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Tax Information : Double Taxation Relief : Announcements

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
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Hong Kong signed a comprehensive agreement with Malaysia on avoidance of double taxation (25 April 2012)
 

Hong Kong signed on April 25 an agreement with Malaysia for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. Please click here for the details.

 
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The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income has come into effect on 28 March 2012 (16 April 2012)
 

The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 23 March 2010.

According to Article 28 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the date of the later of these notifications.

For the purposes of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 22 June 2010, under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 91 of 2010. The Order was laid before the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 14 July 2010. The vetting period expired on 17 November 2010 and no resolution was made by the Legislative Council to amend the whole or any part of the Order. On 19 November 2010, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to Indonesia. In early April 2012, Hong Kong received a notification dated 28 March 2012 from Indonesia confirming the completion of the requisite approval procedures. The Agreement has therefore become effective on 28 March 2012 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 28 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2013.

 
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Japan exchanged Notes with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on 31 March 2012 (5 April 2012)
 

Please click here for the Note from Japan to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region dated 31 March 2012 and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Note in reply dated 31 March 2012 regarding Article 11 of the Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Japan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income.

 
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DIPN 48 (29 March 2012)
 

The Departmental Interpretation and Practice Notes No. 48 ("Advance Pricing Arrangement") is issued on 29 March 2012 and is intended to provide guidance on Advance Pricing Arrangement (APA) to enterprises. It explains in detail the APA process, in particular the terms and conditions under which an APA may be granted by the Commissioner. The Inland Revenue Department will roll out the APA programme as from 2 April 2012.

 
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Hong Kong signed a comprehensive agreement with Jersey on avoidance of double taxation (24 February 2012)
 

Hong Kong signed on February 22 an agreement with Jersey for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. Please click here for the details.

 
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The Agreement between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Spain for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income will come into effect on 13 April 2012 (6 February 2012)
 

The Agreement between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Spain for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 1 April 2011.

According to Article 26 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force after a period of three months following the date of receipt of the later of these notifications.

On 10 October 2011 Spain notified Hong Kong in writing of the completion of its approval procedures.

For the purposes of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 8 November 2011 under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 156 of 2011. The Order was laid before the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 23 November 2011. The vetting period expired on 11 January 2012 and no resolution was made by the Legislative Council to amend the whole or any part of the Order. On 13 January 2012, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to Spain. On 16 January 2012, Spain acknowledged receipt of the notification from Hong Kong. The Agreement therefore will become effective on 13 April 2012 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 3 of Article 26 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2013.

 
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The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Czech Republic for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income has come into effect on 24 January 2012 (6 February 2012)
 

The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Czech Republic for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 6 June 2011.

According to Article 26 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the date of the later of these notifications.

For the purposes of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 8 November 2011 under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 157 of 2011. The Order was laid before the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 23 November 2011. The vetting period expired on 11 January 2012 and no resolution was made by the Legislative Council to amend the whole or any part of the Order. On 13 January 2012, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to the Czech Republic. On 26 January 2012, Hong Kong received a notification dated 24 January 2012 from the Czech Republic confirming the completion of the requisite approval procedures and the receipt of Hong Kong¡¦s notification. The Agreement therefore becomes effective on 24 January 2012 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 26 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2013.

 
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The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the French Republic for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion comes into effect on 1 December 2011 (1 December 2011)
 

The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the French Republic for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 21 October 2010.

According to Article 28 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the first day of the month following the day when the later of these notifications has been received.

For the purposes of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 3 May 2011 under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 65 of 2011. The Order was laid before the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 18 May 2011. The vetting period expired on 6 July 2011 and no resolution was made by the Legislative Council to amend the whole or any part of the Order. On 8 July 2011, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to France. On 3 November 2011, Hong Kong received a notification dated 3 November 2011 from France confirming the completion of the requisite approval procedures. The Agreement therefore becomes effective on 1 December 2011 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 28 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2012.

 
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The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of New Zealand for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income has come into effect on 9 November 2011 (10 November 2011)
 

The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of New Zealand for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 1 December 2010.

According to Article 26 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the date of the later of these notifications.

For the purposes of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 3 May 2011 under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 67 of 2011. The Order was laid before the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 18 May 2011. The vetting period expired on 6 July 2011 and no resolution was made by the Legislative Council to amend the whole or any part of the Order. On 8 July 2011, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to New Zealand. On 9 November 2011, Hong Kong received a notification dated 9 November 2011 from New Zealand confirming the completion of the requisite approval procedures. The Agreement has therefore become effective on 9 November 2011 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 26 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2012.

 
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Hong Kong signed on November 8 a comprehensive agreement with the Republic of Malta on avoidance of double taxation (9 November 2011)
 

Hong Kong signed on November 8 an agreement with the Republic of Malta for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, signed in Hong Kong (November 8) an agreement with the Republic of Malta for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The Ambassador of Malta to China, Mr Joseph Cassar, signed on behalf of his Government. Please click here for the details.

 
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The Agreement between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income has come into effect on 24 October 2011 (25 October 2011)
 
The Agreement between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 22 March 2010.

According to Article 29 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the fifth day after the date of receipt of the later notification.

For the purposes of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 22 June 2010 under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 90 of 2010. The Order was laid before the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 14 July 2010. The vetting period expired on 17 November 2010 and no resolution was made by the Legislative Council to amend the whole or any part of the Order. On 19 November 2010, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to the Netherlands. On 19 October 2011, Hong Kong received a notification dated 18 October 2011 from the Netherlands confirming the completion of the requisite approval procedures. The Agreement has therefore become effective on 24 October 2011 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 29 of the Agreement and the Note from the Netherlands to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region dated 22 March 2011 and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Note in reply dated 29 March 2011, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2012.

 
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The Protocol to the Agreement between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital has come into effect on 17 August 2011 (25 August 2011)
 
The Protocol to the Agreement between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital ("the Protocol") was formally signed on 11 November 2010.

According to Article 4 of the Protocol, the Protocol shall, upon the written notifications by both Sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the later of these notifications.

For the purpose of giving effect to the Protocol, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 3 May 2011, under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 68 of 2011. The Order was laid before the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 18 May 2011. The vetting period expired on 6 July 2011 and no resolution was made by the Legislative Council to amend the whole or any part of the Order. On 8 July 2011, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to Luxembourg. On 17 August 2011, Hong Kong received a notification dated 17 August 2011 from Luxembourg confirming the completion of the requisite approval procedures. The Protocol has therefore become effective on 17 August 2011 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to Article 4 of the Protocol, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2012.

 
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The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Japan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income has come into effect on 14 August 2011 (15 August 2011)
 
The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Japan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 9 November 2010.

According to Article 29 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both Sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date of receipt of the later notification.

For the purpose of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 12 April 2011, under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 64 of 2011. The Order was laid before the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 18 May 2011. The vetting period expired on 6 July 2011 and no resolution was made by the Legislative Council to amend the whole or any part of the Order. On 8 July 2011, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to Japan. On 15 July 2011, Hong Kong received a notification dated 15 July 2011 from Japan confirming the completion of the requisite approval procedures. The Agreement has therefore become effective on 14 August 2011 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 29 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2012.

 
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The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital has come into effect on 8 July 2011 (10 August 2011)
 
The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein(¡§("Liechtenstein") for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 12 August 2010.

According to Article 28 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both Sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the date of the later of these notifications.

For the purpose of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 3 May 2011, under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 66 of 2011. The Order was laid before the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 18 May 2011. The vetting period expired on 6 July 2011 and no resolution was made by the Legislative Council to amend the whole or any part of the Order. Hong Kong received a notification dated 16 March 2011 from Liechtenstein confirming the completion of its approval procedures. On 8 July 2011, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to Liechtenstein. The Agreement has therefore become effective on 8 July 2011 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 28 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2012.

 
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Standard forms for application of certificate of resident status under a comprehensive agreement for the avoidance of double taxation (13 July 2011)
 

With immediate effect, any application for a certificate of Hong Kong resident status under a comprehensive agreement for the avoidance of double taxation signed between Hong Kong and other jurisdictions (apart from the Mainland of China) has to be made on the standard form IR1313B (for company, partnership, trust or other body of persons) or IR1314B (for individuals). For applications involving the Mainland of China, standard form IR1313 / IR1313A / IR1314 / IR1314A should continue to be used. The forms can be downloaded from the Inland Revenue Department Homepage at www.ird.gov.hk.

 
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Tax arrangements on dividends paid to Hong Kong residents by Mainland companies clarified (4 July 2011)
 

The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau today (July 4) said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has received a reply from the State Administration of Taxation that clarified the arrangements concerning the tax payable to the Mainland for dividends paid by Mainland companies to individual investors in Hong Kong.

A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, "The reply of the State Administration of Taxation notes that when non-foreign investment companies of the Mainland which are listed in Hong Kong distribute dividends to their shareholders, the individual shareholders in general will be subject to a withholding tax rate of 10% with reference to the arrangement for the avoidance of double taxation signed between Mainland China and Hong Kong. They do not have to make any applications for entitlement to the above-mentioned tax rate.

"For shareholders who are residents of other countries and whose home countries have reached an agreement with China on an applicable withholding tax rate higher or lower than 10%, they have to follow the bilateral tax agreement in paying tax in connection with dividends paid by Mainland companies listed in Hong Kong."

The spokesman said that the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited will issue a letter to listed companies to inform them of the above-mentioned tax arrangements concerning dividends paid by Mainland companies.

 
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Hong Kong signed on June 6 a comprehensive agreement with Czech Republic on avoidance of double taxation (7 June 2011)
 

Hong Kong signed on June 6 an agreement with Czech Republic for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, signed in Prague yesterday (June 6, Prague time) an agreement with the Czech Republic for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The Czech Minister of Finance, Mr Miroslav Kalousek, signed on behalf of his Government. Please click here for the details.

 
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Hong Kong signed on April 1 a comprehensive agreement with Spain on avoidance of double taxation (1 April 2011)
 

Hong Kong signed on April 1 an agreement with Spain for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, signed the agreement in Hong Kong on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The Spanish Second Vice-President, Ms Elena Salgado, signed on behalf of her Government. Please click here for the details.

 
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Hong Kong signed on March 22 a comprehensive agreement with Portugal on avoidance of double taxation (22 March 2011)
 
Hong Kong signed on March 22 an agreement with Portugal for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, signed the agreement in Hong Kong on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The Consul-General of Portugal in Hong Kong, Mr Manuel Carvalho, signed on behalf of his Government. Please click here for the details.

 
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The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Hungary for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income came into effect on 23 February 2011 (24 February 2011)
 
The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Hungary for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 12 May 2010.

According to Article 26 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the 30th day following the receipt of the later of the notifications.

For the purposes of giving effect to the Agreement, the Chief Executive in Council made an Order on 28 September 2010 under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 124 of 2010. The Order was laid before the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 20 October 2010. The vetting period expired on 8 December 2010 and no resolution was made by the Legislative Council to amend the whole or any part of the Order. On 1 and 10 December 2010, Hungary and Hong Kong notified each other in writing of the completion of the ratification procedures respectively. On 24 January 2011, Hungary acknowledged receipt of the notification from Hong Kong. The Agreement became effective on 23 February 2011 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 26 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2012.

 
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The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Ireland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income has come into effect on 10 February 2011 (17 February 2011)
 
The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Ireland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 22 June 2010.

According to Article 26 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both Sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the date of the later of these notifications.

For the purpose of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 28 September 2010, under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 127 of 2010. The Order was laid before the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 20 October 2010. The vetting period expired on 8 December 2010 and no resolution was made by the Legislative Council to amend the whole or any part of the Order. On 10 December 2010, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to Ireland. Hong Kong received a notification dated 10 February 2011 from Ireland confirming the completion of its approval procedures. The Agreement has therefore become effective on 10 February 2011 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 26 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2012.

 
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The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Austria for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital has come into effect on 1 January 2011 (3 January 2011)
 
The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Austria ("Austria") for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 25 May 2010.

According to Article 27 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both Sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the first day of the month next following the date of the later of these notifications.

For the purpose of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 28 September 2010, under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 125 of 2010. On 10 December 2010, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to Austria and received a notification of the same date from Austria confirming the completion of its approval procedures. The Agreement has therefore become effective on 1 January 2011 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 27 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2012.

 
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The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital Gains has come into effect on 20 December 2010 (29 December 2010)
 
The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ("the UK") for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital Gains ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 21 June 2010.

According to Article 26 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both Sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the date of the later of these notifications.

For the purpose of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 28 September 2010, under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 126 of 2010. On 10 December 2010, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to the UK and received a notification dated 20 December 2010 from the UK confirming the completion of its approval procedures. The Agreement has therefore become effective on 20 December 2010 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 26 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2011.

 
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The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income has come into effect on 19 December 2010 (29 December 2010)
 
The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam ("Brunei") for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 20 March 2010.

According to Article 27 of the Agreement, the Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both Sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date of the later of these notifications.

For the purpose of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 22 June 2010, under section 49(1A) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 89 of 2010. Hong Kong received a notification dated 19 July 2010 from Brunei confirming the completion of its approval procedures. On 19 November 2010, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to Brunei. The Agreement has therefore become effective on 19 December 2010 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 27 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2011.

 
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Hong Kong signed on December 6 a comprehensive agreement with Switzerland on avoidance of double taxation (6 December 2010)
 
Hong Kong signed on December 6 an agreement with Switzerland for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, signed the agreement in Hong Kong on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The Swiss Consul-General, Mrs Rita Hammerli-Weschke, signed on behalf of her Government. Please click here for the details.

 
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Hong Kong signed on December 1 a comprehensive agreement with New Zealand on avoidance of double taxation (1 December 2010)
 
Hong Kong signed on December 1 an agreement with New Zealand for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, signed the agreement in Auckland on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr Bill English, signed on behalf of his Government. Please click here for the details.

 

 
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Hong Kong signed on November 9 a comprehensive agreement with Japan on avoidance of double taxation (9 November 2010)
 
Hong Kong signed on November 9 an agreement with Japan for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of Hong Kong, Professor K C Chan, signed the agreement in Hong Kong on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong, Mr Yuji Kumamaru, signed on behalf of his Government. Please click here for the details.

 
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Hong Kong signed on October 21 a comprehensive agreement with France on avoidance of double taxation (22 October 2010)
 
Hong Kong signed on October 21 an agreement with France for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on Capital.

The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, signed the agreement in Paris on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The French Minister of Economy, Industry and Employment, Mrs Christine Lagarde, signed on behalf of her Government. Please click here for the details.

 
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Hong Kong signed on August 12 a comprehensive agreement with Liechtenstein on avoidance of double taxation (13 August 2010)
 
Hong Kong signed on August 12 an agreement with Liechtenstein for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on Capital.

The Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Miss Mary Chow, signed the agreement in Vaduz on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The Liechtenstein Prime Minister, Dr Klaus Tschutscher, signed on behalf of his Government. Please click here for the details.

 
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Hong Kong signed on June 22 a comprehensive agreement with Ireland on avoidance of double taxation (23 June 2010)
 
Hong Kong signed on June 22 an agreement with Ireland for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, signed the agreement in Dublin on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The Irish Minister of Finance, Mr Brian Lenihan, signed on behalf of his Government. Please click here for the details.

 
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Hong Kong signed on June 21 a comprehensive agreement with the United Kingdom on avoidance of double taxation (22 June 2010)
 
Hong Kong signed on June 21 an agreement with the United Kingdom for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital gains.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, signed the agreement in London on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The United Kingdom Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Mr David Gauke, signed on behalf of his Government. Please click here for the details.

 
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Hong Kong signs the Third Protocol to the comprehensive arrangement on avoidance of double taxation with the Mainland of China (27 May 2010)
 

Today, on May 27, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, on behalf of the HKSAR Government, signs the Third Protocol (in Chinese only) to the Arrangement between the Mainland of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income with the Deputy Commissioner of the State Administration of Taxation, Mr Wang Li, representing the Central Government, in Beijing.

The Third Protocol upgrades the Exchange of Information Article in the Arrangement to the 2004 version of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The Article requires the contracting parties, upon receiving a request for information, to exchange information even when there is no domestic tax interest involved. The Third Protocol will come into force after the completion of ratification procedures and notification by both sides.

 
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Hong Kong signs comprehensive agreement with Austria on avoidance of double taxation (25 May 2010)
 
Hong Kong today (May 25) signed an agreement with Austria for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, signed the agreement in Hong Kong on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The Austrian State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Andreas Schieder, signed on behalf of his Government. Please click here for the details.

 
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Hong Kong signs comprehensive agreement with Kuwait on avoidance of double taxation (13 May 2010)
 
Hong Kong today (May 13) signed an agreement with Kuwait for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, signed the agreement in Hong Kong on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The Kuwaiti Minister of Finance, Mr Mustafa Al-Shamali, signed on behalf of his Government. Please click here for the details.
 
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Hong Kong signed on May 12 an agreement with Hungary for the avoidance of double taxation (13 May 2010)
 
The Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Miss Mary Chow, signed the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in Budapest. The Hungarian Minister of Finance, Dr Peter Oszko, signed on behalf of his Government. Please click here for the details.

 
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Negotiations between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Swiss Federal Council (16 April 2010)
 
On 15 April 2010, Hong Kong and Switzerland had initialed an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation (CDTA) between Hong Kong and Switzerland in Berne. Both sides had reached a consensus on all the provisions of the agreement after the 2nd round of talks held this week, which lasted for 4 days. Both sides will arrange to have the agreement formally signed and put into effect as soon as practicable.

This is the 10th CDTA that Hong Kong has concluded so far that adopts the latest international standard on exchange of information.

 
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Agreement in principle on the income tax agreement between Hong Kong and Japan (31 March 2010)
 

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Japan have reached consensus on the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. Please click here for the details.

 
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The commencement of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Ordinance 2010 and the Inland Revenue Rules on exchange of information and the progress of treaty negotiations (20 March 2010)
 

The Financial Secretary announced in the 2009-10 Budget to put forward legislative proposal to enable Hong Kong to adopt the latest international standard on exchange of information. Two pieces of legislation, i.e. the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Ordinance 2010 and the Inland Revenue (Disclosure of Information) Rules, were enacted. They commenced on 12 March 2010.

With the commencement of these legislation, Hong Kong can enter into comprehensive agreements on avoidance of double taxation (CDTAs) based on the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 2004 version of Exchange of Information (EoI) Article. We have concluded new agreements with the following countries in which the latest OECD version of EoI Article are basically adopted: the Republic of Austria, Brunei Darussalam, the French Republic, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Indonesia, Ireland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We are also negotiating with our existing treaty partners to upgrade the EoI Article to the new version.

Today (March 20), the CDTA with Brunei was signed by the Financial Secretary in Brunei. The CDTA with the Netherlands will be signed in Hong Kong on Monday next (March 22) and the one with Indonesia will be signed on March 23 in Indonesia.

 
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The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income has come into effect on 12 August 2009 (17 August 2009)
 

The Agreement between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 16 December 2008.

According to Article 28 of the Agreement, this Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both Sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the date of the later of these notifications.

For the purpose of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 21 April 2009, under section 49 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 82 of 2009. On 30 June 2009, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to Vietnam and received a notification dated 12 August 2009 from Vietnam confirming the completion of its approval procedures. The Agreement has therefore become effective on 12 August 2009 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 28 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2010.

 
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The Agreement between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital has come into effect on 20 January 2009 (29 January 2009)
 

The Agreement between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital ("the Agreement") was formally signed on 2 November 2007.

According to Article 28 of the Agreement, this Agreement shall, upon the written notifications by both Sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the date of the later of these notifications.

For the purpose of giving effect to the Agreement, an Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 22 January 2008, under section 49 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 18 of 2008. On 2 May 2008, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to Luxembourg and received a notification dated 20 January 2009 from Luxembourg confirming the completion of its approval procedures. The Agreement has therefore become effective on 20 January 2009 and shall have effect in Hong Kong, according to paragraph 2 of Article 28 of the Agreement, for any year of assessment beginning on or after 1 April 2008.

 
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The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region signs Comprehensive Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with the Government of Vietnam (16 December 2008)
 
Hong Kong today signed an Agreement, in Hanoi, with Vietnam for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income. It is the first bilateral agreement for the avoidance of double taxation signed between the two sides.

The Agreement eliminates the uncertainty of tax liability for the investors and traders of both economies. It creates a more favourable bilateral business environment, and at the same time protects the legitimate tax revenue of both jurisdictions.

The Agreement will come into force after the completion of ratification procedures for both sides. In Hong Kong, an Order is required to be made by the Chief Executive in Council under the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order is subject to negative vetting by the Legislative Council.

 
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Negotiations between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Government of Kuwait (11 December 2008)
 
The 3rd round of negotiations for an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation between Hong Kong and Kuwait was held in Hong Kong on 11 December 2008. The negotiation was conducted in a friendly, cooperative and cordial atmosphere of mutual understanding and resulted in consensus on all the provisions of the proposed agreement. It was brought to a successful conclusion with both sides agreed upon the final text and initialed the agreement. Both sides will arrange to have the agreement formally signed and put into effect as soon as possible.
 
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The Mainland exchanged letters with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

The Arrangement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income between the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including the Protocol thereto) ("the Arrangement") entered into force on 8 December 2006.

The Mainland and Hong Kong have different views on the interpretation of some of the Articles of the Arrangement. Agreement was reached on the necessary amendments and implementation rules upon negotiation on 11 September 2007. After the meeting, both Sides initialed the Second Protocol to the Arrangement and signed the exchange of letters [the letter from Hong Kong to the Mainland and the reply from the Mainland (in Chinese only)]. The latter became effective on the date of signature that was 11 September 2007 while the Second Protocol became effective on 11 June 2008.

 
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The Second Protocol to the Arrangement between the Mainland of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income has come into effect on 11 June 2008
 

The Second Protocol to the Arrangement between the Mainland of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income ("the Second Protocol") was formally signed on 30 January 2008.

According to Article 6 of the Second Protocol, this Protocol shall, upon the written notifications by both Sides of the completion of their respective required approval procedures, enter into force on the date of the later of these notifications.

For the purpose of giving effect to the Second Protocol, an order was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 15 April 2008, under section 49 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The Order was published in the Gazette as Legal Notice 89 of 2008. On 26 May 2008, Hong Kong sent a notification of the completion of the ratification procedures to the Mainland and received a notification dated 11 June 2008 from the Mainland confirming the completion of its approval procedures. The Second Protocol has therefore become effective on 11 June 2008.

 
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Negotiations between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Government of Vietnam (27 May 2008)
 

The 3rd round of negotiations for an agreement between Hong Kong and Vietnam for the avoidance of double taxation("Agreement") was held on 26 and 27 May 2008 in Hong Kong. The negotiation was conducted in a friendly, cooperative and constructive atmosphere of mutual understanding. Consensus was reached on all the provisions of the proposed Agreement, except that the Vietnamese Side has to seek the approval from its relevant authority on a certain technical issue. The proposed Agreement was initialed after the negotiation and both sides will endeavour to arrange for the formal signing of the proposed Agreement.

 
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The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region exchanged Notes with the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand
 

The Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income between Hong Kong and Thailand was formally signed on 7 September 2005. The Agreement entered into force on 7 December 2005.

After the Agreement became effective, the Hong Kong business sector has doubt whether the profits remitted to a Hong Kong head office by a branch office in Thailand is subject to tax in Thailand. On 21 February 2008, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government replied to the Note from the Thai Government and confirmed the understanding that either Party shall not impose a tax on profits remitted by a permanent establishment of an enterprise of the Other Party.

The Note from the Thai Government and the captioned Note from the HKSAR Government shall form an integral part of the Agreement and shall enter into force on the date that the Agreement entered into force, that is, 7 December 2005.

Please click here for the Note from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand dated 21 February 2008.

 
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