Income tax refunds to be credited to accounts by month’s end

Income tax refunds to be credited to accounts by month’s end

2024-10-24

For the 2023 comprehensive income tax, the second batch of tax refunds will be deposited into taxpayers’ designated accounts or sent out as refund vouchers on Oct. 31. According to preliminary statistics from the Ministry of Finance, there are over 90,000 cases eligible for the second batch of refunds nationwide, with a total refund amount exceeding NT$1.6 billion, averaging about NT$17,000 per case.

The National Taxation Bureau urges the public to make use of direct deposit for tax refunds, as it is convenient and secure. When filing taxes, simply fill in the “Refund to Deposit Account” section, or provide the relevant details in the “Direct Deposit Refund Authorization” form sent by the bureau. This way, the refund will be automatically deposited into the designated account of the taxpayer, spouse or dependents.

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第二批綜所稅退稅將在月底入帳或寄憑單

2024-10-24

2023年度綜合所得稅，第二批退稅將在10月31日撥進納稅人指定帳戶或寄發退稅憑單。根據財政部初步統計，全國符合綜所稅第2批退稅案件共有超過9萬件，退稅總金額超過16億元，換算平均每件退稅1.7萬元。

國稅局呼籲，請民眾多利用直撥退稅，方便又安全，只要報稅時在"存款帳戶退稅"欄位，或在國稅局寄發"使用直接劃撥退稅同意書"時，詳填納稅義務人、配偶或受扶養親屬的存款帳戶，退稅款就可自動撥入指定帳戶。

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European Parliament opposes China’s abuse of Resolution 2758

The European Parliament’s first resolution supporting Taiwan in the new legislative term opposes China’s use of UN Resolution 2758 as an excuse to block Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. Before the vote, Members of the European Parliament engaged in a debate, where nearly all 24 speakers, regardless of party affiliation, expressed strong support for Taiwan and criticized China’s threats to peace in the Indo-Pacific region. On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this is the first time a European Commissioner, representing the EU’s executive branch during the debate, has expressed the Commission’s position on this resolution, and the ministry welcomed it warmly.

Since the European Parliament opened its session in July, the first resolution supporting Taiwan was voted on, with a total of seven versions. The resolution opposes China’s misuse of UN Resolution 2758 to forcibly impose representation on Taiwan. On the evening of the Oct. 22, a debate was held in the plenary session, during which the executive branch expressed its stance first.

Nicolas Schmit
European Commissioner
The United Nations Resolution 2758 is very short, only 150 words. The word “Taiwan” does not appear.

From the far left to the far right, 24 members of parliament took turns speaking, nearly unanimously criticizing China’s threats to security in the Indo-Pacific region and expressing strong support for Taiwan’s international participation.

Dainius Žalimas
MEP
This is the most deplorable resolution in UN history. Taiwan has never been a part of the People’s Republic of China. The Taiwanese people have realized their right to self-determination by establishing a liberal democracy.

Engin Eroglu
MEP
We see China’s military aggression in the Taiwan Strait, which will certainly affect the Indo-Pacific region. The situation there is showing a spiraling escalation.

Last week, former President Tsai Ing-wen was invited to visit the European Parliament, drawing significant attention with over 30 members of parliament and 50 policy advisors and assistants lining up to meet her. Slovakian MEP Miriam Lexmann emphasized that China’s hegemonic actions threaten the world economy, and thus, it is crucial not to allow China to abuse the "One China" policy to obstruct necessary cooperation between the EU and Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Huawei likely accessed TSMC chips via proxy companies

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Taoyuan, Japan’s Tsukubamirai are sister cities, deepen exchanges

On Wednesday, Taoyuan City established a sister city relationship with Tsukubamirai in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The agreement was signed by Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng and Tsukubamirai Mayor Odagawa Hiroshi. Tsukubamirai is Taoyuan’s 37th sister city, and both sides will engage in in-depth exchanges in areas such as agriculture, youth baseball, sports, and economics.

The wooden sculpture engraved with plums, cherry blossoms and rice was a “sister city gift” presented by Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng to Tsukubamirai Mayor Odagawa Hiroshi. Chang attended the sister city agreement signing ceremony on Wednesday afternoon, formalizing the friendly relationship with Tsukubamirai.

Chang San-cheng
Taoyuan Mayor
I am very honored to sign today’s sister city agreement with Tsukubamirai. In the future, we believe we will actively promote exchanges in sports, culture, education, economics, and agriculture, fostering a deep friendship between our two cities.

Tsukubamirai is Taoyuan’s 37th sister city, and both sides will engage in in-depth exchanges in agriculture, youth baseball, sports, and economics. Additionally, Chang revealed that the city’s Agricultural Bureau plans to visit Tsukubamirai next year to participate in the 27th “Rice Flavor Analysis and Tasting Competition,” strengthening agricultural exchanges between the two cities.

Odagawa Hiroshi
Tsukubamirai Mayor
Regarding this, we are about to engage in agricultural exchanges. Since Tsukubamirai hosts rice-related competitions, we hope that Taoyuan City will participate. We believe that through these exchanges, the friendship between our two cities can be further deepened.

Chang San-cheng
Taoyuan Mayor
As Mayor Otagawa mentioned regarding the rice competition, we will bring our best rice from Taoyuan to participate. Additionally, we have discovered that beyond agriculture, there are many areas for exchange in education, sports, culture, and economics. These are all areas where we can expand our collaboration in the future.

Establishing sister city relationships not only promotes Taiwan on the international stage but also showcases the deep ties of friendship between Taiwan and Japan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-10-24

Yushan authorities warn hikers only to hike if fit and strong

In recent years, a day trip up the main peak of Yushan has become a popular hike. It’s a very long trip, but it can be squeezed into 12 to16 hours, by a fit and strong hiker. However, authorities warn that there have already been several accidents on the peak this year. Some hikers may be tempted to go up when their body isn’t up to the task. Experts warn that if you’re not feeling 100% on the day of your hike, it’s better not to risk it.

Hikers make their way up Yushan Main Peak. Reaching the top feels like a colossal achievement.

Paiyun Lodge, near the peak, has just 116 beds, which are allocated by lottery. That’s the only way to make a two-day overnight trip up here. So, many hikers who don’t win the lottery choose instead to make a simple trip up and down the mountain in one day.

But even just the walk from the trailhead to the main peak is a 21.8 km round trip. Adding in walking to the parking lot, and you add 6 km. It’s a 12-to-16-hour walk. Hikers normally set out at 2 or 3 a.m. in the pitch black. If they don’t reach Paiyun Lodge by a certain time, it means their strength isn’t quite up to the peak today. It’s not something to push.

Bagkall Haivangang
Yushan National park Administration
Our colleagues at Paiyun Lodge will notice, if you haven’t passed the lodge by 10 a.m., and they’ll urge you to head back down again.

The national park authorities stress that there have already been five accidents involving hikers on day trips this year: three cases of exhaustion and two of sprained ankles. All were related to a lack of fitness. When descending the mountain, it’s particularly easy to make a wobbly step or feel your legs give out and get into trouble.

Bagkall Haivangang
Yushan National Park Administration
Exhaustion while walking can cause you to pull a muscle or to get cramps.

Hiker
On high mountains, you’re afraid of the cold temperatures or rain. If your physical condition on the day doesn’t allow you to go up, then I’d recommend people to find the courage of “the better part of valor is discretion.”

Authorities remind hikers planning a day trip up Yushan that proper fitness training beforehand is a must. As winter approaches, heading up the mountain carelessly is no joke.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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A day in the dramatic life of a Taiwanese forest ranger

Have you ever thought about the life of Taiwan’s forest rangers? These public servants have one of the most varied and exciting jobs around. Protecting forests from illegal activity, helping emergency services navigate forests: these rangers need to have a huge range of skills. They also need to be very physically fit, to carry heavy gear up and down the steep slopes. Today we have a glimpse into the life and work of a forest ranger, as we drop in on one of their many emergency drills.

A helicopter circles, then lets down a line with a forest ranger suited up in full gear. On the grass, 47 rangers from Yilan and Hualien are lined up ready to join the drill.

Chou Yuan-shu
Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency
We have a lot of training, including in wireless communications, map-reading, measuring, and so on. All this is included in the skills they can use in the line of duty. There are also search and rescue trainings, which they might use in mountain emergencies or in collaboration with the fire department.

These forest rangers are employed by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency. They’re an important guardian for Taiwan’s forests and natural spaces. Apart from their regular work in forests, they also have to step up as guides for police, fire fighters and search and rescue agents in an emergency: an indispensable role.

Hu Chin-pao
Forest ranger
When entering the deep mountains, there are some dangers. For example, poisonous hornets and snakes, or even sometimes a moment of carelessness on a loose stone could mean you slip down a high slope.

It’s a job with lots of different hats – and lots of different risks. When they go out on a mission, they’re decked head to toe in equipment, weighing upwards of 20 kg. That requires peak fitness, both physical and mental. But the passion and sense of purpose make it all worth it, for this ranger with over 20 years’ experience.

Hu Chin-pao
Forest ranger
It’s been almost 24 years now. At first, it’s just that I felt interested, and liked to be in contact with nature. And then as time went on, I saw some cases of illegal logging and so on and I wanted to protect the forest.

Work for the rangers is tough and full of heavy responsibilities. But with all that time spent among the great trees, they learn to understand the forest deeply, and to feel grateful for a chance to protect it.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Eateries prioritize hot food as the cold months set in

As the year turns towards the colder months, our appetites are shifting. Restaurants and food stalls are switching to prioritize hotter eats where they can. Even convenience stores are putting more effort into hot food items. Today we take a look at how various eateries are preparing for the winter, with the business at a braised stew stall hotting up, and convenience stores getting serious about comfort food.

This braised stew stall is bursting with options, all kinds of vegetables and other hotpot ingredients.

The customer’s orders go into a medicinal broth to be braised: dried tofu is sliced and dropped in to soak up the deliciousness. For a lighter meal, you can go for all veggies.

The temperature’s gradually dropping, and that leads many to look for a warming meal.

Ms. Shen
Braised stew stall owner
The busy season is about mid-November. As it gets colder, business picks up. If the temperature suddenly drops a little, a few more people might come.

In the summer, which is off-season, a braised stew stall will only make up to NT$10,000 a day. But in the colder months, it could be upwards of NT$20,000. It will have to stock up on two or three times as much produce. As fall sets in, both stalls and chain restaurants are gearing up.

Steaming-hot sweet potatoes, oden, stewed chickenlegs: all available at a convenience store. There’s also a new sweetcorn steamer full of purple and yellow corn getting steamed until soft and sweet. The frozen corn market sees 1.3 million corns sold a year.

Member of public
The convenience store has a fast braised option, or sweet potatoes or steamed corn. It’s faster, and for some of my trips for work, it’s more convenient and quick.

Promotion of braised items and oden has brought this store more customers and profit growth of more than 30%. At another convenience store, profits on hot food are expected to grow 50% with continued promotion of a favorite from last year, Southeast Asian Spicy and Sour Soup. The season for hot eats is coming.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Disabled artisan builds global brand of premium fountain pens

A Tainan artisan has created a global brand of handmade fountain pens. Kuo Tung-tzu’s cedar-clad pens have found fans all over the world, and his family workshop is a small but tight business. Earlier this year, one of his pens made it to the hands of Lai Ching-te to sign his first document as president, which raised the profile of the Tainan workshop even further. Despite catching polio as a small child and having mobility issues, Kuo has always believed in himself. His business continues a proud tradition of craftsmanship that is hundreds of years’ strong in Tainan.

Kuo Tung-tzu makes a round of his workshop. You can see from the crutches that this business owner is handling difficulties few of us have encountered.

Kuo Tung-tzu
Fountain pen artisan
My mom had a big influence on me, because she told me, “We didn’t choose for you to have this difficulty with your legs. So there’s no need to feel ashamed of it. If people bully you, that’s just something to tolerate.”

This encouragement from his mother gave Kuo the self-confidence to develop expertise in a profession and to take pride in his life journey. He founded a company that creates handmade fountain pens, and sells them all over the globe.

Kuo Tung-tzu
Fountain pen artisan
So long as a person wants to survive, and we’re given just a little bit of land that’s our space, then we can grow. If you don’t want to work, you’ll always feel tired, even if you’re lying on the softest sofa.

If you ask what Kuo’s wife Huang Ching-chu thinks of her husband, her eyes well up. She’s been at his side through decades of struggle, and has no complaints or regrets.

Huang Ching-chu
Wife of Kuo Tung-tzu
I really admire him. Although he has mobility issues, he works harder than the average person.

Now their son and daughter both work in the marketing department of the family business. The whole family works together to make this Taiwanese brand a player on the global stage.

Kuo Ting-fang
Daughter of Kuo Tung-tzu
Don’t limit yourself, or think you can’t do something. Just give it a try. Maybe you’ll have the chance.

In the first official document signed by President Lai Ching-te after assuming office, he used one of Kuo’s artisanal pens, an honor which has further raised this Tainan brand’s profile. As the saying goes, “Heaven helps those who help themselves.” Kuo’s life story is an example of perseverance we can all celebrate.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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