Hong Kong and chops, signatures, stamps --- when will it end?

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dogprince

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Apr 10, 2024
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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).
 
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 of︀ time if you know html and accounting. I admit that the IRD form is a︁ bit complicated as you need to enter your file number and submission code 3 times︂ to upload but I hope they will improve that workflow once.

Happy to help you︃ out you don't know how to start. Ask for PM if needed.
 
Very interesting. Thanks for the share.

However one of the reasons why I︅ 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 their︆ insurance, MPF etc etc.
 
Can you do corporate tax filings yourself? How about the audit report, will︅ 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 costs︇ down.
 
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 the︀ financial statements themselves.

I tried it last week with the audit report added to the︁ HTM. I left it word by word including the mention of the page numbers. Let's︂ 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 be︄ the one printing stuff and having to sign it.
 
Really it can't be⁠ handled by e-mail or ditigal way? how about telefax?
 
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.
 
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).
 
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.
 
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