The State Taxation Administration. Photo: VCG

The Third Inspection Bureau of the Beijing Municipal Tax Service, State Taxation Administration, investigated and dealt with the tax evasion case of Chen Zhen, an online car reviewer, recovering unpaid taxes, late payment fees and fines totaling 2.474 million yuan ($350,046) in accordance with relevant laws, CCTV News reported on Friday. 

An investigation found that from 2021 to 2023, Chen evaded a total of 1.1867 million yuan in personal income tax by concealing income, changing the nature of income, and making false declarations.

Relevant official with the Third Inspection Bureau said that failing to pay or underpaying taxes by concealing income, altering the nature of income, or filing false declarations constitutes tax evasion as defined by the tax collection and administration law, and that paying taxes in accordance with the law is an obligation that taxpayers must fulfill, according to CCTV News. 

The official further pointed that while fully implementing tax and fee preferential policies and continuously improving tax services, the tax authorities will firmly safeguard national tax security and uphold a fair, law-based economic and tax order.

According to media reports, Chen has more than 24 million followers across major social media platforms. His profile describes him as a car-show host and racing driver, and he has over 10 million followers on Sina Weibo alone.

Global Times