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Q & A for the Reduction of Business Registration Certificate Levy
1.
Q:
How does the new rate of Business Registration Certificate levy apply?
A:
The Business Registration Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 2) Order 2013 (“The Order”) has come into operation on 19 July 2013. It reduces the Business Registration Certificate levy which finances the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund from $450 per annum to $250 per annum. The new rate applies to:
| (a) | business registration certificates to be issued on simultaneous business registration applications if the related incorporation applications are made on or after 19 July 2013; and |
| (b) | for other cases, business/branch registration certificates beginning on or after that date. |
2.
Q:
How much should I pay for the levy if I submit my incorporation application to the Companies Registry under the One-stop Company and Business Registration service on 19 July 2013?
3.
Q:
Can I pay the levy of $250 if I submitted my incorporation application to the Companies Registry under the One-stop Company and Business Registration service on 18 July 2013, but the certificate of incorporation and business registration certificate are issued on or after 19 July 2013?
A:
No. For local companies incorporated under the One-stop Company and Business Registration service, the amount of levy payable is determined by reference to the date on which the related incorporation application is submitted to the Companies Registry. Therefore, the levy payable is $450 per annum.
4.
Q:
How much should I pay for the levy if I submit an application for registration of a non-Hong Kong company to the Companies Registry on or after 19 July 2013 but the company has already established its place of business in Hong Kong on 11 July 2013?
A:
For non-Hong Kong companies, the amount of levy payable is determined by reference to the date of establishment of place of business in Hong Kong which should also be the date of commencement of business. Therefore, the amount of levy payable is $450 per annum.
5.
Q:
How much should I pay for the levy if I submit an application for business registration of my sole proprietorship business to the Business Registration Office on or after 19 July 2013 but I have commenced business on 15 July 2013?
A:
You are required to pay $450 per annum for the levy as the amount of levy payable for a sole proprietorship business is determined by reference to the date of commencement of business but not the date of submission of the application.
6.
Q:
Can I apply for a refund of part of the levy paid for my renewal business or branch registration certificate commencing before 19 July 2013?
A:
No. The reduction of levy only applies to renewal business or branch registration certificates with dates of commencement on or after 19 July 2013. It does not provide for the refund of levy paid.