THE soon-to-be introduced scratch-and-win invoice for the catering and services industries was unveiled Tuesday at a press conference held by the local taxation bureau.

Pink in color, the new invoice has three parts: the counterfoil, the invoice and the scratch-and-win coupon. It will come into use May 20.

Customers who find lucky codes in the invoices they scratch will receive cash awards of up to 3,000 yuan (US$714), said Li Lingen, vice director general of the local taxation bureau.

Few residents have the habit of asking for receipts after spending money at public places such as restaurants, hotels and bars, and this helps business owners dodge tax payments, Li said.

“In these cases, the taxation administration can’t determine the actual volume of business done by restaurants,” Li said.

Li expected the new move will add 360 million yuan of tax revenue to his bureau as more diners try their luck with the receipts.

Residents are welcome to report business owners who refuse to give receipts to the bureau by calling 123662.

Winners can claim their cash prizes from Shenzhen branches of the Agricultural Bank of China. (Mu Zi)