Tax Laws & Policies

When you accumulate wealth in Hong Kong, hold properties in London, invest in Singapore, and have family members scattered around the world, how will your assets be passed down smoothly? For Hong Kong residents with global connections, cross-border estate planning is far from a luxury, but an important safeguard against legal deadlocks, unexpected taxes and family disputes. Hong Kong's unique status as an international financial hub requires residents to adopt sophisticated inheritance strategies to ensure that wealth can smoothly cross borders.

📋 Key Facts at a Glance Standard Rate Threshold: Directors earning over HK$5 million pay 15% on first HK$5 million, 16% on excess (2024/25) Progressive Rat...

📋 Key Facts at a Glance Free Port Status: Hong Kong maintains duty-free status for 99% of imports, with excise duties only on liquor, tobacco, hydrocarbon...

Did you know? Hidden behind every stock trade on the Hong Kong Exchange is a cost that dates back to the British colonial period. Hong Kong's stock stamp duty system is one of the most historical fiscal structures in Asia's financial landscape, evolving from a paper-based system in the 19th century to today's electronic trading environment. Understanding this legal framework is not only an academic discussion, but is also crucial for investors, companies and financial professionals operating in the Hong Kong capital market. Let’s dig into it…

Are you considering setting up a trust in Hong Kong to protect your wealth and ensure that your assets can be passed on to the next generation? Hong Kong has an excellent tax system and a robust legal system. Setting up a trust is undoubtedly a powerful wealth management strategy. However, if not handled correctly, there are some common pitfalls that can render the entire trust structure ineffective. From complex tax implications to strict compliance requirements, setting up a trust requires careful planning and professional guidance. This 2024-2025 annual guide will...

If the Inland Revenue Department informed you tomorrow that your company would be subject to a profits tax review, how would you respond? For many Hong Kong companies, this scenario often brings immediate pressure and uncertainty. However, as long as you fully understand the review process and are prepared, you can respond confidently and effectively. This comprehensive guide will provide practical strategies to help you prepare for the Hong Kong Profits Tax Review to reduce business disruption and achieve the best outcome.

📋 Key Facts at a Glance Hong Kong Stock Transfer: 0.1% per party (0.2% total) effective 17 November 2023 Singapore Stock Transfer: 0.2% on unlisted shares;...

📋 Key Facts at a Glance Stamp Duty Simplified: All special property stamp duties (BSD, SSD, NRSD) were abolished on February 28, 2024 Property Tax Rate: 15...

📋 Key Facts at a Glance Land Ownership: The Hong Kong SAR Government owns virtually all land - only St. John's Cathedral (1847) has freehold status Proper...

📋 Key Facts at a Glance Historic Reform: On February 28, 2024, Hong Kong abolished Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD), Special Stamp Duty (SSD), and New Residential...

📋 Key Facts at a Glance Hong Kong's DTA Network: Comprehensive agreements with 45+ jurisdictions including Mainland China, Singapore, UK, Japan, and major...

📋 Key Facts at a Glance Tax Advantage: Hong Kong's territorial tax system means offshore-sourced income/assets in a trust are generally not taxed in Hong K...