BEIJING - Taxation officials will be keeping a close watch on high earners to ensure they pay the proper amount of tax in an effort to rein in the ever-widening income gap, the country's top taxation authority said on Wednesday.

The State Administration of Taxation urged local officers to pay special attention to the personal income tax due on the transfer of property, trades of stocks and shares, and private company deals, according to a notice released on the administration's website.

The notice clearly states that foreigners in China are also subject to personal income tax.