TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun (莊翠雲) announced on Thursday (Aug. 8) that the amusement tax will not be abolished, emphasizing that the maximum tax rate for golf remains at 20%, while most other items, such as professional singing, will see a reduction, with many rates halved.
For example, Chuang stated that the tax rate for movie entertainment will decrease from a maximum of 60% (30% for domestic films) to a maximum of 15%.
Additionally, the Ministry of Finance (MOF, 財政部) will authorize local governments to decide whether to suspend the amusement tax for professional baseball, basketball, and cultural activities.
Local governments can suspend the tax to encourage industry development or for other policy objectives, considering their financial status.
Chuang emphasized the amusement tax's importance as a significant revenue source for local governments. She noted that the MOF has held multiple meetings with local governments and respected their opinion that the amusement tax should be retained.
She added that, in practice, local governments levy amusement taxes at rates significantly below the legal maximum. Therefore, the MOF believes that lowering the maximum tax rates will not result in revenue loss.
Chuang explained that opinions are still divided regarding the decision not to adjust the maximum tax rate for golf.
Golf, which requires large land areas, may impact soil and water conservation.
