PRESS RELEASE

IRD releases Performance Pledge Annual Report

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The Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Mr Chu Yam-yuen, said today (June 30) that the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) had achieved all the targets, and exceeded many, in its performance pledges in 2009-10.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony for the 16th Outstanding Customer Service Awards, Mr Chu attributed the department's achievements to the concerted efforts of its staff. He said that the department pledged to continue serving the public better by providing efficient and effective services.

"To make tax compliance easier for taxpayers and further promote electronic services, the department has extended its eTAX Internet filing service to cover small corporations and partnerships from April 2010 onwards. Businesses meeting the criteria can file profits tax returns through the Internet. It is convenient and easy. The department has also enhanced the service level of processing applications for eTAX access codes within two working days with the target of 95% raised to 98% this year," Mr Chu said.

"Through continuous improvement of work procedures, we are able to shorten the time for issuing tax refunds arising from overpayment from 21 working days to 18 working days."

Mr Chu also thanked members of the Inland Revenue Department Users' Committee, an independent body comprising legal and tax practitioners, academics and other professionals, for the contributions they made in monitoring the department's performance against its pledges and in enhancing its service standards.

At today's presentation ceremony, members of the Users' Committee presented prizes to 36 individual and group winners who have secured the highest number of votes from the public.

"A taxpayer's vote represents his support for the department's service and recognition of the quality service of the frontline staff, which is a key driver behind our pursuit of excellence," Mr Chu said.

The department's 2010-11 Performance Pledge and 2009-10 Annual Report on Performance Pledge can be found at (www.ird.gov.hk). Copies are also available for collection on the ground and first floors of Revenue Tower and the public enquiry service centres of district offices.

Ends/Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:30

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