In this course · 6 of 7
Course 2
File your profits tax return
7 lessons · 8 min
- 1When will a new Hong Kong company receive its first profits tax return?
- 2Must I tell the IRD I'm chargeable to tax if I got no tax return?
- 3What is the filing deadline for the Hong Kong profits tax return?
- 4Hong Kong Block Extension Scheme: profits tax return dates for 2025/26
- 5Can I e-file my Hong Kong profits tax return, and is it compulsory?
- 6What documents must I submit with my Hong Kong profits tax return?
- 7Do I need audited accounts to file a Hong Kong profits tax return?

The short answer
A Hong Kong company or partnership with gross income must send its financial statements and a tax computation with the return. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) lists a certified balance sheet, the profit and loss account, the auditor's report where one is required or has been prepared, and a tax computation with supporting schedules.
If a corporation or partnership business had gross income in the basis period, the return must be accompanied by supporting documents. The Inland Revenue Department's (IRD's) Block Extension Scheme circular for 2025/26 returns lists:
- A certified copy of the statement of financial position (balance sheet), the auditor's report where Hong Kong or foreign law requires one, or if one has otherwise been prepared, and the statement of comprehensive income (profit and loss account) for the basis period.
- A tax computation with schedules showing how assessable profits or the adjusted loss were reached from the accounting profit.
- Other documents specified in the notes to the return.
Schedules the IRD expects to see include:
- interest expense and any interest claimed as offshore;
- offshore profits and related expense apportionment;
- fees paid to related parties;
- sub-contractor and professional fees;
- repairs and improvements;
- bad debts and movements in reserves;
- asset purchases and sales;
- charitable donations.
Format and tidy-up
- Amounts must be in Hong Kong dollars without cents.
- The profit on the return must match the tax computation and be for the current year only (do not net off brought-forward losses on the return).
- A return missing required documents may be treated as invalid.
Whether your company must be audited is a Companies Ordinance question; speak to your auditor rather than assuming an exemption.
Legal basis and sources
The law
- Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112), s.51(1)
General information for business owners, not legal, tax or professional advice. Rules change, so check the sources or ask a licensed professional before you act.
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