Taipei to Exempt Concerts, Other Events from Entertainment Tax Starting May 22, Aligning with Legal Amendment

The Taipei City Department of Finance stated that an amendment to the Entertainment Tax Act will take effect on May 22, fully exempting concerts, arts and cultural performances, and all types of sports events from the entertainment tax. The department has already sent letters urging operators to pass the tax benefits on to consumers, with an estimated annual impact on tax revenue of nearly NT$300 million. According to a prior press release from the Ministry of Finance, the President announced partial amendments to the Entertainment Tax Act on May 20, authorizing local governments to suspend taxes on dance halls, golf courses, and other taxable items, while also lowering the statutory maximum tax rates for these items. The Taipei City Department of Finance issued a press release today stating that with the amendment taking effect on May 22, watching movies, attending concerts, arts and cultural performances, and various sports events in the city will be completely exempt from the entertainment tax. The Taipei City Revenue Service mentioned in a press release that with the official implementation of the tax law amendment, Taipei City will fully cooperate with the central government's exemption of entertainment tax for arts performances and sports events citywide, which is expected to attract more international concerts and large-scale events to be held in Taipei. The Revenue Service added that performance activities such as concerts, dramas, and music recitals held after May 22 will be exempt from entertainment tax, reducing costs for organizers. Furthermore, on May 8, it sent letters urging relevant businesses to pass the tax benefits on to consumers to attract more events and tourists, and jointly boost local tourism and economic development. The Department of Finance stated that after the amendment is implemented, the estimated annual impact on tax revenue will be nearly NT$300 million. For any questions or tax payment issues, the public can contact the respective branches of the Taipei City Revenue Service.