China’s new offshore trust tax rules: what you need to know 中国离岸信托税收新规: 要点解析
On 24 July 2026, the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration of the People’s Republic of China issued Announcement 2026 No.21, introducing a comprehensive framework for taxing PRC resident individuals on income arising from offshore trusts. A companion administrative announcement (No.15) followed shortly after, setting out detailed filing and payment procedures. These rules have immediate implications for PRC resident individuals who have established offshore trusts or who benefit from them – as well as for the trustees and advisers who serve them.
中华人民共和国财政部和国家税务总局于2026年7月24日发布2026年第21号公告，建立针对中国内地居民通过离岸信托取得收入征收个人所得税的综合框架。随后，相关的征管公告（第15号）也相继发布，当中详细规定申报和涉税处理的具体程序。这些规定对已设立的离岸信托或从离岸信托中受益的中国内地居民具有直接影响，同时也影响为其提供服务的受托人和顾问。
We have prepared a detailed briefing note on the new rules, explaining the recent changes, their practical implications and the main steps affected parties should now consider. The note is available in both English and Chinese – please click below for your preferred version.
为此，我们准备了本简讯，旨在说明内地税法的最新动态、其实际影响，以及受影响人士当前应重点考虑采取的应对步骤。简讯备有中英文版本，请点击下方链接查看相应版本。
Click here to read the Englsih version
Although PRC tax and regulatory developments affecting international structures have been unfolding over the past few years, this announcement represents the clearest and most direct statement of China’s intent to tax offshore trusts. The rules apply retrospectively to transfers made from 1 January 2023, and trust income accumulated before 1 January 2026 must also be declared. A 90-day transitional window allows historical positions to be disclosed without incurring late-payment surcharges.
近年来，影响跨国架构的中国税务和监管动态持续演变，但本次公告是中国对离岸信托征税意图最为明确和直接的表态。相关规定具追溯力，适用于2023年1月1日以来的财产转让，2026年1月1日前累积的信托收益也须申报。公告设置90天的过渡期，允许纳税人就既往事项进行申报补缴，不加收滞纳金。
This briefing is a joint publication by Stephenson Harwood and W&H Law Firm. Stephenson Harwood’s Greater China roots date back to 1867, when William Harwood started out in Asia. Building on this long-standing connection with the region, Stephenson Harwood established its Shanghai office in 1993. Our tax and trust lawyers are fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, and we combine international tax and trust law expertise with practical, in-house experience. Last year, Stephenson Harwood entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with W&H Law Firm, which provides PRC legal and tax advice, bringing deep knowledge of the Chinese regulatory environment. Together, we offer a perspective that bridges international wealth structuring and onshore compliance – an essential combination for clients navigating these developments.
本简讯由罗夏信律师事务所与炜衡律师事务所联合发布。罗夏信与大中华地区的渊源最早可追溯至1867年，彼时本所创始人之一William Harwood开始在亚洲拓展业务。依托深厚的区域合作根基，罗夏信律师事务所于1993年设立上海办公室。我们的税务和信托律师精通英语、普通话和粤语，致力结合国际税务和信托法律专业知识与实务经验。去年，罗夏信与炜衡律师事务所达成战略合作协议炜衡律师事务所提供中国法律和税务咨询服务，对中国监管环境有深入了解。通过合作，我们能够为客户提供跨境财富管理架构与境内合规相结合的视角，对于应对当前的法律更新至关重要。
If you require further information or advice, please do feel free to contact our team at any time.
如需进一步的咨询或交流，欢迎随时与本团队联系。
DISCLAIMER 免责声明
This briefing is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information contained in this briefing without obtaining specific professional advice.
本简讯仅供一般性参考，不构成任何法律、税务或其他专业意见。在未针对您的 具体情况取得相应的专业意见前，请勿仅依据本简讯内容采取或放弃任何行为。
Advice on PRC legal and tax matters contained in this briefing is provided by W&H Law Firm, a PRC-qualified law firm. Advice on international tax and trust law matters is provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP.
本简讯中涉及中国法律及税务事项的意见，由具中国执业资质的炜衡律师事务所 提供；涉及国际税务及信托法律问题的意见，则由罗夏信律师事务所提供。
