As the annual tax filing season approaches, please be reminded of the upcoming deadlines for filing both your Employer's Return and Profits Tax Return. While the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has granted an extended filing deadline for Profits Tax Returns under the Block Extension Scheme for tax representatives, the deadline for filing the Employer's Return remains unchanged.
Employer’s Return
The Employer’s Returns of Remuneration and Pensions (Form BIR56A) for the year ended 31 March 2025 will be issued on 1 April 2025. Please note that the Block Extension Scheme does not apply to Employer’s Returns.
Employers are required to complete and file the returns within one month from 1 April 2025, along with Form(s) IR56B to report remuneration paid to employees and directors for duties performed both inside and outside Hong Kong during the tax year (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025).
Additionally, if you have any new hires or terminated employees, you must submit the relevant Form IR56E, Form IR56F or Form IR56G.
Remuneration Period
Original Deadline
Extended Deadline
1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025
2 May 2025
No extension
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Failure to submit the Employer’s Return within the specified timeframe may result in a fine of HK$10,000 (Level 3 fine), and the court may order additional penalties.
Profits Tax Return
The bulk issue of 2024/25 Profits Tax returns for corporations and partnerships will be sent out on 1 April 2025 for active cases and 2 April 2025 for inactive cases.
Please note that filing deadlines have been segregated and extended under the Block Extension Scheme according to the different accounting date codes for taxpayers who have appointed tax representatives.
Accounting Date / Code
Original Deadline
Extended Deadline
1 April 2024– 30 November 2024 (Code “N”)
2 May 2025
No extension
1 December 2024 – 31 December 2024 (Code “D”)
2 May 2025
15 August 2025
1 January 2025 – 31 March 2025 (Code “M”)
2 May 2025
17 November 2025
What happens if I miss the deadline?
What happens if I miss the deadline? Failure to file a Profits Tax Return within the statutory time limit or the filing of an incorrect Profits Tax Return is an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3 (i.e. HK$10,000), and a further fine of treble the undercharged amount.
In addition, every company that has derived net assessable profits for any year of assessment must inform the IRD in writing that it is so chargeable, not later than four months after the end of the basis period for that year of assessment unless it has already been required to furnish a Profits Tax Return. A company that fails to notify chargeability without reasonable excuses shall be guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of HK$10,000 (Level 3 fine), and a further fine of three times the undercharged amount.
The IRD may also issue estimated assessments and impose further penalties for late filing or any non-compliance.
Need help preparing the form?
If you need assistance with preparing or submitting the tax returns, our team is here to help! Simply reach out to your client manager or click the button below to contact us.
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