Inland Revenue Department - Annual Report 2012-13

Miscellaneous

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS

Charitable institutions are exempt from tax under the Inland Revenue Ordinance. As at 31 March 2013, the number of charities exempt from tax was 7,592, of which 517 charities were granted exemption during the year. The list of charities exempt from tax is available on IRD Homepage.

Donations to charities exempt from tax are tax deductible. For the year of assessment 2011-12, the amounts of approved charitable donations allowed under profits tax and salaries tax were $3.69 billion and $5.76 billion respectively.

GENERAL INSPECTION

Tax inspectors carry out on-site inspections of businesses and call on individuals to check their compliance with the various ordinances administered by the Department. A total of 97,576 visits were made during the year.

INTERNAL AUDIT

Internal auditors perform an important role within the Department. Their activities are directed at ensuring that work carried out within the Department complies with relevant legislation and departmental procedures. They also examine internal control systems and work methods with a view to identifying areas where changes can be made to improve output and efficiency.

APPROVAL FOR TAX RETURN FORMS AND THE MANNER OF FURNISHING THE RETURNS

The Board of Inland Revenue is constituted under the Inland Revenue Ordinance. It operates independently of the Inland Revenue Department. One of its functions is to approve returns to be used for property tax, salaries tax, profits tax and personal assessment, and the manner in which the tax returns are furnished.