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This guide simplifies all the key dates, what you need to submit, and how to avoid last-minute stress. Clear, straightforward, and designed to help you navigate Hong Kong’s tax filing deadlines like a pro. Let’s make tax season hassle-free.
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Key tax filing deadlines in Hong Kong for 2024/25
Staying on top of your tax filing deadlines in Hong Kong is essential to avoid penalties and ensure smooth compliance. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) issues different returns for individuals, employers, and businesses, each with its own timeline. Below is a quick overview of the important dates for the 2024/25 year of assessment (covering 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025).
Return / Obligation | Issue Date | Normal Deadline | Extended Deadline | Notes |
Individual Tax Return (BIR60) | 2 May 2025 | 2 June 2025 | • Sole proprietors: 2 August 2025 • E-filing: +1 month extension (2 July / 2 Sept) | Applies even if you have no income (if a return is issued). |
Profits Tax Return (for companies & partnerships) | 1 April 2025 | 2 May 2025 (for most) | • Dec year-end: 15 Aug 2025 • Jan–Mar year-end (profit cases): 17 Nov 2025 • Jan–Mar year-end (loss cases): 2 Feb 2026 • Extra 1 month for e-filing (some cases) | If no return is issued but profits are taxable, you must notify IRD within 4 months of year-end. |
Employer’s Return (BIR56A + IR56 forms) | 1 April 2025 | 2 May 2025 | No block extension available | Covers all employees and directors as of 31 March 2025. |
Notification of Chargeability | Not applicable | Within 4 months of year-end | — | Required if you’re taxable but did not receive a return. |
Key Takeaways
- Individuals usually get one month to file, but sole proprietors have up to three months.
- E-filing through eTAX gives you an extra month automatically.
- Employers have a firm deadline of one month after the return is issued — no extensions.
- Companies benefit from block extensions depending on their year-end date. Loss-making companies with year-end in March get the longest time to file (up to February 2026).
- If you don’t get a return but you know you’re taxable, you must notify the IRD on your own.
Don’t forget: Late filings can lead to fines and other penalties. Set a reminder to stay on track!
Profits Tax Return Deadlines (2024/25)
When the IRD issues Profits Tax Returns on 1 April 2025, the filing deadlines depend on your year-end “code”:
Code | Accounting Year-End | Normal Deadline | Extended Deadline (Block Extension Scheme) | Notes |
N code | 1 April – 30 November 2024 | 2 May 2025 | — | No block extension applies. |
D code | 31 December 2024 | 2 May 2025 | 29 August 2025 | Extension available if using a tax representative. |
M code (profit cases) | 1 January – 31 March 2025 | 2 May 2025 | 17 November 2025 | Applies to businesses with profits. |
M code (loss cases) | 1 January – 31 March 2025 | 2 May 2025 | 2 February 2026 | Later filing allowed for loss cases, but usually no further e-filing extension. |
Quick Notes
- Extra e-filing extension: In some cases, businesses can get an additional 1 month for semi‑electronic/e‑filing upon application (not available to M‑code loss cases).
- Notification rule: If your business doesn’t receive a tax return but has taxable profits, you must notify the IRD within 4 months of your accounting year-end.
- Check your year-end carefully: The code is entirely based on your financial year closing date.
Late filing penalties
Filing your Hong Kong tax returns on time is crucial. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) imposes penalties for late filing, late payment, or failure to notify chargeability. These penalties can add up quickly and may even include prosecution for serious cases.
For detailed penalty information, refer to our List of All Business Compliance Penalties and Fines in Hong Kong.
Pro tip 💡 Always download the latest version of the NAR1 form directly from the Companies Registry website. Submitting an outdated form might cause your filing to be rejected.
Changes in 2024-2025 Profits Tax Return forms
Starting from the year of assessment 2024/25, the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has updated its Profits Tax Return forms (BIR51, BIR52, BIR54) and the related supplementary forms. These changes reflect evolving tax policy (such as new incentives or rules) and efforts toward digital reporting. Below is a summary of the the key amendments and additions you need to be aware of.
Section / Field | What’s New / Amended | Who Is Affected / Remarks |
Item 7.1.1 & 7.1.2 (in BIR51 only) | A new checkbox to indicate whether the taxpayer’s accounts are audited by a Hong Kong practice unit; if “Yes,” then a new field for the practising certificate number of the auditor must be filled | Corporations using audited accounts |
Items 9.1 – 9.22 (BIR51) / 9.1 – 9.10 (BIR52) | These item ranges are expanded or amended to incorporate supplementary form references (S1 to S22 or relevant subset) for declarations of tax incentives, reliefs, special income etc. | All taxpayers required to attach supplementary forms |
Item 10.21 (BIR51) / Item 10.20 (BIR52) | New field added for claiming deduction of leased premises reinstatement costs (i.e. costs to restore leased premises after use) | Lessees who qualify under the conditions for this deduction |
Supplementary Forms / New Forms | Introduction of new supplementary forms: • S19 (replacing IR1478) — to report specified foreign-sourced income • S21 (replacing IR1481) — for the tax certainty enhancement scheme (onshore equity disposal gains) • S22 (replacing IR1482) — for claiming the concessionary 5% rate on eligible IP income under the patent box regime | Taxpayers deriving relevant types of income or making specific claims |
Mandatory e-filing for supplementary forms | Regardless of whether the main Profits Tax Return is filed by paper or electronically, all supplementary forms must now be submitted electronically (i.e. in XML format) | All taxpayers who are required to use any supplementary forms |
Control List (IR1477) | For paper filing, taxpayers must submit a Control List (IR1477) listing the electronic supplementary forms (by form name / XML file) submitted alongside the return | Paper filers who also use supplementary forms |
iXBRL / Tagging requirements | Enhanced requirements for data formats and tagging of supporting documents under iXBRL (when filing electronically) | Taxpayers opting for electronic filing with financial statements & computations |
Integration with new tax measures | The form changes reflect new tax policies for 2024/25, such as: • Expanded foreign-sourced income exemption (FSIE) rules • The tax certainty enhancement scheme for onshore equity disposal gains • The lease reinstatement deduction above | Taxpayers whose business or income mix engages with these new policies |
Filing modes
The filing modes remain unchanged from the previous year, offering paper, electronic, and semi-electronic options. Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically and submit supporting documents in iXBRL format.
📌 Tip: Companies must file even if no profit was made or business hasn't started.
Who should file tax returns in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, tax returns are not filed automatically — the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) issues tax returns to individuals, businesses, and employers each year. If you receive a return, you must complete and file it, even if you don’t have income to report.
In some cases, you must also notify the IRD yourself if you become chargeable to tax but have not been issued a return.
Taxpayer Type | When You Need to File | Notes |
Individuals | If you receive an Individual Tax Return (BIR60) from the IRD | Covers salaries tax, property tax, and sole proprietorship business income. |
Sole Proprietors | Must file BIR60, with extended deadline (3 months after issue) | Treated as part of individual taxation, not separate company tax. |
Corporations & Partnerships | If issued a Profits Tax Return (BIR51, BIR52, BIR54) | Must declare profits or losses for the year. |
Employers | Always required to file an Employer’s Return (BIR56A + IR56 forms) each April | Must report employee and director remuneration, even if no salaries were paid. |
Property Owners | If you earn rental income, it is declared through your Individual Tax Return (or Profits Tax Return if held via a company) | IRD may also issue property tax assessments. |
Taxpayers without a return | If you become chargeable (e.g. new business, income source, or property) but do not receive a return, you must notify the IRD within 4 months after year-end | This is called a Notification of Chargeability. |
Key Takeaways
- You must always file if the IRD issues you a return, even if you had no income.
- Employers are obligated to file annually, regardless of business activity.
- Self-initiated notification is required if you become liable but don’t receive a return.
- Failure to file or notify on time can lead to penalties and surcharges.
✅ You must file even if you don’t receive the return — it’s your responsibility to notify the IRD if you have taxable income.
Required documents and information for Hong Kong tax filing
When preparing your Hong Kong tax return, having the right documents ready will save time and reduce the risk of errors. The information you need depends on whether you are filing as an individual, an employer, or a business entity. Below is a guide to the most commonly required documents and details.
|
Taxpayer Type |
Documents & Information Required |
Notes |
|
Individuals (BIR60) |
• Hong Kong Identity Card number • Employer-provided Form IR56B/IR56E/IR56F/IR56G (statement of income) • Annual income details (salary, bonus, allowances) • Rental income records (if any) • Business records if self-employed (sole proprietors) • Deduction receipts (donations, self-education expenses, MPF contributions, home loan interest) • Dependent details (children, parents) for allowance claims |
Needed for calculating Salaries Tax, Property Tax, and sole proprietorship business income. |
|
Corporations & Partnerships (BIR51, BIR52, BIR54) |
• Audited financial statements • Profit & loss account • Balance sheet • Tax computation & schedules • Details of tax adjustments (capital allowances, depreciation, non-deductible expenses) • Supplementary forms for tax incentives, foreign income, or IP concessions (if applicable) • Auditor’s practising certificate number (for HK auditors) |
Financial statements must generally be audited if incorporated in Hong Kong. |
|
Employers (BIR56A + IR56 forms) |
• Employee payroll records • Director remuneration records • Details of share option benefits or non-cash benefits • Termination/resignation details • Start/cessation of employment (IR56E/IR56F/IR56G) forms |
Must cover all staff, even if no employees were paid in the year. |
|
Property Owners |
• Tenancy agreements • Records of rental income received • Receipts for rates and government rent paid • Records of irrecoverable rent (if any) |
Usually reported under the Individual Tax Return unless held by a company. |
Key Takeaways
- Keep proper records: The IRD requires you to keep supporting documents for at least 7 years.
- Employers and companies must be especially careful about attaching the correct supplementary forms.
- Electronic filing (eTAX) may require uploading in specific formats (e.g. XML or iXBRL for financial statements).
- The more organized your documents, the easier it will be to claim deductions and avoid disputes.
Methods for Filing Hong Kong Tax Returns
In Hong Kong, taxpayers can choose between paper filing and electronic filing when submitting their returns. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has been encouraging e-filing through its eTAX platform, which provides added convenience and extended deadlines. The best option depends on whether you are an individual, an employer, or a business entity.
|
Method |
How It Works |
Who Can Use It |
Key Features |
|
Paper Filing |
Complete the physical tax return form issued by the IRD and return it by post or in person. |
Individuals, employers, corporations, and partnerships. |
• Traditional method • Must include attachments like IR56 forms, audited accounts, and supplementary forms (with Control List IR1477) • Deadlines follow standard dates (no automatic extensions). |
|
Electronic Filing (eTAX) |
File through the IRD’s eTAX portal using a password, iAM Smart account, or digital certificate. |
Individuals, sole proprietors, corporations, and partnerships (with electronic submission capability). |
• Automatic 1-month extension for individuals and sole proprietors • Allows online submission of returns, amendments, and supporting documents • Secure online payment of tax bills via PPS, FPS, or bank transfer • Requires XML/iXBRL format for supplementary forms and financial statements. |
|
Mixed Filing |
Paper return submitted, but supplementary forms (e.g. foreign-sourced income, IP concessions) must be uploaded electronically. |
Mainly corporations and partnerships. |
• New requirement from 2024/25 • Must include Control List IR1477 if filing paper return with electronic supplementary forms. |
Recent changes and developments in Hong Kong Tax Regime
Hong Kong has made several updates to its tax system for 2024/25. These changes are designed to meet global standards, support businesses, and make the system more modern.
- Foreign-sourced income exemption (FSIE): Some types of overseas income (like dividends, interest, and disposal gains) can remain tax-exempt if certain conditions are met. This keeps Hong Kong in line with international rules.
- Tax certainty for equity disposals: New rules provide clearer treatment for profits from selling shares in companies. This gives businesses more predictability when reporting these transactions.
- Patent box regime: Profits from eligible intellectual property (IP) are now taxed at a reduced rate of 5%, encouraging innovation and R&D in Hong Kong.
- Digital filing push: Supplementary forms must now be filed electronically, and companies may need to use iXBRL for financial statements. The goal is to make tax reporting faster and more accurate.
- New deduction for lease reinstatement costs: Businesses can claim deductions for expenses incurred when restoring leased premises at the end of a tenancy.
Tip: Keep all foreign tax payment receipts and treaty forms on file. A qualified tax advisor can help you maximise credits and stay compliant.
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Stressed out with tax filing deadlines?
FAQs about Hong Kong tax deadline
When do individuals file taxes in Hong Kong?
Individual Tax Returns (BIR60) drop on the first working day of May. You normally have 1 month to reply (e.g., 2 May 2025 → 2 June 2025). Sole‑proprietors get until 2 August, and e‑filers snag an automatic extra month.
Do foreigners need to file Hong Kong taxes?
Yes—if you earn Hong Kong‑sourced income you must file. Non‑residents can escape Salaries Tax only if they stay ≤ 60 days in the tax year or all services are rendered offshore.
What happens if you miss the tax deadline in Hong Kong?
Miss it and the IRD may issue an estimated bill, slap on a 5 % surcharge right away, then another 10 % if you’re still late six months later—plus possible prosecution.
How does the Hong Kong tax system work?
Hong Kong taxes only city‑sourced income. There are three direct taxes—Profits, Salaries and Property. No GST/VAT or capital‑gains tax. Corporations pay 8.25 % on the first HK$2 million profits then 16.5 %; individuals pay progressive 2 %–17 % or a flat 15 %, whichever is lower.
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