File Your Individual Tax Return on Time
The 2024/25 tax returns for individuals were issued on 2 May 2025. Taxpayers are required to file the completed returns to the Inland Revenue Department (“IRD”) within 1 month from the date of issue of the return (i.e. on or before 2 June 2025). For the sole proprietors, returns should be filed on or before 2 August 2025.
Reporting income under salaries tax
You should report income, before deducting your mandatory contributions to recognized retirement schemes (“MPF”), is received or receivable during the year. Income includes income from an office, employment (on a full-time, part-time or casual basis) or pension from a former employer.
Even if full or partial tax exemption is claimed for offshore nature, the gross amount should be declared in Part 4.1 of the return. Then, you should fill in the amount to be excluded in Part 4.1 of the return and complete the Appendix to the return.
Deductions and allowances
Claim for deductions under salaries tax, such as approved charitable donations and contributions to the MPF, can be made in Part 4.3 of the return.
You may also claim eligible allowances, such as married person’s allowance and child allowance, in Part 12 of the return.
Assessment
In general, most taxpayers will receive tax bills starting from the third quarter each year. However, no assessment notices will be issued to those who are assessed as not liable to tax.
Consequences of NOT filing your tax return on time
If you do not file your tax return on time, you may be required to pay a penalty, or even prosecuted. A further possible consequence is that you may be required to pay more tax. This is because without your furnishing the relevant details, the Assessor will issue an estimated assessment and demand for more tax than required.
If you have changed your postal address and have not received a tax return, you should notify the IRD your new postal address and obtain a duplicate tax return. Please call IRD’s hotline 187 8022 to check a tax return has been issued to you.
