Work VISA & Paying Hong Kong Taxes

Greetings,

I've been living and working in Hong Kong for 1 year.

I recently resigned from my Hong Kong employer who sponsored my work visa.

My visa is valid until Aug 2008.

Its my intention to find new employment and sponsorship in Hong Kong.


1. Do I need to notify HKG customs that I resigned ?

2. I was given income/tax documentation upon my departure from work but no instructions on how to file taxes.

Where can I get advise on filing Hong Kong taxes.


Thanks !

1. It's your employers responsibility to inform immigration department that you have left the company.


2. All taxes owed should be paid and the employer is able to withhold the last months payments until clarification is received from the tax department that all outstanding tax is paid.

Q1 Do I need to notify HKG customs that I resigned?

It is not appropriate to notify Hong Kong Customs & Excise. After the issuance of a visa, if there is any change regarding your sponsorship, you and your company has an obligation to inform the Immigration Department of the termination by post or by fax to (852) 2586 1431 as soon as possible. Overseas employees are not allowed to change employment or take up part time job without the permission of the Immigration Department. Those who have breached their condition of stay will be liable to prosecution.


Note: (Does not apply to foreign domestic helpers, imported workers, entrants under Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals and Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, and their dependants) http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/faq_es_vnpr.htm#e


Weir & Associates would be pleased to provide you any required professional assistance.


Q2 I was given income/tax documentation upon my departure from work, but no instructions on how to file taxes. Where can I get advice on filing Hong Kong taxes?



You should file your income tax with the Inland Revenue Department. As for the procedure, you may wish to consult their FAQ page at http://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/faq/index.htm or contact them at 187 8022.


Weir & Associates would be pleased to provide you any required professional assistance.


Weir & Associates

Solicitors & Notaries

16th Floor Tak Shing House

Theatre Lane

20 Des Voeux Road Central

Central

Hong Kong

Tel : 2526-1767

Fax : 2868-3568

email : weirlaw@hongkonglaw.com

www.HongKongLaw.com/weirlaw