Property tax in Hong Kong is a crucial aspect of financial management for property owners, with implications for both individuals and businesses. Let's delve into the intricacies of property tax, including obligations, calculations, and tax relief, to ensure compliance and optimize your tax strategy.
Understanding Property Tax in Hong Kong
Property tax is imposed on income derived from letting immovable property in Hong Kong, payable by the owner(s) at the prevailing standard rate for the assessment year. Here's a breakdown of essential points:
Net Assessable Value: Property tax is calculated based on the "net assessable value," which is determined after deducting allowable expenses from the gross rental income.
Ownership Responsibility: Each joint owner or owner in common is individually responsible for reporting rental income and paying property tax, as if they were the sole owner.
Assessable Value: The assessable value is typically the annual rent received, including due but not yet received rent. Irrecoverable rent can be excluded, but any subsequent recovery is taxable.
Calculating Property Tax
Property tax is levied on 15 percent of the net assessable value. The net assessable value is determined differently based on whether the tenant or the owner pays rates.
Rates: Rates, an indirect tax on properties, are calculated at five percent of the property's rateable value, estimated annually as of October 1.
Assessment Year: The assessment year runs from April 1 to March 31 of the following year, aligning with Hong Kong's fiscal year.
Obligations and Penalties
Failure to comply with property tax obligations may result in penalties. Taxpayers must follow payment instructions provided in the assessment notice and settle taxes by the due date. Non-payment may lead to surcharges and legal actions by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue.
Tax Relief and Provisional Property Tax
Relief for Business Properties: Property tax paid can be deducted from profits tax liabilities, providing relief for businesses. Corporations engaged in trade, professions, or businesses can also seek exemption from property tax.
Provisional Property Tax: As property value fluctuates, provisional tax charges are raised. Taxpayers can request extensions for provisional tax payments under certain legitimate grounds.
Filing Property Tax Returns
Property tax returns (BIR57 or BIR58) must be filed within one month from the issuance date. Individual property owners should disclose rental income in the Tax Return - Individuals (BIR60).
Key Takeaways
Property tax in Hong Kong is a complex yet essential aspect of property ownership, impacting both individuals and businesses. By understanding obligations, leveraging tax relief measures, and complying with filing requirements, taxpayers can navigate the property tax landscape effectively while optimizing their tax position.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China’s most trusted business setup advisory firms.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. We focus on eliminating the complexities of corporate services and compliance administration. We help clients with services ranging from trademark registration and company incorporation to the full outsourcing solution for accounting, tax, and human resource services. Our advisory services can be tailor-made based on the companies’ objectives, goals and needs which vary depending on the stage they are at on their journey.
Talk to an expert
Schedule a 30-mins complimentary, no-obligation call to see how Woodburn can help you. Book a call with our Head of Business Advisory - Kristina Koehler-Coluccia.
Topics we can advise on include:
Company Registration
Cloud Accounting & Financial Reporting
Cloud Payroll Services
Tax & Audit Services
Recruitment
Employer-of-Record
Visa Application
Trademark Registration
Switch to Woodburn
Partner with Woodburn (cross referral)
Our calls are automatically scheduled via Zoom - or via Teams, WeChat or WhatsApp upon direct request.
Our advisory calls are available from Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm CEST and Wednesday until 9pm CEST.