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.
Timing. According to the IRD's block extension circular, the first Profits Tax Return (BIR51 for a company) is generally issued some 18 months after the date of incorporation, or after commencement for a new partnership. In some cases the IRD may issue a provisional return earlier.
Time to file. Taxpayers who receive their first return during the year can submit it within 3 months from the date of issue, without needing to apply for an extension.
Do not wait for the form. Anyone who is chargeable to profits tax but has not received a return must tell the IRD in writing within 4 months after the end of the basis period for that year of assessment (section 51(2)). A company that has received returns in earlier years and can expect another need not do this; a new or "commencement" case does. The IRD says assessors are told to look for failures to notify and to take penalty action where there is no reasonable excuse.
What the first return covers. Often it covers more than one accounting period, because 18 months can span two year-ends. You need accounts and a tax computation for every period covered, so keep your records from day one.
Business registration is separate: it must be obtained within one month of starting business.
Legal basis
- Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112), s.51(1)
- Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112), s.51(2)
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 must I notify the IRD that I have hired a new employee (IR56E)?Within 3 months of the employee starting work, an employer must give the IRD Form IR56E for a new employee who is likely to be chargeable to salaries tax. Give the employee a copy of the form. A fine of up to HK$10,000 can follow if you fail to file without reasonable excuse.
- Do I have to tell the IRD I am chargeable to tax if I have not received a return?Yes. Anyone chargeable to profits, salaries or property tax who has not received a return must notify the IRD in writing within 4 months after the end of the basis period for that year of assessment. A person who ceases a business must notify the IRD within one month of ceasing.
- 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.