Ex China waiter turned influencer with 40 million fans fined US$2.6 million for tax evasion
Ex-waiter turned food influencer evaded $1.3M in taxes over 3 years
The case of Bai Bing, a former waiter turned top food influencer in China, has drawn widespread attention after the State Tax Administration revealed he evaded 9.11 million yuan (US$1.3 million) in taxes between 2021 and 2024. The 32-year-old, who commands over 40 million followers on one social media platform alone, was fined a total of 18.91 million yuan (US$2.6 million) in October 2024. This sum includes the defaulted taxes plus a late payment penalty, which Bai has since paid in full, according to CCTV.
Bai's influencer career saw meteoric rise from humble beginnings as a barber's assistant and waiter. His food content generates massive engagement — each video typically receives over 1 million likes, with a single clip peaking at 6.5 million likes. His total likes across his platform exceed 610 million. The tax evasion case highlights China's ongoing crackdown on high-earning online personalities, with authorities increasingly targeting influencers who underreport income through multiple channels. Bai acknowledged his 'mistake' and accepted the punishment, but the incident underscores the risks for digital creators facing complex tax obligations amid rapid wealth accumulation.
- Bai Bing fined 18.91 million yuan ($2.6 million) for evading 9.11 million yuan in taxes (2021–2024)
- The 32-year-old ex-waiter has over 40 million followers and 610 million total likes on one platform
- He has fully paid the fine and penalty, acknowledging his mistake in a public statement
Why It Matters
Highlights China's escalating tax enforcement against influencers, signaling risk for digital creators with massive follower bases.