{"id":92118,"date":"2023-12-20T10:39:11","date_gmt":"2023-12-20T02:39:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/premiatnc.com\/hk\/?p=92118"},"modified":"2024-09-16T11:42:06","modified_gmt":"2024-09-16T03:42:06","slug":"how-to-file-annual-returns-in-hong-kong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/premiatnc.com\/hk\/blog\/how-to-file-annual-returns-in-hong-kong\/","title":{"rendered":"How to File Annual Returns in Hong Kong?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Do you run a business in Hong Kong<\/a>, or are you planning to do so?  The Companies Ordinance requires every business in Hong Kong to learn how to file annual returns in Hong Kong. Every private company in Hong Kong has to send in an annual return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This happens around the anniversary date of the company. To file this annual return, you must fill out an AR1 form within 42 days of the anniversary of the date your company was founded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t file your company\u2019s annual return within this time frame, you\u2019ll have to pay late fees that get more expensive the longer you wait to file. This is a very important but difficult task, and most businesses find it hard to do it themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why we put up this post to talk about everything you need to know about how to file annual returns in Hong Kong. Find out more about filing an annual return Hong Kong and why you should hire professional company secretarial services<\/a> to help you with the filing process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

What Is A Hong Kong Annual Return?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before diving straight into the mechanics of how to file annual returns in Hong Kong, let\u2019s first clear up a common misunderstanding: the annual return form has nothing to do with the company\u2019s taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The annual return is a form that is filed every year and submitted to the Hong Kong Companies Registry. It gives the government a quick overview of your company\u2019s most important information, such as who runs it, who owns it, the official registered address and a summary of how it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of the annual return is to check your company\u2019s compliance status and see if it can keep running legally. Form NAR1 is another name for an annual return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This form is prepared by your official company secretary<\/a> and signed by authorized representatives, company manager, secretary, and Director. Along with the submission, you have to pay an annual registration fee.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

When Should The Annual Return Be Sent To The Registrar Of Companies To Be Registered?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When a company sends in its form NAR1, it must also include a government registration fee of HK$105. This fee is required by law. The deadline to file is 42 days after the anniversary of the date the company was established. This 42-day period also includes Sundays and public holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if the 42nd day falls on a Sunday or a public holiday, the Hong Kong Companies Registry will move the deadline to the next working day that is neither a Sunday nor a public holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Business owners should be aware that no extra time will be given to file, and it is a crime not to send in the return on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the document is late, the Registrar will charge a late fee that can go as high as HK$3480. The amount of the annual registration fee is set by law and not by the Companies Registry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Businesses Must File An Annual Return?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By law, both registered Hong Kong-based companies and non-Hong Kong-based companies are required to file their annual return submission.  However, private incorporated companies who have filed for dormant status are exempted from filing for annual return Hong Kong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Information Is In An Annual Return?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In an Annual Return, you should disclose the following information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n