Seller Refuses to Issue an Invoice? Here Is One Move That Makes Them Behave
- Why invoices must be issued
Hard legal requirement
According to the Measures for the Administration of Invoices of the People’s Republic of China, as long as someone is selling things for profit, the seller must issue an invoice according to law, regardless of the amount. They cannot play tricks.
Refusing to issue an invoice is illegal.
The other side is not “choosing.” They are breaking the law. You are not “begging” them to issue an invoice. You are exercising your rights.
What situations are exceptions?
Private secondhand transactions and transfers of idle personal items are not within the mandatory invoice scope. But as long as it is a business activity, no matter how small the stall is, an invoice must be issued.
- What to do when they refuse
Ask formally on the spot.
Say directly: “Please issue the invoice for this transaction according to law.” Use the tone of exercising a right, not negotiating.
Keep payment evidence.
Save WeChat, Alipay, and bank transaction records, as well as receipt photos, to prevent later excuses.
Use both soft and firm reminders.
Gently remind them: “Issuing an invoice is legally required. If you do not issue it, I may have to contact 12366.”
The word “report” usually makes small vendors become cooperative quickly.
- If they still ignore you, report immediately
Find the local tax bureau.
Search for the official account of your city’s tax bureau, or call the national hotline 12366.
When complaining, provide:
- transaction time, place, amount, and the other party’s name or business address
- payment screenshots, chat records, and on-site photos, the more the better
Complaint result:
If the tax bureau verifies the issue, the other party may face fines, back taxes, or even loss of tax-credit rating.
Some cities even offer cash rewards for reports. Do not let them get away with it.
- Do not fall for common tricks
“Invoice requires an extra tax point.”
Illegal. Tax is the merchant’s own cost and cannot be forcibly transferred to you.
“We just do not issue invoices here.”
Illegal. Refusing to issue invoices can be directly treated as tax evasion, and tax authorities especially like dealing with this kind of case.
“We are just a small business. Make it convenient for everyone.”
Sorry, illegal is illegal. Even a pancake stall has to pay taxes according to law.
#purchase-invoice #consumer-rights #invoice-management #12366-complaint #life-basics