Submission of Employer's Return in Computerized Format

Employers who are not required to file an annual Form IR56B and/or IR56M can submit Employer's Return (BIR56A) and/or Notification (IR6036B) online via the New Tax Portals.

In other cases, employers may prepare Form IR56 data file using either IR56 Forms Preparation Tool or approved employer's self-developed software, and then upload the data file via the New Tax Portals.  For submission details, please refer to the following information.

• e-Services for Employers under the New Tax Portals
• IR56 Forms Preparation Tool
• Self-developed Software
• FAQ

IR56 Forms Preparation Tool

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 all types of Forms IR56 records electronically (i.e. IR56B/E/F/G/M). The Preparation Tool can be used by employers without any installation process. Each data file prepared by the Preparation Tool can contain one type of form with the upper limit of 2,000 sets of Forms IR56.

Employers can designate a person to use the Preparation Tool to prepare all types of Forms IR56 data file online anytime.  The data file so prepared can be submitted to the Department either via the “Online Mode” or the “Mixed Mode”(excluding Form IR56G) of the Employer's Return 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/IR6036B (if applicable) in order to complete the submission process.

To facilitate the distribution of the Form IR56 prepared by the Preparation Tool to employees, employers can either print the Form IR56 or export a soft copy of the forms.

For details on how to use the Preparation Tool, please refer to the information below:  

e-Demo / User Guides

User Manual

Start Using the Preparation Tool

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Self-developed Software 

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. However, employers must obtain written approval before they can file the respective Form IR56s data file prepared by the self-developed software through the Employer's Return e-Filing Services. Employers can file a data file with a limit of 5,000 sets of Forms IR56 in each transaction.

Requirements Specifications：

Please select and click to browse the relevant requirements specifications of various forms: 

Please note that the Department does not accept application for submission of Forms IR56 in computerized printout. However, employers who have obtained approval under the old requirements specifications can continue to submit the Forms IR56 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.

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FAQ