Inland Revenue Department issues tax returns for individuals (with photo)

04 May 2026 Tax Returns Issuance and Filing Deadlines On 04 May 2026, the Inland Revenue Department ("IRD") issued approximately 2.77 million tax returns for individuals for the year of assessment ("Y/A") 2025/26, reminding taxpayers to file on time. The standard filing deadline is one month by June 4, while sole proprietors have three months by August 4. An additional one-month extension is granted for electronic filings, extending the deadline to July 4 for general cases and September 4 for sole proprietors.

04 May 2026 Commissioner’s Press Conference on Tax Measures The Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Mr Benjamin Chan, hosted a press conference regarding the completion of tax returns, electronic filing services, and tax collection for the financial year 2025-26. He introduced concessionary tax measures proposed in the 2025 Policy Address and 2026-27 Budget, including: (1) a one-off 100% reduction in salaries tax, personal assessment tax, and profits tax for Y/A 2025/26, subject to a $3,000 ceiling per case; (2) increased basic, married, single parent, child, and dependent parent/grandparent allowances, plus higher deduction ceilings for elderly residential care expenses from Y/A 2026/27; and (3) extending the claim period for additional child allowance for newborns from one to two years.

04 May 2026 Legislative Implementation and Assessment Adjustments The Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions, Concessionary Deductions and Allowances) Bill 2026 has been introduced to the Legislative Council to implement these measures. Taxpayers are to complete tax returns for Y/A 2025/26 as usual. Following the Bill's passage, relevant tax reductions, allowances, and deductions will be reflected in IRD's final tax payable assessments for Y/A 2025/26 and provisional tax assessments for Y/A 2026/27.

04 May 2026 Digitalisation Initiatives and Mandatory Filing Requirements Mr Chan encouraged the use of eTAX for its ease, security, and environmental benefits, noting the launch of three new portals and a mobile application last July. Electronic filing services now cover claims for salaries income exemption, double taxation relief, and sole proprietorships with gross income exceeding $2 million. Mandatory electronic filing for profits tax returns commenced on April 1, requiring multinational enterprise groups under the global minimum tax regime to file electronically from Y/A 2025/26. A new function for top-up tax returns will be available via the Business Tax Portal in the fourth quarter.

04 May 2026 Postal Submission Protocols and Client Support Taxpayers submitting returns by post must ensure sufficient postage to avoid rejection of underpaid items. IRD advises consulting 'e-Seminars' for completion details. Until June 4, additional staff will support the telephone enquiries hotline 187 8022, with extended hours from 8.15am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

04 May 2026 Financial Year 2025-26 Tax Revenue Collection Mr Chan reported total tax revenue collection of $458.3 billion for the financial year 2025-26, an increase of $83.8 billion compared to the previous year. Breakdowns include: Profits Tax ($212,645 million, +20%), Salaries Tax ($97,692 million, +10%), Property Tax and Personal Assessment ($12,829 million, +5%), Total Earnings and Profits Tax ($323,166 million, +16%), Stamp Duty ($102,565 million, +61%), Betting Duty ($28,290 million, -1%), Business Registration Fees ($3,542 million, +6%), Hotel Accommodation Tax ($770 million), and Estate Duty ($8 million, -20%). Total tax revenue reached $458,341 million, a 22% increase from $374,502 million previously. See Annex 1 for details.