Hong Kong and chops, signatures, stamps --- when will it end?
- Thread starter dogprince
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You can do all online by now. You just need to send a couple of fax to get an online login. It is a one-time thing. After that, all your personal tax matters will be delivered to you electronically while you file electronically with only a username and password. Corporate tax filing is possible online with a username and password only as well. Delivery of corporate tax configuration will start in July 2025.
Use www.fax852.com for initial registration.
By the way, the new iXBRL is super cool. No more need for PDF export etc. You just open notepad2 and type your financial statement and bir51 aka tax computation and upload it. You can data-base64-embed fonts and svg. Saves plenty of time if you know html and accounting. I admit that the IRD form is a bit complicated as you need to enter your file number and submission code 3 times to upload but I hope they will improve that workflow once.
Happy to help you out you don't know how to start. Ask for PM if needed.
Use www.fax852.com for initial registration.
By the way, the new iXBRL is super cool. No more need for PDF export etc. You just open notepad2 and type your financial statement and bir51 aka tax computation and upload it. You can data-base64-embed fonts and svg. Saves plenty of time if you know html and accounting. I admit that the IRD form is a bit complicated as you need to enter your file number and submission code 3 times to upload but I hope they will improve that workflow once.
Happy to help you out you don't know how to start. Ask for PM if needed.
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daniels27 said:
You can do all online by now. You just need to send a couple of fax to get an online login. It is a one-time thing. After that, all your personal tax matters will be delivered to you electronically while you file electronically with only a username and password. Corporate tax filing is possible online with a username and password only as well. Delivery of corporate tax configuration will start in July 2025.
Use www.fax852.com for initial registration.
By the way, the new iXBRL is super cool. No more need for PDF export etc. You just open notepad2 and type your financial statement and bir51 aka tax computation and upload it. You can data-base64-embed fonts and svg. Saves plenty of time if you know html and accounting. I admit that the IRD form is a bit complicated as you need to enter your file number and submission code 3 times to upload but I hope they will improve that workflow once.
Happy to help you out you don't know how to start. Ask for PM if needed.
Click to expand...
Very interesting. Thanks for the share.
However one of the reasons why I shutdown everything in Hong Kong (besides banking) was due to all the nonsense that @dogprince mentioned. Additionally, when I had employees in HK I was constantly doing paperwork for their insurance, MPF etc etc.
You can do all online by now. You just need to send a couple of fax to get an online login. It is a one-time thing. After that, all your personal tax matters will be delivered to you electronically while you file electronically with only a username and password. Corporate tax filing is possible online with a username and password only as well. Delivery of corporate tax configuration will start in July 2025.
Use www.fax852.com for initial registration.
By the way, the new iXBRL is super cool. No more need for PDF export etc. You just open notepad2 and type your financial statement and bir51 aka tax computation and upload it. You can data-base64-embed fonts and svg. Saves plenty of time if you know html and accounting. I admit that the IRD form is a bit complicated as you need to enter your file number and submission code 3 times to upload but I hope they will improve that workflow once.
Happy to help you out you don't know how to start. Ask for PM if needed.
Click to expand...
Very interesting. Thanks for the share.
However one of the reasons why I shutdown everything in Hong Kong (besides banking) was due to all the nonsense that @dogprince mentioned. Additionally, when I had employees in HK I was constantly doing paperwork for their insurance, MPF etc etc.
daniels27 said:
You can do all online by now. You just need to send a couple of fax to get an online login. It is a one-time thing. After that, all your personal tax matters will be delivered to you electronically while you file electronically with only a username and password. Corporate tax filing is possible online with a username and password only as well. Delivery of corporate tax configuration will start in July 2025.
Use www.fax852.com for initial registration.
By the way, the new iXBRL is super cool. No more need for PDF export etc. You just open notepad2 and type your financial statement and bir51 aka tax computation and upload it. You can data-base64-embed fonts and svg. Saves plenty of time if you know html and accounting. I admit that the IRD form is a bit complicated as you need to enter your file number and submission code 3 times to upload but I hope they will improve that workflow once.
Happy to help you out you don't know how to start. Ask for PM if needed.
Click to expand...
Can you do corporate tax filings yourself? How about the audit report, will the original be required to be sent to them, or can also upload a scan? I might start a HK Ltd soon and would of course like to keep costs down.
You can do all online by now. You just need to send a couple of fax to get an online login. It is a one-time thing. After that, all your personal tax matters will be delivered to you electronically while you file electronically with only a username and password. Corporate tax filing is possible online with a username and password only as well. Delivery of corporate tax configuration will start in July 2025.
Use www.fax852.com for initial registration.
By the way, the new iXBRL is super cool. No more need for PDF export etc. You just open notepad2 and type your financial statement and bir51 aka tax computation and upload it. You can data-base64-embed fonts and svg. Saves plenty of time if you know html and accounting. I admit that the IRD form is a bit complicated as you need to enter your file number and submission code 3 times to upload but I hope they will improve that workflow once.
Happy to help you out you don't know how to start. Ask for PM if needed.
Click to expand...
Can you do corporate tax filings yourself? How about the audit report, will the original be required to be sent to them, or can also upload a scan? I might start a HK Ltd soon and would of course like to keep costs down.
Xshore said:
Can you do corporate tax filings yourself? How about the audit report, will the original be required to be sent to them, or can also upload a scan? I might start a HK Ltd soon and would of course like to keep costs down.
Click to expand...
You can file it yourself as iXBRL (HTML). I am not sure about the audit report. As far as I understand close to nobody really has a clue how iXBRL in connection with an audit report should work. Especially noting that the auditors in Hong Kong usually delete what you send them and prepare all the financial statements themselves.
I tried it last week with the audit report added to the HTM. I left it word by word including the mention of the page numbers. Let's see what happens. IRD told me to do so. But it sounds a bit stupid. Maybe they will need a printed version from the auditor, at least I won't be the one printing stuff and having to sign it.
Can you do corporate tax filings yourself? How about the audit report, will the original be required to be sent to them, or can also upload a scan? I might start a HK Ltd soon and would of course like to keep costs down.
Click to expand...
You can file it yourself as iXBRL (HTML). I am not sure about the audit report. As far as I understand close to nobody really has a clue how iXBRL in connection with an audit report should work. Especially noting that the auditors in Hong Kong usually delete what you send them and prepare all the financial statements themselves.
I tried it last week with the audit report added to the HTM. I left it word by word including the mention of the page numbers. Let's see what happens. IRD told me to do so. But it sounds a bit stupid. Maybe they will need a printed version from the auditor, at least I won't be the one printing stuff and having to sign it.
dogprince said:
Anyone know if Hong Kong will ever stop requiring actual signatures for IRD returns, etc.
Having to courier documents to HK because they require original signatures is getting old fast (especially in this day and age).
Click to expand...
Really it can't be handled by e-mail or ditigal way? how about telefax?
Anyone know if Hong Kong will ever stop requiring actual signatures for IRD returns, etc.
Having to courier documents to HK because they require original signatures is getting old fast (especially in this day and age).
Click to expand...
Really it can't be handled by e-mail or ditigal way? how about telefax?
lavel said:
Really it can't be handled by e-mail or ditigal way? how about telefax?
Click to expand...
As mentioned above, IRD accepts fax and e-filing. For the annual fillings, which need to be audited, the auditors normally a bit pain as they want to prepare all themselves, then you need to sign and then they sign and send to IRD. I guess fax for this won't work.
You can now e-file iXBRL which solves the issue.
Really it can't be handled by e-mail or ditigal way? how about telefax?
Click to expand...
As mentioned above, IRD accepts fax and e-filing. For the annual fillings, which need to be audited, the auditors normally a bit pain as they want to prepare all themselves, then you need to sign and then they sign and send to IRD. I guess fax for this won't work.
You can now e-file iXBRL which solves the issue.
intlman said:
Very interesting. Thanks for the share.
However one of the reasons why I shutdown everything in Hong Kong (besides banking) was due to all the nonsense that @dogprince mentioned. Additionally, when I had employees in HK I was constantly doing paperwork for their insurance, MPF etc etc.
Click to expand...
You better don't hire people there. Insurance is mandatory for all but the owners. MPF is mandatory unless you have another residence somewhere where you have some retirement plan (no application and no check is done).
Very interesting. Thanks for the share.
However one of the reasons why I shutdown everything in Hong Kong (besides banking) was due to all the nonsense that @dogprince mentioned. Additionally, when I had employees in HK I was constantly doing paperwork for their insurance, MPF etc etc.
Click to expand...
You better don't hire people there. Insurance is mandatory for all but the owners. MPF is mandatory unless you have another residence somewhere where you have some retirement plan (no application and no check is done).
daniels27 said:
Corporate tax filing is possible online with a username and password only as well. Delivery of corporate tax configuration will start in July 2025.
Click to expand...
What's your source for July 2025? Do you have a link?
Corporate tax filing is possible online with a username and password only as well. Delivery of corporate tax configuration will start in July 2025.
Click to expand...
What's your source for July 2025? Do you have a link?
dogprince said:
What's your source for July 2025? Do you have a link?
Click to expand...
The website is vague but announces a major update. But I received an email from IRD free days ago they from July 2025, it will be possible to receive corporate tax matter related communication online.
https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/tax/bus_btp.htm
What's your source for July 2025? Do you have a link?
Click to expand...
The website is vague but announces a major update. But I received an email from IRD free days ago they from July 2025, it will be possible to receive corporate tax matter related communication online.
https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/tax/bus_btp.htm
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daniels27 said:
You better don't hire people there. Insurance is mandatory for all but the owners. MPF is mandatory unless you have another residence somewhere where you have some retirement plan (no application and no check is done).
Click to expand...
I'm wondering if there are any social contributions / withholding tax requirements for foreign workers? I mean you probably can sign some "individual entrepreneur remote freelance services agreement" to be fine, but what about an employment contract - any idea? TIA.
You better don't hire people there. Insurance is mandatory for all but the owners. MPF is mandatory unless you have another residence somewhere where you have some retirement plan (no application and no check is done).
Click to expand...
I'm wondering if there are any social contributions / withholding tax requirements for foreign workers? I mean you probably can sign some "individual entrepreneur remote freelance services agreement" to be fine, but what about an employment contract - any idea? TIA.
Meta said:
I'm wondering if there are any social contributions / withholding tax requirements for foreign workers? I mean you probably can sign some "individual entrepreneur remote freelance services agreement" to be fine, but what about an employment contract - any idea? TIA.
Click to expand...
You will need to ensure that they are legally employed and in accordance with local laws of their residence.
I'm wondering if there are any social contributions / withholding tax requirements for foreign workers? I mean you probably can sign some "individual entrepreneur remote freelance services agreement" to be fine, but what about an employment contract - any idea? TIA.
Click to expand...
You will need to ensure that they are legally employed and in accordance with local laws of their residence.
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