paying more tax. However, once he thought of the clearly indicated prices in his restaurant and the swarm of customers, he knew he would be found out instantly if he was investigated. In the end, after much hesitation, he wrote the amount the system provided.

Soon, it was Yuan Zhou’s turn at Counter 1.

“Hello. Please show me the copies of your business license and the certificate from the Bureau of Commodity Prices, your identification certificate, and the completed revenue declaration forms.” Behind the counter was a cute and pretty girl, who spoke fluent Mandarin in a sweet voice.

“xi xi suo suo”

Yuan Zhou handed all papers in his hands to the girl behind the counter in one go. “They are all here.”

After saying that, Yuan Zhou took out his bank card, getting ready to pay by card. Yuan Zhou had originally intended to pay in cash and let the cashiers slowly recount the amount. Later he realized that a big bag was required to carry 200 grand RMB; furthermore, it was very eye-catching.

After considering the risk involved, he gave up the plan quietly and decided to pay by card.

“Sir, did you declare a wrong amount? This report form can’t be corrected, thus you need to fill out the form again.” the reception girl held up his report form and said.

“No, I didn’t. That’s correct.” Yuan Zhou shook his head and said convincingly.

“The size of your restaurant is only 30 square meters. But the revenue is an astonishing 3 million. Are you sure that you didn’t fill in the wrong number?” The girl carefully explained to him in an annoyed tone. At the end, she added, “If you hand it in, you will have to pay a tremendous amount of tax.”

“My restaurant is a little special. The amount is correct. That’s it.” Yuan Zhou said in a resolute and decisive tone.

The reception girl got slightly irritated. She didn’t try to remind him anymore but rang the bell directly to call for the Vice Division Chief.

“Xiao Qian, what’s the matter?” A bald man in a suit, so tight that it seemed to be wrapped around his body, walked over to Xiao Qian and asked.

Xiao Qian briefly summarized the situation to the man. He then raised his head and took a look at Yuan Zhou, who was seated there earnestly.

“Xiao Qian, let me talk to him.” The bald man shooed the girl aside and sat down on her seat.

“Young man, check carefully your papers. They are not filled correctly. In you fill them out like that, you will have to pay tax based on this criteria in the future. I’m afraid that your restaurant is too small to afford that.” the bald man said in an easy-going tone, with a hint of disregard.