Archive · 21 May 2025
Hong Kong Press Union Condemns 'Unreasonable' Tax Audits
Some Hong Kong media outlets and journalists are being audited by the government for their taxes.
The journalists' association thinks these audits are unfair because they are based on weak evidence.
The tax department claims some people didn't report all their income between 2017 and 2019.
This is happening at a time when press freedom in Hong Kong is already under pressure.
The tax department says it is just following the rules and won't discuss specific cases.
Many journalists are worried about the situation.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) reported 'unreasonable' tax audits of at least five local media outlets and journalists.
The audits reportedly involved backdated demands and claims of unreported income from 2017 to 2019.
HKJA believes the audits were not based on sufficient evidence or reasonable grounds.
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) stated it follows legal processes and doesn't comment on individual cases.
The audits have been criticized amid declining press freedom in Hong Kong.
- Who
- The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), local media outlets, and journalists.
- What
- Tax audits of Hong Kong media outlets and journalists, deemed unreasonable by HKJA.
- When
- The tax audits occurred after pro-democracy protests.
- Where
- Hong Kong
- Why
- The HKJA believes the audits are not based on sufficient evidence.
Journalists Association
Hong Kong Government
Nature of Audits
Journalists Association
The HKJA considers the tax audits to be unreasonable and not based on sufficient evidence.
Hong Kong Government
The IRD says it is following legal procedures, and its actions are not directed towards specific industries.
- Affected Parties
- HKJA, media outlets and journalists
- Tax Years Audited
- 2017-2019
- Impacted Media Outlets
- Online outlets including Hong Kong Free Press, Inmedia, The Witness
- Location
- Hong Kong
- HKJA's Stance
- Unreasonable grounds, lack of evidence
- IRD's Stance
- Follows legal process