A number of new measures are taking effect today, including a one-percent reduction in individual income tax rates, a half-percent increase in the premium rate for labor insurance, as well as a raise of 600 NT dollars in minimum wage.

Working citizens have something to happy about with the coming new year.

The three levels of individual income tax rates will each be cut by a percentage point from the current 6%, 13%, and 21%.

Business income tax has also been cut from 25% to 17%, benefitting both individuals and corporations.

Wage withholding rates have also dropped from 6% to 5% and will only deduct from income resulting from part-time work and year-end bonuses that exceed 68,500 NT dollars.

The Taipei National Tax Administration will also draw estimates in the convenience of 2.5 million people who have to report their income taxes.

Starting 2011, basic wages will also be increased.

Another new regulation will increase labor insurance by half a percentage point, from the current 7.5% up to 8%.

This means labor workers will have to pay extra 28NT dollars insurance fee each month, while employers will have to pay extra 99NT dollars for employees.

Meanwhile, beginning January 1, the Ministry of Transportation will test run the EZ card system, Kaohsiung MRT card system, Far Eastern Electronic toll collection, among other sensor services on the express route and three other routes in Kenting.

Also starting January 1, the inspection for scooters will change from 3 years to 5 years.

After 5 years, scooters must be brought in for a checkup every year.

To allow citizens to enter into a new year with no worries, the State-owned Enterprise Commission has also stated that before Chinese New Year, primary resources such as fuel gas, natural gas, and sugar will face a price freeze.