Public Policy

Gov't Plans US$300 'AI Dividend' Cash Handout by Lunar New Year

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By TaiwanPlus

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Taiwan’s government says it plans to disburse cash handouts of about US$300 to the public before the 2027 Lunar New Year holiday period, which begins in early February. President Lai Ching-te has described the plan as an “AI dividend,” with the funds coming from a tax surplus driven by strong technology exports. Permanent foreign residents and foreign spouses would also qualify for the handout. The opposition Kuomintang has proposed doubling the payout amount; Taiwan’s deputy finance minister says however that this would require government borrowing and not be fiscally sustainable.

Taiwan Plans Cash Handout

REPORTER:  
Taiwan’s government says it plans to give cash handouts of around 300 US dollars before the 2027 Lunar New Year holidays at the start of February.

President Lai Ching-te has previously called the proposed handout a “AI dividend,” and the monies will come from a tax surplus driven by surging tech exports. Permanent foreign residents will also be eligible. The opposition Kuomintang has tabled a plan to double the amount of the handout. The deputy finance minister said this plan would require borrowing and be fiscally unsound.

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Cash Handout

REPORTER:  
Taiwan’s Cabinet is aiming to pay out a cash handout funded by record tax surplus revenues before the next Lunar New Year holidays.

Premier Cho Jung-tai says the government's proposed US$300 cash handout could reach bank accounts by Jan. 25, provided the legislature approves the 2027 budget by Jan. 5. But the plan faces resistance from the opposition Kuomintang, which wants to double the payout. The Finance Ministry warns that doing so would require borrowing and strain fiscal stability.