I Work in Taxation in the Underworld

Chu Qing is a miserable tax accountant. After five years on the job, he dies from overwork after a late-night shift.

When he opens his eyes, he’s in the underworld. Chu Qing feels almost calm: at least no one will chase him down again to demand an explanation for a tiny two-cent discrepancy.

Then he discovers that he’s broke.

He’s an orphan, so there’s nobody to burn paper money for him!

In the Hall of the Ten Kings, the Ten Kings of Hell declare solemnly, “The underworld doesn’t support idlers. You have no income and can’t afford rent. Why not join the Transmigration Bureau? Complete five hundred years of missions and you’ll be able to buy a bathroom in Fengdu.”

“The underworld makes you work to buy a house too? What happened to equality for all?” Chu Qing asks.

“The underworld has no income, Heaven is stingy with its funding, and the demon realm is waging a tariff war. It’s hard for us to survive too,” the King of Hell sighs. “We’re just starting a side business to increase revenue and cut costs. That War God up in the Immortal Realm keeps wanting to buy the underworld and flatten it. Since we have no income or say in the matter, we lose every argument at meetings. It’s a lot of pressure.”

Chu Qing slowly replies, “How about collecting taxes according to the law?”

To survive, Chu Qing puts his professional expertise to use, designing a tax system for the underworld and promoting tax filing services.

The Ten Kings of Hell have been struggling because the underworld has no revenue and is destitute?

From now on, every blade of yellow paper money burned in the mortal realm for the dead must be taxed according to the Underworld Tax Collection and Administration Law, first edition!

Ox-Head and Horse-Face travel between the worlds of the living and the dead, acting as brokers in barter trade?

Imported goods from the mortal realm are subject to a ten percent tariff based on market value. File your tax returns as required and you may qualify for a tax exemption!

In the first year of Chu Qing’s tax firm, the underworld’s annual revenue rises 163,72.00% year over year, driving a 3,682.35% increase in the underworld’s GDP. Trade between the worlds of the living and dead flourishes. For his outstanding contributions, Chu Qing is named the Tax King of Hell and selected as one of the “Ten Influential Figures of the Six Realms.”

By the tenth year, the Immortal Realm sends representatives to study the underworld’s advanced practices, intending to introduce a comprehensive tax system. Chu Qing’s land stretches from the River of Forgetfulness to the Southern Heavenly Gate.

By the fifteenth year, the underworld’s annual revenue has ranked first among the Six Realms for eight consecutive years, several times greater than the runner-up. Chu Qing leads the underworld in buying the Jade Pool, sets up tax law education centers in the Immortal Realm, and distributes leaflets throughout the Six Realms.

Later, whenever people see Chu Qing, they respectfully and reverently ask, “Tax Advisor Chu, what made you bring taxation to every corner of the Six Realms?”

“It’s simple,” Chu Qing replies coolly. “Whether you’re human, demon, immortal, monster, or ghost, and no matter which corner beyond the Six Realms you’re in, you must pay taxes according to the law. That is equality for all.”

Reader’s Note:

The story goes completely off the rails. Don’t take it too seriously.

For the sake of the reading experience, the tax systems in the story combine and dramatize elements from several countries. If they conflict, the most complicated tax system takes precedence.

This novel is for entertainment only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a professional about tax questions.

Don’t study accounting. May lightning strike anyone who advises others to study accounting (.

Blurb posted on 2023/8/29, evidence saved.

Theme: Dedication to one’s work and paying taxes according to the law