Hong Kong Tax System: Learning How To Pay Income Tax In Hong Kong

Hong Kong Taxation System

It is now news that every individual—citizens and foreigners—is expected to learn how to pay tax in Hong Kong.

Unlike most countries that determine an individual’s tax liability based on territorial and residential jurisdiction, Hong Kong only uses territorial jurisdiction. This simply implies that only income from Hong Kong is taxed.

Business owners should know that Hong Kong classifies income tax into three categories:

1. income/salary tax
2. profits tax
3. property tax

Each type of income tax has varying requirements. In this section, we will break down all 3 categories, so you have better understanding of how to pay income tax in Hong Kong.

1. Income/Salary Tax

This type of tax applies to wages and income received from employers. The income tax follows a progressive method in its calculations.

From 1 to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars (HKD), a 2% is tax charged. From 2%, the tax rate increases to 6%, 10%, 14%, and 17% of every 50,000 HKD increase in net income.

Usually, total salaries in Hong Kong include the following: salaries, wages, leave pay, commission, bonuses, retirement benefits, pension, termination payments, shares and stock awards, and more.

Additionally, individuals are required by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to submit their Salaries Tax return by June 2nd and July 2nd for paper-based submission and electronic submission, respectively.

How To Pay Income Tax In Hong Kong: Calculating Salary Tax

There are two formats for calculating salary tax in Hong Kong.

1. Taxing Total Incomes From All Sources

Every source of income is taxed at a progressive rate and based on the personal evaluation. With this kind of tax return calculation, individuals can carry losses across their different income tax types.

2. Salaries Tax

The following two formulas can be used in calculating the assessable value for salaries tax. You’re expected to pick whichever is lower:

Progressive rates: Total Income – (Non-assessable Income + Allowable Deduction + Personal Allowances) = Net Chargeable Income

Fixed rate: Total Income – Deductions (before deductions of allowances) = Net Income

2. Profits Tax

Incomes from trade and businesses are subject to profit tax. The profit tax applies to individuals, partnerships, trustees, and corporations doing business within Hong Kong, whether you are a resident or non-resident. However, it does not apply to profits made outside of Hong Kong.

Profit taxes are levied based on a two-tiered tax system. Also, the tax rate differs for corporations and unincorporated businesses (i.e., sole proprietorship, partnership).

On every corporation’s profit, there is an 8.25 percent tax rate on the first 2 million HKD; the remainder is charged 16.5 percent. On the other hand, unincorporated businesses get charged 7.5 percent on the first 2 million and 15 percent on the rest.

Depending on the type of business, there are also different forms of profit tax returns:

• Corporations — BIR51
• Non-corporations — BIR52
• Non-residents — BIR54

Additionally, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) does not impose tax on Dividends, Value Added, Sales, Capital gains, Hotel Accommodation and interest incomes. Business owners are also expected to file their Tax returns annually from April 1st to March 31st.

How To Pay Income Tax In Hong Kong: Calculating Profits Tax

Assessable profits are also called taxable profits. The taxable profit is when non-deductible expenses, allowable expenses, and non-assessable income have been adjusted to the account.

Profits per account + Non-deductible expense – Allowable expense – Non-assessable income = Taxable profits

Business owners should keep in mind that some incomes are not taxed, and they include:

• Corporation’s Dividends
• Income from deposit accounts in Hong Kong
• Bonds (government bonds) issued under the ordinance loans
• Profits recorded for assessable income for other corporations, businesses, or individuals
• Tax reserve certificate

3. Properties Tax

The property tax is calculated on the rental income of lands and buildings in Hong Kong. Fifteen percent tax is charged on the net assessable value of all rental income, and these include:

• Gross rent received
• Management fees paid to the property owner
• Expenditure borne by the tenant
• Lump sum premium

How To Pay Income Tax In Hong Kong: Calculating Property Tax

The property tax is fifteen percent of the net assessable value. First, calculate the assessable value:

Assessable Value (AV) = Rental Income – Rates Paid by owners – Irrecoverable Rent

Then, calculate the Net Assessable Value (NAV):

NAV = AV – Statutory Allowance (20% of AV)

Property owners should know that if rent is not paid on time, it will not be calculated as irrecoverable but as rent receivable. Also, any irrecoverable rent received should be included in the AV for that recovery year.

If irrecoverable rent exceeds the AV, the deduction of the remainder will be calculated in the following year’s AV. Note that two types of property tax returns can be filed. They include:

• BIR58 — Corporations or body of persons
• BIR57 — Co-owned by Individuals or Corporations

Companies in Hong Kong with rental revenue should apply for property tax exemption. This is because the rentals will be charged under profits tax. The property tax is usually issued on the first working day of April, and then they can be filed on the 1st or 2nd day of May.

Also, know that property tax returns can be paid in two installments. The first payment should come before the end of November of the year of issue, and then the final payment should be paid in April of the following year.

Who Is Required To Pay Income Tax In Hong Kong?

With a few exceptions, every employed person in Hong Kong is required to file their taxes and learn how to pay income tax in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong uses a territorial tax method. So, every individual who has earned income from working for a company in Hong Kong or individuals who have also rendered services and received payments and have spent more than 60 days in Hong Kong are expected to pay tax returns.

Here’s how the following categories of people are differently affected by the Hong Kong taxation system and a breakdown of whether they must learn how to pay income tax in Hong Kong:

1. Expats

Expats are expected to learn how to pay income tax in Hong Kong. If expats have made income in Hong Kong but stayed less than 60 days, they will not be taxed. But, if expats remain over 60 days, they will be taxed. Hong Kong has attractive policies on expats taxes.

Expats benefit from not getting taxed again if their income has been taxed elsewhere. Aside from that, expats tax rates are calculated like locals.

2. Employees and Employers

Both employers and employees must know how to pay income tax in Hong Kong. Whether an employee is a resident of Hong Kong or not, an employer cannot withhold their tax or pay on their behalf.

However, employers can only withhold tax if an employee has been terminated or would leave Hong Kong within a month. Then, the employer would send a form to the IRD, then withhold payment till the “Letter of Release” is granted.

3. Self-Employed and Freelancers

Freelancers or self-employed is any individual offering professional services or buying and selling goods in Hong Kong. This category of people are considered self-employed entities and are required to learn how to pay income tax in Hong Kong.

They need to register as an unincorporated company with the Inland Revenue Department. Remember, we mentioned earlier that unincorporated companies are subject to profits tax on assessable profits.

4. Unemployed Persons

Unemployed persons are not expected to know how to pay income tax in Hong Kong. So, if you are out of work and not making profits, you need not worry about paying taxes. However, when you get a job, the IRD expects you to file a tax return.

How To Pay Income Tax In Hong Kong: 5 Best Payment Methods

It is most common to pay income tax in person. Some collection spots for income tax include stamp offices, post offices, business registration points, etc. In Hong Kong, there are different convenient payment methods for taxpayers, and they include:

1. Internet

One of the most common ways of how to pay income tax in Hong Kong is through the Internet. With the aid of internet banking, taxpayers can send their payments to the bank account of the Hong Kong IRD. But, ensure to pay tax returns before the due date.

2. Bank ATM

Another method regarding how to pay income tax in Hong Kong is through the ATM. Bank ATMs like Hong Seng Bank, Jetco ATM networks, etc., have the “Bill Payment” section. Just bring the account numbers or the bill details of the tax issued and pay from the ATM.

3. Post

Alternatively, some may also choose post as their go-to method for how to pay income tax in Hong Kong. Payment documents, together with a crossed check, can be sent to the postal addresses of the Commissioner of the IRD.

4. Abroad

Even when outside Hong Kong, one can still make payments. Use a Hong Kong Bank account with internet banking or a crossed check to make payments. Alternatively, IRD also accepts Bank Overdrafts and crossed checks from an overseas bank.

5. Telephone

Finally, you can also opt for the “old-school” method of how to pay income tax in Hong Kong – through the phone. Call 18031 for tax settlement with a PPS account registered with a good bill. For registration, call 18011.

How We Can Help – Our Taxation Services

Now you have a better understanding of the Hong Kong taxation structure, the different types of income tax and how to pay income tax in Hong Kong. The key takeaway from this guide is that every individual, resident or non-resident, making profits from Hong Kong is expected to pay tax.

It is important to calculate the different types of tax when you are figuring out how to pay income tax in Hong Kong. Facing any problems with filing your taxes or still unsure of how to pay income tax in Hong Kong? We can also provide additional help with filing income tax and making payments.

Premia TNC is a professional business consulting firm that helps corporations and businesses with their accounting and taxation needs. We have a team of skilled professionals available to make the entire process of how to pay income tax in Hong Kong seamless for you.