PRESS RELEASE

2005-06 tax returns issued from today

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The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) will today (April 3) issue about 147,000 profits tax returns, 102,000 property tax returns and 299,000 employer's returns for the year 2005-06. About 1.84 million tax returns for individuals will be issued on May 2. The return forms and forms for furnishing tax returns have been approved by the Board of Inland Revenue.

Encouraged by favourable feedback about the e-filing service, the department has invited taxpayers who have not experienced the benefits of e-filing to try it this year. To use this convenient service, taxpayers must either possess a digital certificate or register as an e-Tax Password user. The registration procedures are very simple. Just lodge an application any time by connecting to (www.esd.gov.hk) through the Internet or calling the 24-hour Automated Telephone Registration Hotline on 183 2033.

"Some taxpayers forgot their passwords last year and were unable to use the service. To help them conveniently regain access to the service, we will accept re-application for a new e-Tax Password via the Internet or telephone this year. Please refer to the leaflet enclosed with the tax return for further details," a department spokesman said.

To provide better service to taxpayers, the department has upgraded the Internet filing functions. In addition to the direct linkage to the department homepage for viewing tax rates and various allowances, users can find plenty of useful filling tips and enhanced functions, including:

Pre-filling of data
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To make e-filing simple and easy, the department has pre-filled some details of taxpayers' tax returns with data retrieved from its system.

Estimation of salaries tax payable
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Taxpayers can have a computation of their estimated salaries tax payable immediately after submitting their tax returns. This will help them plan early for their tax payment.

Viewing and printing
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Details of the electronic returns will be stored for two years for taxpayers' subsequent reference. They may view and print their stored returns and estimated salaries tax computations anytime during the two-year retention period.

Individual taxpayers who file their tax returns through the Internet or via the telephone are allowed a two-week automatic extension of time to file their returns.

Taxpayers can visit the department website at www.ird.gov.hk for common questions and answers on how to complete the returns. The spokesman also reminded taxpayers to file their correct tax returns on time.

Ends/Monday, April 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:01

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