PRESS RELEASE

Reminder on deadline for filing tax returns

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The Inland Revenue Department today (May 27) reminded taxpayers that they should file their individuals tax returns by June 2.

To encourage online filing of tax returns, taxpayers filing their individuals tax returns through eTAX will enjoy an automatic extension of one month to July 2.

For sole proprietors, the filing deadline is August 2 for paper returns and September 2 for e-returns.

"If taxpayers cannot submit their tax returns within the normal due date of one month from its issue date, they can switch to e-filing and make use of the automatic extension to avoid penalty on late submission", a department spokesman said.

When completing tax returns, taxpayers can refer to the "Guide to Tax Return – Individuals" enclosed with the tax return. The guide also contains answers to commonly asked questions.

"If taxpayers have a problem when completing their tax returns, they may visit the IRD website at www.ird.gov.hk. They may also seek help in the questions and answers corner or call the enquiry hotline 187 8022," he said.

The spokesman said that eTAX, the new gateway to the department’s electronic services, offered account holders a wide range of personalised online services including return filing, receipt of notices of assessment, tax payment, update of personal particulars and checking of tax position anytime, anywhere.

To gain access to this easy, secure and environment-friendly service, a taxpayer has to open an eTAX account at www.gov.hk/etax. If he is holding an e-Tax password or a digital certificate, they can open their eTAX account and proceed with return filing right away, otherwise, they will first need to apply at the IRD website for an eTAX password which will be sent by post in two working days. When opening the eTAX account, they can change their Taxpayer Identification Number to a self-selected name.

"Early opening of eTAX account will give taxpayers a bigger chance of having their preferred Taxpayer Identification Number," the spokesman said.

Ends/Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:10

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