Do I have to submit audited accounts with my profits tax return (BIR51)?

IRD's rule The circular to tax representatives says that for corporations, audited financial statements should be submitted with the returns in all cases with gross income, except:

• Dormant companies under the Companies Ordinance.
• Companies incorporated where the law does not require an audit, if no audit report exists. In that case a tax representative's certificate states that the statements were prepared from records and information given, and not audited.

What the BIR51 notes add

• A certified copy of the audited statements is required. If the copy is abridged, a detailed statement of financial position and profit or loss statement must also be supplied.
• The return asks whether a Hong Kong practice unit audited the accounts and for the practising certificate number of the signing CPA.
• IRD's FAQ says photocopies and unsigned auditor's reports or financial statements are not accepted.
• A listed company can file the group's annual report plus its own profit and loss account.

Hong Kong branches IRD generally accepts unaudited branch accounts with specified information; this is separate from a Hong Kong limited company.

Tax computation How to compute the assessable profit is a profits tax question, which is separate from the audit: see the Hong Kong profits tax lessons, such as the one on how the tax is calculated.

Check IRD's current-year circular because requirements can be updated.