Hong Kong Journalists Association required to pay HK$400,000 in profits tax, to file objection

The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) announced on Thursday that they have been required by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to pay about HK$400,000 in profits tax and are planning to file a complaint regarding the assessment.

The reporters union stated that last November they received a letter from the IRD stating that they required an audit of tax matters starting from 2017–18, along with requesting the Journalists Association to submit detailed accounting records for certain years and to submit profit tax returns for a total of six years from 2017–18 to 2022–23.

The HKJA stated that the tax department's calculation is based on bank deposits by the HKJA; however, the association is funded by major public and private institutions through fund-raising activities such as annual dinners.

The spokesman added that every fiscal year they have arranged for auditors to audit the amount based in accordance to the Trade Unions Ordinance before submitting the reports to the government on time.

The association also announced that they are filing an objection regarding the tax assessment and have arranged for professionals to assist in follow-up on the tax assessment for 2017-18. It also said that it will continue to cooperate with the IRD, submit relevant financial documents, and may request a meeting later.