Hong Kong’s Tax Deadlines: A Year-Round Compliance Calendar
📋 Key Facts at a Glance
- Tax Year: Hong Kong’s standard tax year runs from April 1 to March 31.
- Profits Tax Deadline: Returns are typically due one month after issuance (often August 15 for December year-ends). Extensions are rarely granted.
- Salaries Tax Deadline: Individual tax returns are issued in early May and are generally due within one month (early June).
- Employer Reporting: Employers must submit Form IR56B to report employee remuneration by January 31 each year.
- Penalties: Late filing/payment incurs a 5% penalty plus interest, currently at 8.25% per annum on held-over tax.
What is the true cost of a missed tax deadline in Hong Kong? For one manufacturing SME, a three-week delay on a Profits Tax payment spiraled into a 14-month audit, $650,000 in professional fees, and a frozen government grant application. In a global financial hub built on efficiency and trust, the tax calendar is not a suggestion—it’s the operating system for your business credibility. Mastering it is the difference between seamless growth and costly, reputation-damaging distractions.
The Unforgiving Rhythm of Profits Tax Compliance
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) issues Profits Tax returns for corporations and unincorporated businesses shortly after the end of the tax year on March 31. The filing deadline is strictly one month from the date of issue printed on the return. For companies with a December 31 accounting year-end, this typically falls around August 15. Companies with a non-December year-end also get one month to file.
The Domino Effect of Estimated Assessments
If you fail to file on time, or if the IRD has concerns about your return, it may issue an estimated assessment. This is a provisional tax demand based on the IRD’s calculations. You then have one month to either pay or object by submitting the correct tax return with supporting evidence.
Salaries Tax: A Dual-Track Responsibility
Salaries Tax compliance is a shared duty between employer and employee, with strict, non-negotiable deadlines for both.
Employer’s Annual Reporting (Form IR56B)
Every employer must file an IR56B form for each employee, detailing the remuneration paid for the year ended March 31. The absolute deadline for submission is January 31 of the following year. This data is the foundation against which the IRD cross-checks every individual’s tax return.
Individual Filing & The MPF Connection
Individual tax returns (BIR60) are issued in early May each year. The standard deadline is one month from the date of issue, typically falling in early June. Crucially, your Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions are not just a retirement savings requirement—they are a key tax deduction (up to HK$18,000 per year). MPF contributions must be remitted by the 10th of the following month. Non-compliance with MPF rules can invalidate your Salaries Tax deductions.
Property Tax: The Calendar for Landlords
If you receive rental income, Property Tax returns are issued annually, usually around April 1. The tax is calculated at 15% on the Net Assessable Value (rental income minus rates, with a 20% statutory allowance for repairs). The trap for the unwary is timing: tax is payable in two installments, typically due in January and April of the year following the assessment.
Your Strategic Compliance Calendar for 2024/25
Map these critical deadlines against your operational cycles to avoid penalties and build IRD goodwill.
| Obligation | Key Deadline | What’s Due | Critical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profits Tax Return | 1 month after notice (e.g., ~Aug 15 for Dec year-end) | Completed return + tax payment | No reminders. Extensions are exceptional. |
| Employer’s Return (IR56B) | January 31 | Remuneration details for each employee | Mandatory. Triggers cross-check with individual returns. |
| Individual Salaries Tax | ~Early June (1 month from May issue) | BIR60 form + supporting documents | Align with MPF records. Claim deductions (e.g., home loan interest, donations). |
| Property Tax Return | ~April 1 (issued annually) | Declaration of rental income | Payment due in installments (Jan & Apr following assessment). |
| Monthly MPF Contributions | 10th of the following month | Employee & employer contributions | Essential for Salaries Tax deductions. Non-compliance has dual penalties. |
✅ Key Takeaways
- Treat Deadlines as Absolute: The IRD’s one-month filing windows are fixed. Proactively diarize dates based on your fiscal year-end; do not wait for reminders.
- Integrate MPF & Payroll: Your monthly MPF compliance is directly linked to your annual Salaries Tax position. Ensure systems are synced to protect valuable deductions.
- Document to Dispute: If you receive an estimated assessment, your window to object is short (one month). Maintain impeccable, auditable records year-round to respond swiftly.
- See Compliance as Strategy: Consistent, punctual compliance builds credibility with the IRD, which can translate to smoother operations and fewer audits.
In Hong Kong’s competitive landscape, mastering the tax calendar is more than an administrative task—it’s a core business competency. It signals to partners, investors, and regulators that you operate with the precision and integrity the market expects. As the 2024/25 tax year progresses, ask not just “what’s due?” but “how can our mastery of this rhythm become a tangible competitive advantage?”
📚 Sources & References
This article has been fact-checked against official Hong Kong government sources:
- Inland Revenue Department (IRD) – Official tax authority
- IRD Profits Tax Guide
- IRD Salaries Tax Guide
- IRD Property Tax Guide
- GovHK – Hong Kong Government portal
Last verified: December 2024 | This article is for informational purposes only. For professional advice tailored to your specific situation, consult a qualified tax practitioner.