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Submission of Employer's Return in Computerized Format
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Starting from 14 August 2022, the Employer’s Return e-Filing Services are enhanced to increase the limit of the number of records to be prepared and the uploading capacity. After the enhancements, the IR56 Forms Preparation Tool is allowed to prepare up to 2,000 sets of IR56B/F forms while the uploading capacity of data file is expanded to 5,000 sets of IR56B/F records for each upload under both the Online Mode and the Mixed Mode. When employers use the Mixed Mode submission of the data file, only the 1-page (i.e. Cover Page) Control List generated from the system is required to be signed and submitted, which replaces the prior requirement of signing on each and every page of the Control List. In addition, the IR56 Forms Preparation Tool is allowed to prepare the data file of annual Form IR56B starting from March every year. You may visit IRD website at https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/tax/err.htm for more details. Please note that the Department CEASES to accept the following methods for preparation and submission of data file from 1 April 2023 onwards: (1) IRD IR56B Software and Employers are required to use the IR56 Forms Preparation Tool OR enhance their program in accordance with the new requirements specification and submit the testing file through the e-application of electronic services for the Department’s approval. |
- Employer's Return e-Filing Services
- IR56 Forms Preparation Tool
- IRD IR56B Software
- Self-developed Software
- FAQ
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The IR56 Forms Preparation Tool can be used to prepare the data file of annual IR56B starting from March 1 each year. |
The IR56 Forms Preparation Tool (“Preparation Tool”) is a web-based application developed by the Department to provide a convenient way for employers to prepare up to 2,000 sets of IR56B or IR56F record in one single data file. The Preparation Tool can be used by employers without any installation process.
Employers can designate a person to use the Preparation Tool to prepare the IR56B or IR56F data file online anytime. The data file so prepared can be submitted to the Department either via the “Online Mode” (Login of the eTAX / "iAM Smart+" Account by an Authorized Signer is required) or the “Mixed Mode” (Login of the eTAX / "iAM Smart+" Account is NOT required) of the ER e-Filing Services. Under the Mixed Mode, employers can designate a person to upload the data file to the Department. After successful uploading of the data file, the Authorized Signer only needs to sign and submit the 1-page (i.e. Cover Page) Control List (with Transaction Reference Number and QR code) generated by the system together with paper form BIR56A (if applicable) in order to complete the submission process.
To facilitate the distribution of the IR56 forms prepared by the Preparation Tool to employees, employers can either print the IR56 forms or export a soft copy of the forms.
For details on how to use the Preparation Tool, please read User Guide of IR56 Forms Preparation Tool.
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Please note that the Department CEASES to accept the use of IRD IR56B Software for preparation and submission of the data file of annual Form IR56B starting from 1 April 2023 onwards. Employers are required to use the IR56 Forms Preparation Tool OR enhance their program in accordance with the new requirements specification and submit the testing file through the e-application of electronic services for the Department’s approval. Employers can refer to FAQ 57 to know more about the detailed steps for importing their employees’ personal particulars from the data file of the IRD IR56B Software (Version 4.1 and 4.2) into the IR56 Forms Preparation Tool. Note: The Department accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage which may be incurred by the use of the IRD IR56B Software. |
Self-developed Software (Softcopy or printed in A4)
Employers can develop their own software in accordance with the Department's requirements specifications to facilitate the filing of the Employer's Return / Notification in computerized format (softcopy / printout). However, employers must obtain written approval before they can file the respective IR56 forms in computerized format to the Department by using the Self-developed Software.
Requirements Specifications：
Please select and click to browse the relevant requirements specifications of various forms:
| Requirements Specification | Submission in |
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| IR56B | Softcopy |
| IR56E | Printout in A4 |
| IR56F | Softcopy |
| IR56G | Printout in A4 |
| IR56M | Softcopy |
The IR56B and IR56F data files in XML format prepared by approved Self-developed Software can be submitted via the ER e-Filing Services (Online Mode and Mixed Mode) with a limit of 5,000 sets of IR56 forms in one data file in each transaction. Please click here for detail.
Please note that the Department does not accept an application for submission of the Forms IR56F and IR56M in computerized printout. However, employers who have obtained approval under the old requirements specifications can continue to submit the IR56F or IR56M forms printed by the approved Self-developed Software until further notice. However, employers are encouraged to make changes to their software so as to comply with the above requirements specifications. A fresh approval is required.
For enquiries, please contact the Department at telephone number 183 5310 during office hours at 8:15 am to 12:15 pm and 1:15 pm to 5:30 pm from Monday to Friday.