FAQ : Q & A for Application for Business Registration Through the Internet

2.	Q:	Is the application for business registration through the eTAX secure?
	A:	Yes. Please refer to our eTAX Security Statement.

3.	Q:	Can a company open an "eTAX Account" for digital signing and submission of application for branch registration?
	A:	No. At present, only individuals can open "eTAX Accounts".

4.	Q:	Am I required to submit a copy of my Hong Kong Identity Card after making the application for business registration through the Internet?
	A:	If you apply for registration of a sole proprietorship business or a branch, you are not required to submit a copy of your Hong Kong Identity Card as the business operator's identity has already been verified. However, if you apply for registration of a partnership business, the Business Registration Office will request you to provide a copy of Hong Kong Identity Card of other partners.

5.	Q:	How can I authenticate the application?
	A:	For business or branch registration by sole proprietorship and partnership business
			sole proprietor's or the applicant partner's eTAX Password, MyGovHK Password (already linked up with eTAX account) or recognized personal digital certificate, or
			the recognized organizational digital certificate of the business
		For branch registration by company
			the recognized organizational digital certificate of the company

6.	Q:	How can I make the payment for business registration fee and/or levy when I submit the application for business registration through the eTAX?
	A:	You can make the payment for business registration fee and/or levy by Visa card, MasterCard or PPS.

7.	Q:	How can I know whether my application for business registration has been successfully submitted through the Internet?
	A:	After you have paid the business registration fee and/or levy through the Internet, an acknowledgement bearing a Transaction Reference Number will be shown on your computer screen immediately. You are advised to print the acknowledgement or save it for record purposes.

8.	Q:	If I discover that some errors were made in the application after having submitted it through the eTAX, how can I rectify the errors?
	A:	You should give a duly signed written notice to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue with particulars including your name, capacity, name of the company/business, transaction reference number of the application, business registration number (if any), and details of the amendment. You should not use the paper business registration application form for this purpose.
9.	Q:	Can I apply for business registration through the eTAX on or after 21 February 2011 although my application is out of time? For example, I commenced to carry on business on 5 October 2009.
	A:	Yes. The system will determine the business registration fee and/or levy payable for the registration certificate commencing on 5 October 2010, i.e. the latest anniversary date of commencement of your business. If the application is accepted, Business Registration Office will issue a Business Registration Certificate commencing on 5 October 2010, and follow up the business registration matters for the period from 5 October 2009 to 4 October 2010.