How long must I keep business records in Hong Kong for tax?
At least 7 years after the completion of the transactions they relate to. Records must be in English or Chinese and sufficient to work out assessable profits. Failing to keep adequate records can bring a fine of HK$100,000. This answer is only a pointer; the bookkeeping section covers the procedure.
The Inland Revenue Ordinance requires every person carrying on business in Hong Kong to keep sufficient records of income and expenditure, in English or Chinese, so that assessable profits can be readily ascertained.
- Retention: keep business records for at least 7 years after the transactions they relate to are completed (section 51C).
- Penalty: failure to keep sufficient records without reasonable excuse can lead to a fine of HK$100,000 (section 80(1A)).
- Employers: keep payroll records for at least 7 years.
- Rent records: landlords have a separate duty (section 51D).
Keeping records is also what lets you support offshore claims, deductions, and the figures in your tax computation if the IRD asks questions within its audit look-back period (normally six years of assessment, ten for fraud or wilful evasion).
This is a one-line pointer. For how to organise bookkeeping and what to keep, see the bookkeeping section of this knowledge base.
Legal basis
- Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112), s.51C
- Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112), s.80(1A)
Sources
Applies to YA 2025/26 · Last reviewed 29 October 2026
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.
Related questions
- When will a new Hong Kong company receive its first profits tax return?The IRD generally issues the first Profits Tax Return about 18 months after the date of incorporation. A first-time recipient has 3 months from issue to file. If you are chargeable to tax and receive nothing, you must notify the IRD in writing within 4 months after the end of the basis period.
- What is the filing deadline for the Hong Kong profits tax return?The due date is printed on page 1 of the return, normally one month from issue. First-time recipients get 3 months, and e-filers under the e-notice get 2 months. Represented taxpayers usually get later dates under the Block Extension Scheme, depending on the accounting year-end.
- How does the Block Extension Scheme work for profits tax returns (N, D and M codes)?With a tax representative, the due date depends on your accounting year-end code. For 2025/26: N code no extension; D code (December) 31 August 2026 on paper, 2 October 2026 if e-filed; M code (1 January to 31 March) 30 November 2026 on paper, 30 December 2026 if e-filed. The D and M dates were later extended from 17 August and 16 November.
- Can I e-file my Hong Kong profits tax return, and is it compulsory?E-filing is optional for most businesses and compulsory only for large multinational group members (Part 4AA entities) from year of assessment 2025/26. Voluntary e-filers can get a further one-month extension. Supporting documents are submitted in iXBRL format when filing electronically.
- What documents must I submit with my Hong Kong profits tax return?A company or partnership with gross income must send its financial statements and a tax computation with the return. The 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.