Filing Deadlines

Detailed explanation of Filing Deadlines based on official information from 財政部・中国会計準則委員会. Business License Acquisition

Published: January 12, 2026

Financial Statement Filing Deadlines in China: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Overview

In China, the timely filing of financial statements is a critical statutory obligation for enterprises and organizations. It serves as a primary mechanism for financial and tax supervision, ensuring market transparency, maintaining economic order, and upholding the principle of "law-based operation." The filing deadlines are strictly regulated by national laws, administrative regulations, and the rules of various regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the State Taxation Administration (STA), the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), and other sector-specific regulators. Compliance with these deadlines is not only a legal requirement but also fundamental to establishing corporate credit and facilitating access to financial services and government support.

2. Applicable Objects & Scenarios

This obligation applies broadly to:

  • All types of enterprises registered in China: Including Limited Liability Companies, Joint Stock Companies, Foreign-Invested Enterprises (FIEs), and state-owned enterprises.
  • Other organizations required by law to prepare financial statements: Such as non-profit organizations, foundations, and certain public institutions.
  • Key Scenarios requiring adherence to filing deadlines include:
    • Annual Reporting: The submission of annual financial statements is mandatory for all applicable entities.
    • Tax Final Settlement (Annual Corporate Income Tax Filing): The annual Corporate Income Tax return, which must be accompanied by the annual financial statements, has a specific deadline.
    • Administrative Compliance: Filing with the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) as part of the annual report公示 for enterprises.
    • Industry-Specific Supervision: Entities in regulated sectors like banking, securities, and insurance must also file with their respective supervisory authorities (e.g., CBIRC, CSRC) by stipulated dates.

3. Core Conclusions

  • Strict Deadlines: Filing deadlines are fixed by law and generally non-negotiable. Missing a deadline will result in penalties.
  • Multi-Channel Submission: Financial statements often need to be filed through multiple platforms to different authorities (Tax, Market Regulation, etc.).
  • Audit Requirement: For certain types of companies (e.g., listed companies, FIEs, or companies meeting specific size thresholds), financial statements must be audited by a qualified Chinese CPA firm before submission.
  • Electronic Filing is Standard: Primary submission is conducted online via official electronic tax systems and the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System.
  • Consistency is Key: Data reported across different systems (tax, market regulation) must be consistent.

4. Procedures & Steps

Step 1: Preparation

  1. Close Accounts: Finalize all accounting entries for the reporting period (typically the fiscal year).
  2. Prepare Statements: Compile the complete set of financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement, Statement of Changes in Equity, and Notes).
  3. Engage Auditor (if required): Commission an audit from a licensed accounting firm. Obtain the audit report and the audited financial statements.
  4. Review Compliance: Ensure the statements comply with Chinese Accounting Standards (CAS) or other applicable standards.
  5. Gather Supporting Documents: Prepare corporate seals, digital certificates (e.g., USB Key), and relevant business licenses.

Step 2: Application & Submission

  1. Log in to Official Portals:
    • For Tax Filing: Access the electronic tax bureau system of the State Taxation Administration.
    • For Market Regulation Filing: Access the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (http://www.gsxt.gov.cn).
  2. Locate Reporting Module: Find the annual financial reporting or annual report submission module.
  3. Fill in Forms & Upload: Enter financial data into the prescribed forms or upload the prepared financial statement files (often in PDF format). For SAMR, this is part of the broader "Annual Report."
  4. Submit: Electronically submit the reports through the respective systems.

Step 3: Review & Confirmation

  1. System Acknowledgement: Upon successful submission, the system will generate a submission confirmation receipt or number. Save this record.
  2. Potential Review: Authorities may conduct a review. If errors or inconsistencies are found, you may receive a notification requiring correction and re-submission within a specified time.
  3. Public Disclosure (for SAMR): After successful submission to the SAMR system, the submitted annual report (containing key financial information) becomes publicly accessible on the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the universal deadline for filing annual financial statements for tax purposes? A: The annual Corporate Income Tax final settlement, which incorporates the annual financial statements, must be completed within 5 months after the end of each fiscal year. For a calendar year taxpayer, this deadline is May 31st. Please verify specific dates annually with the STA.

Q2: Is the deadline for the Market Regulation (SAMR) annual report the same as the tax deadline? A: No. The deadline for submitting the annual report to the State Administration for Market Regulation is June 30th each year. This report includes simplified financial data (e.g., total assets, total liabilities, revenue, profit). It is separate from the detailed statements filed with tax authorities.

Q3: Are all companies required to submit audited financial statements? A: No, but it is mandatory for: listed companies, foreign-invested enterprises, and other companies as stipulated by regulations (often based on size, industry, or shareholder request). It is crucial to check specific eligibility rules.

Q4: What happens if I miss the filing deadline? A: Consequences include financial penalties (fines), deduction of tax refunds, downgrading of the company's credit rating, inclusion in a list of abnormal operations by SAMR, and potential restrictions on business activities like obtaining loans or government permits.

Q5: Can I apply for an extension on the filing deadline? A: Extensions are generally not granted for standard annual filings. In exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure events, you should immediately contact the local tax and market regulation authorities in writing to explain the situation. Approval is at their discretion.

Q6: Where can I find the official forms and filing portals? A: The primary portals are the local electronic tax bureau website and the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (http://www.gsxt.gov.cn). Links are provided in the References section.

Q7: The data on my tax filing and SAMR annual report are slightly different. Is this acceptable? A: It is strongly recommended that key financial data reported to different government authorities be consistent. Significant unexplained discrepancies may trigger compliance reviews and inquiries.

6. Risks & Compliance

  • Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Regulations are subject to change.
  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Late filing, non-filing, or filing false reports will lead to administrative penalties, credit impairment, and operational restrictions.
  • Seek Professional Help: Given the complexity and importance of compliance, it is highly advisable for enterprises to consult with qualified accountants or tax advisors in China.
  • Verify Local Rules: While national laws set the framework, specific implementation details and local notices may vary. Always confirm procedures with your local in-charge tax bureau and market regulation bureau.

7. References & Sources

  • State Taxation Administration (STA): http://www.chinatax.gov.cn
  • National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (SAMR): http://www.gsxt.gov.cn
  • Ministry of Finance (MOF) - Accounting Standards: http://kjs.mof.gov.cn
  • State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR): http://www.samr.gov.cn
  • Key Regulations:
    • Law of the People's Republic of China on Corporate Income Tax
    • Regulations on the Administration of Company Registration
    • Interim Measures for the Publication of Enterprise Information

8. Related Topics

  • Annual Corporate Income Tax Final Settlement (CIT Reconciliation)
  • Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (Annual Report Guide)
  • Chinese Accounting Standards (CAS) for Business Enterprises
  • Statutory Audit Requirements for Companies in China
  • Penalties for Tax Non-Compliance in China
← Back to Knowledge Base
Get StartedGet Quote