The Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Requisition for Copies of Tax Documents by Hong Kong Service Supplier
CEPA is the first free trade agreement ever concluded by the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong covering four areas, namely trade in goods, trade in services, investment, and economic and technical cooperation.
Both “natural persons” and “juridical persons” of Hong Kong can enjoy preferential treatment offered by the Mainland if they fulfil the definition of Hong Kong Service Supplier under CEPA. Generally speaking, a “juridical person” means any legal entity duly constituted or organized under the applicable laws of Hong Kong, including corporation, partnership and sole proprietorship, etc. and has engaged in substantive business operations in Hong Kong. A “natural person” means a permanent resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
To obtain the preferential treatment under CEPA, a Hong Kong service supplier should apply to the Trade and Industry Department for a Certificate of Hong Kong Service Supplier. As required by the Trade and Industry Department, the applications should be submitted with supporting documents including the following business registration and tax documents: –
- Copy of the valid the Business Registration Certificate certified by Designated Professional or Business Registration Office
- A certified extract of information on Business Register issued by Business Registration Office
- Copies of annual tax returns submitted to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and assessment notices issued by IRD for the latest year, all certified by Designated Professional
- A copy of latest Employer’s Return of Remuneration and Pensions submitted to IRD certified by Designated Professional.
