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Stamp Certificate

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1.

Q:

When will I get the stamp certificate after submitting a stamping application electronically?

 
 

A:

If you choose online payment mode, you can download the stamp certificate immediately after effecting payment electronically. If offline payment mode is chosen, you can download the stamp certificate within two working days after payment is received by the Inland Revenue Department.
 

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2.

Q:

When shall I download the stamp certificate after making payment at Post Office?

 
 

A:

You can download the stamp certificate on the next working day after payment.
 

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3.

Q:

For offline payment, do I need to wait for clearance of the cheque before I can download the stamp certificate?

 
 

A:

No, you can download the stamp certificate on the next working day after payment. For payment by post, the stamp certificate is available for download on the next working day after the cheque is received by the Stamp Office. If the payment cheque is dishonoured, the stamp certificate issued in respect of that payment will be invalid. You may check the validity of a stamp certificate via the “Stamp Certificate Enquire” function at GovHK website (https://www.gov.hk/en/apps/irdestamping.htm).
 

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4.

Q:

Is there any difference between a stamp certificate obtained from Stamp Office and one printed at the stamping applicant’s office?

 
 

A:

No difference. A stamp certificate may be printed by the Applicant or the Stamp Office depending on the means of submitting the stamping application. It is the stamp record kept by the Collector of Stamp Revenue that counts.
 

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5.

Q:

Is there any difference in legal status between a conventional stamp and a stamp certificate?

 
 

A:

No. Under section 2(1) of the Stamp Duty Ordinance, an instrument can be “stamped” in either way.
 

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6.

Q:

How can one know whether a stamp certificate is genuine?

 
 

A:

You can use the “Stamp Certificate Enquire” function at GovHK website (https://www.gov.hk/en/apps/irdestamping.htm) to check the authenticity of a stamp certificate on hand. It is a free of charge online service.
 

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7.

Q:

I have lost my stamp certificate, what shall I do?

 
 

A:

You can reprint it via the “Stamp Certificate Print” function at GovHK website (https://www.gov.hk/en/apps/irdestamping.htm) if the certificate is originally applied by you. Alternatively, you may approach the Stamp Office and apply for a certified copy of the stamp certificate at a fee (currently $160).
 

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8.

Q:

Is there any fee charged on reprinting a stamp certificate?

 
 

A:

No, the “Stamp Certificate Print” function at GovHK website (https://www.gov.hk/en/apps/irdestamping.htm) is free of charge.
 

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9.

Q:

If the payment cheque is dishonoured, will the stamp certificate still be valid?

 
 

A:

No. For cheque payment, the cheque should be honoured on the first presentation to the drawee bank. Otherwise, the stamp certificate to be issued in respect of that payment will be invalid. You may check the validity of a stamp certificate via the “Stamp Certificate Enquire” function at GovHK website (https://www.gov.hk/en/apps/irdestamping.htm).
 

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10.

Q:

Can I reprint a stamp certificate after a long period of time? How long will the system keep the certificate?

 
 

A:

The system will keep record of all stamp certificates for 15 years. You may reprint within this period.
 

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11.

Q:

Can one enquire a stamp certificate not applied by him?

 
 

A:

Yes, if you have the stamp certificate on hand.
 

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12.

Q:

Will all stamp certificates be opened to the public via the “Stamp Certificate Enquire” function?

 
 

A:

No. One can only check the stamp certificate on hand. He has to input the following 4 items contained in the stamp certificate:

(a) Instrument Reference Number
(b) Date of Instrument
(c) Stamp Certificate Number
(d) Date of Stamping

The stamp certificate record will only be retrieved when all the 4 items are correct.
 

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13.

Q:

If an error is found after stamping, how can the stamp certificate be rectified?

 
 

A:

Please complete the Form IRSD126 (property) or IRSD140 (share) and IRSD25 (if refund is involved). To support your application, please also supply copies of the relevant stamp certificate and a copy of original instrument (e.g. property transfer instrument, tenancy agreement and share transfer instrument). The forms can be downloaded from IRD’s website: www.ird.gov.hk.

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14.

Q:

What should I do if I am uncertain as to whether the stamping application has been completed or cannot download the stamp certificates after online payment?
 
 

A:

You can contact the Stamp Office (Please provide the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) shown at the e-Stamping "Make Payment" Page, if applicable).

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15.

Q:

If duplicate stamping applications are found, how can I apply for a refund?
 
 

A:

Please complete the Form IRSD129 (property) or IRSD 141 (share) and IRSD25. To support your application, please also supply copies of the relevant stamp certificate and a copy of original instrument (e.g. property transfer instrument, tenancy agreement and share transfer instrument). The forms can be downloaded from IRD’s website: www.ird.gov.hk.