flying into HK and tax

[E.G.T]

just wondered if anyone out there is paying income tax in hk yet not residing there.. .thanks

[HotDog]

15% only is hard to beat, providing your country of residence has a taxation agreement with HKG.

[gofer]

EGT. .. .The 15% is standard to those working in HK. You are taxable. One of the things that makes you taxable in HK is the number of physical days you spend in HK in any 366 - it is 60 days. Unless your entry is not via a boarder control you will be registered as entering in HK great computer in the administration. When you leave it shows. . .. .The computer is even smart enough to do the math on all entries and exits over the last 366 days. Multiple passports in the same name - forget it. And once you have been to apply for your work/residency permit - something which must be done during those first 60 days - they can link your fingerprints, digital image and the name you are using and all of your passports.. .. .HK is a very civilised environment - and the more you earn the more comfortable it can be, but not obeying those simple rules will mean board and lodging of a different standard - that does not compare at all to what you might find acceptable.. .. .Suggestion: don't even think of trying to bend the rules it is not worth it - 15% is so good value for money - and it applies to all, not just those countries with dual agreements.. .. .Being employed by an HK company but working and residing outside the country - check with a tax accountant - normal rule is you pay where you reside.. .. .Oh also if you want to play between domicile and residence - most countries either don't make a destinction - and those that do usually have masses of documentation on the fact.. .. .COME & ENJOY in Cathayland . .. . <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="cool.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="tongue.gif" />. . . . <small>[ 14 March 2002, 13:58: Message edited by: gofer ]</small>

[E.G.T]

THANKS FOR THE VERY INFORMATIVE REPLY GOFER,. .I AM NOT TRYING TO BEND THE RULES, JUST CLARIFY MY POSITION. I'M AWARE OF THE 60 DAY REQUIREMENT WHICH IS WHY I AM CURIOUS. WITHOUT GOING INTO TOO MANY DETAILS, I DON'T PASS THRU A CUSTOMS CHECKPOINT, ONLY LAND AND DEPART (SAME DAY) ON NUMEROUS DAYS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. I WOULD SAY I WOULD ENTER HK LESS THAN 60 DAYS EVERY YEAR (ON MY PASSPORT). YET, I'M SURE THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WOULD HAVE A COPIES OF MANIFESTS WITH MY DETAILS AS AIRCREW IN TRANSIT LISTED ON IT. UNFORTUNATELY SOME OF MY SALARY IS NOW BEING PAID INTO AN HK ACCOUNT. I AM TAXED IN MY COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE WHICH IS IN CHINA.. .AS YOU SAID 15% IS VERY LITTLE AND IF I MUST PAY, SO BE IT. BUT ANY INFORMATION YOU OFFER IS GRACIOUSLY ACCEPTED.. .THX

[E.G.T]

sorry about the caps lock on, apologies moderators.

[BusyB]

60 days average for two years applies to seamen and aircrew with both day of arrival and departure counting.

[Load Toad]

I got the following info from a mate who previously worked at Immigration (poor ******)...it contradicts 'gofers' post so you'd do well to check:-


'Hong Kong Immigration Department and Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department are separated department in Hong Kong. According to Privacy Ordinance (Cap.486) in Hong Kong, No one can get your personal information from Immigration Department except for court order or approval by Director of Immigration. In the IRD Ordinance, you are entitled for time apportionment for your salaries tax because your employment contract is enforceable outside Hong Kong. It mean that if you are not in Hong Kong, your salary is not subject to Hong Kong Salaries Tax. The only way for IRD to identity the period you are not in Hong Kong is based on your passport; therefore, they need you to work out manually'.

Cheers.