Ready for the 2024/25 Hong Kong tax deadline? We’ve got your back.
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 deadlines like a pro. Let’s make tax season hassle-free.
Never miss a tax deadline in Hong Kong again.
Key tax filing deadlines in Hong Kong for 2024/25
Understanding tax deadlines in Hong Kong helps avoid fines and late submission penalties. Here’s a straightforward table summarizing key dates:
Tax Type | Filing Deadline | Extensions Available? | Late Filing Penalties |
Profits Tax Return (PTR) | Typically, 2 May (exact date varies annually) | Yes, through your tax representative | Possible surcharge; penalties escalate with delays |
Annual Return | Within 42 days after company anniversary | No | Penalties start from HKD 870; escalate rapidly with delays |
Employer’s Return (ER) | Within 1 month after issue (usually April) | Limited exceptions via IRD | Fines start at HKD 2,000; penalties escalate for extended delays |
Salaries Tax Return | Usually due within one month of issuance (typically May) | Extensions possible through tax representatives | Surcharges imposed, increasing with severity of delay |
Property Tax Return | Typically due within one month after issuance | Possible via tax representative | Interest and penalties imposed |
For detailed penalty information, refer to our List of All Business Compliance Penalties and Fines in Hong Kong.
Don’t forget: Late filings can lead to fines and other penalties. Set a reminder to stay on track!
Changes in 2024-2025 Profits Tax Return forms
For 2024-2025, there have been some important updates to Hong Kong’s profits tax return forms, which businesses need to be aware of to ensure smooth tax filing processes.
Key updates
- Auditor Disclosure: New Items 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 in BIR51 require taxpayers to indicate if their financial statements are audited by a Hong Kong practice unit and to provide the practising certificate number of the signing certified public accountant (practising).
- Supplementary Forms: Items 9.19 to 9.22 in BIR51 and Items 9.7 to 9.10 in BIR52 have been updated to reflect the new Supplementary Forms S19 to S22, which replace Forms IR1478 to IR1482. These forms pertain to specified foreign-sourced income, the tax certainty enhancement scheme, and the patent box tax incentive.
- Lease Reinstatement Costs: New Items 10.21 in BIR51 and 10.20 in BIR52 have been added for taxpayers to state the amount of deduction claimed for lease reinstatement costs.
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.
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.
Who should file tax returns in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong’s tax system is territorial and relatively straightforward, but the type of entity you operate, whether a company, freelancer, or partnership, determines your filing obligations. Here’s a breakdown based on business structure:
1. Newly-registered companies (Limited Companies)
Who this applies to: Startups and SMEs incorporated in Hong Kong.
- Profits Tax Return (PTR): Required annually. IRD usually issues the first PTR 18 months after the incorporation date.
- Audit Requirement: Every company must prepare audited financial statements before filing their PTR.
- Zero Business Activity? Even dormant companies must file a “NIL” return.
Deadline: Usually within 1 month of receiving the return. Extensions may apply for companies with December 31 or March 31 year-ends.
📌 Tip: Companies must file even if no profit was made or business hasn't started.
2. Freelancers/Sole Proprietors
Who this applies to: Individuals offering services (e.g., design, consulting) without registering a company.
- Individual Tax Return (Form BIR60): Includes both employment income and business profits.
- Business Registration: Freelancers must register with the Business Registration Office.
- Recordkeeping: Maintain proper records (receipts, invoices, bank statements).
- Deadline: Usually issued in early May, with a deadline of one month (June 3rd is typical unless extended).
✅ You must file even if you don’t receive the return — it’s your responsibility to notify the IRD if you have taxable income.
3. Partnerships
Who this applies to: Businesses registered as partnerships under the Business Registration Ordinance.
- Profits Tax Return: Filed in the name of the partnership.
- Partner Disclosures: Individual partners must report their share of profits on their personal tax returns.
- Audited Accounts: Required unless all partners are individuals and annual turnover is below HKD 500,000.
4. Self-Employed individuals (e.g., Online Sellers, Tutors)
Who this applies to: Income-generating individuals not under employment contracts.
- Same filing rules as sole proprietors.
- Examples: Etsy sellers, YouTubers, tuition providers, event photographers.
5. Individuals with side income
Who this applies to: Employees with freelance or rental income.
- Include in Individual Tax Return (BIR60): Under “Other Income” or “Rental Income.”
- Recordkeeping: You’re responsible for accurate and full declaration.
6. Employees (with or without tax return issued)
Who this applies to: Individuals earning a salary from employment.
- BIR60 issued: You must file it, even if tax was already withheld by your employer.
- No tax return received? If you earn above the basic allowance (HKD 132,000), you’re obliged to notify the IRD within 4 months of year-end (i.e., by August 2nd).
7. Non-residents with Hong Kong-sourced income
Who this applies to: Foreigners with rental income or Hong Kong-sourced business income.
- Obligation to file applies if income is generated within HK borders.
- Usually covered under Profits or Property Tax.
Summary table
Type of Entity | Filing Requirement | Key Form | Deadline |
Company (Limited) | Profits Tax Return | BIR51 | 1 month after issue |
Freelancer / Sole Prop | Individual Tax Return | BIR60 | Typically June 3 |
Partnership | Profits Tax Return | BIR52 | Same as companies |
Employee | Individual Tax Return | BIR60 | Typically June 3 |
Self-Employed | Individual Tax Return | BIR60 | Typically June 3 |
Non-Resident (HK Income) | Depends on source | BIR60 / BIR51 | Depends on case |
Required documents and information for Hong Kong tax filing
Accurate and timely filing depends on preparing the right documents and information. Here’s a clear summary of what you need to gather for each main type of Hong Kong tax return:
Profits Tax Return (PTR)
- Audited financial statements
- Detailed accounts of income and expenses
- Completed supplementary forms (if applicable)
Annual Return
- Completed Annual Return form
- Updated details of company directors and shareholders
- Relevant filing fee payment
Employer’s Return
- Details of employee remuneration
- Completed Employer’s Return form
- Records of salaries and benefits
Ensure all documents are accurately prepared and submitted to avoid penalties and streamline your compliance.
Methods for filing Hong Kong tax returns
Once your paperwork is ready, pick the filing route that suits your workflow:
Profits Tax Return (PTR) → File online via IRD’s eTAX portal or mail/drop‑off the signed paper form—our PTR filing guide shows both options.
Annual Return → Submit through the Companies Registry e‑Registry or hand‑deliver/post the paper form—see our annual return compliance guide for details.
Employer’s Return → Lodge online on eTAX or deliver the paper form to IRD offices.
Property & Personal Tax Returns → File on eTAX or sign and post the hard copy.
Save every receipt or acknowledgement email and you’ll cruise past the deadline with zero fuss.
Recent changes and developments in Hong Kong tax regime
Hong Kong’s tax landscape is moving quickly. Here are the headline shifts to keep on your radar:
- Expanded Foreign‑sourced Income Exemption (FSIE) rules: From 1 January 2024, FSIE now covers disposal gains on all asset classes, with a new trader exclusion and intra‑group transfer relief.
- 5% “Patent Box” concession: Enacted 5 July 2024, qualifying IP profits enjoy a 5 % profits‑tax rate, back‑dated to the 2023/24 year.
- Global Minimum Tax (Pillar Two) & Hong Kong Minimum Top‑up Tax: LegCo approved the legislation on 28 May 2025; in‑scope MNE groups face a 15 % effective rate from 1 January 2025 via domestic top‑up and income‑inclusion rules.
- Proposed crypto & alternative‑asset tax break: A late‑2024 consultation proposes exempting gains on crypto, private credit and more for certain funds and family offices.
- Tax‑certainty enhancement scheme: New supplementary forms S19–S22 give businesses a clearer path to advance rulings on cross‑border income.
These updates aim to keep Hong Kong competitive while meeting global standards—so keep them in mind when planning your next filing cycle.
What tax incentives are available in Hong Kong?
Looking to trim your Hong Kong tax bill? Hong Kong serves up a suite of concessions that reward inbound investment and keep cross‑border profits tax‑light.
Foreign investment incentives
✅ 0 % tax on dividends and capital gains from share disposals
✅ No VAT, GST or sales tax on goods and services
✅ Concessionary 8.25 % rate for qualifying insurance, aircraft‑leasing, ship‑leasing and funds management income
✅ 5 % “Patent Box” rate on qualifying IP profits
✅ Full rundown of foreign investment incentives
Foreign tax credits
✅ Unilateral foreign tax credit: offset overseas tax paid against Hong Kong profits tax (capped at the Hong Kong liability)
✅ Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with 50+ jurisdictions reduce or eliminate withholding taxes
✅ Claim relief via Section 50 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance using form IR1313
✅ Guide to claiming foreign tax credits
These incentives can meaningfully shrink your effective tax rate—talk to a trusted advisor to make the most of them.
Do I get relief from double taxation in Hong Kong?
Yes, Hong Kong’s tax rules are designed to prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income:
Relief Type | How It Works | Key Take‑aways |
Unilateral Foreign Tax Credit | Claim a credit for tax paid overseas against your Hong Kong profits‑tax bill (up to the HK liability on that income). | Ideal when no treaty exists; apply via IR1313. |
Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) Relief | Hong Kong has DTAs with 50+ jurisdictions, reducing or eliminating foreign withholding tax and allowing tax credits. | Use the relevant treaty article and keep proof of foreign tax paid. |
Exemption on Certain Foreign‑sourced Income | Qualifying dividend, interest, disposal gains and IP income can be exempt if substance and ES requirements met. | FSIE rules effective 1 Jan 2024; ensure substantial activities in HK. |
Tip: Keep all foreign tax payment receipts and treaty forms on file. A qualified tax advisor can help you maximise credits and stay compliant.
Beat every HK tax deadline with Sleek
Let Sleek help you meet every tax deadline with confidence. Our tax and audit experts handle all essential filings: Profits Tax, Annual, Employer’s, and Personal Tax Returns, plus the supplementary FSIE forms.
Tap our one-stop audit and tax filing experts for seamless e-filing, meticulous checks, and proactive reminders. We provide timely reminders and meticulous checks to ensure your business remains compliant. Free up your time to focus on growth while we keep your books accurate and ready for any audit.
Time to file your annual return.
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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