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HKFP
26-05-2025
- Business
- HKFP
Tax chief says no specific groups targeted, as independent online news sector face simultaneous audits
Hong Kong's tax chief has said that the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) would 'definitely not' target specific industries, after it emerged that the city's independent online media outlets have been under audit since 2023. Commissioner of Inland Revenue Benjamin Chan said on Saturday that 'based on our system, we ensure consistency in treatment for all taxpayers. Every taxpayer has the chance to be invited for a tax review or audit,' RTHK reported. In 2023–24, 1,802 tax audits were 'processed' by the IRD, according to its annual report. As of 2024, there were 1,460,494 companies registered locally, the government said. 'Some taxpayers have raised questions about whether the Inland Revenue Department would audit for tax returns based on specific industries or background. I want to reiterate that we did not and would definitely not do that,' Chan said. He called the audit process 'transparent, fair and open.' The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) said on Wednesday that the independent news sector – including companies, staff and family members of the union chief – was facing simultaneous tax audits. HKJA head Selina Cheng said that at least six news outlets – including InMedia, The Witness, ReNews, Boomhead, Hong Kong Free Press and an outlet that declined to be named – had been receiving additional tax demands since November 2023 as part of IRD inspections. Meanwhile, a total of 20 individuals linked to the independent media industry are also facing similar probes. Thirteen of them are heads, directors, shareholders, or former heads of the news outlets concerned. Also under inspection are two freelance journalists, two spouses of news outlet heads, an employee of an outlet, and both parents of the HKJA chief. According to the HKJA, the total amount demanded from the six media outlets and other related organisations was around HK$700,000, while the total amount demanded from individuals was around HK$1 million. In a statement last week, Hong Kong Free Press said it has been cooperating fully with its tax audit, having 'always met its tax obligations, paid IRD demands immediately, and ensured meticulous record-keeping since our 2015 inception.' Statement: HKFP, which was 'randomly selected' for an audit in 2024, has always met its tax obligations, paid demands immediately, and ensured meticulous record-keeping. Donor data was withheld in paper submissions to Inland Revenue, with all 'hold' demands reduced to HK$0.… — Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) May 21, 2025 It said that identifying donor information was withheld in its paper submissions to the IRD. The HKJA said the IRD had made errors and 'strange, unreasonable claims ' during the audits. The situation was condemned by press freedom groups. Press freedom concerns In 2022, Chief Executive John Lee said press freedom was 'in the pocket' of Hongkongers but 'nobody is above the law.' Although he has told the press to ' tell a good Hong Kong story,' government departments have been reluctant to respond to story pitches.
HKFP
08-05-2025
- Business
- HKFP
HKFP's investigative reporting nominated for prestigious SOPA award
A Hong Kong Free Press investigation has been nominated for a prestigious Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) award. HKFP's 2024 probe into Hong Kong's role in illegal deforestation of the Amazon rainforest was a joint investigation by Mercedes Hutton and Repórter Brasil. Supply chain data, revealed in the feature, showed that at least four local businesses had imported beef farmed by a man whom Brazilian police had called 'the greatest devastator of the Amazon.' It is in the running for a Carlos Tejada Award for Excellence in Investigative Reporting next month. Also nominated in the regional category is a feature on Thailand's cyber scam victims by HaRDstories, and a Mekong Eye investigation into meat smuggling. SOPA said in a Thursday press release that there were over 700 entries, with 120 volunteer judges asked to pick the top contenders. Established in 1999, the SOPA Awards recognise editorial excellence in both new media and traditional journalism in the Asia-Pacific region. HKFP has won three prizes in previous years. The SOPA 2025 Awards Gala Dinner will be held on Thursday, June 26, at the JW Marriott Hotel. Editor at Large for Bloomberg Weekend Mishal Husain, a former BBC World presenter, will be the keynote speaker, alongside broadcaster Karen Koh as host. HKFP has enjoyed a record year for award nominations and prizes – all made possible by our valued patrons. Original reporting on HKFP is backed by our monthly contributors. Almost 1,000 monthly donors make HKFP possible. Each contributes an average of HK$200/month to support our award-winning original reporting, keeping the city's only independent English-language outlet free-to-access for all. Three reasons to join us: 🔎 Transparent & efficient: As a non-profit, we are externally audited each year, publishing our income/outgoings annually, as the city's most transparent news outlet. 🔒 Accurate & accountable: Our reporting is governed by a comprehensive Ethics Code. We are 100% independent, and not answerable to any tycoon, mainland owners or shareholders. Check out our latest Annual Report, and help support press freedom. 💰 It's fast, secure & easy: We accept most payment methods – cancel anytime, and receive a free tote bag and pen if you contribute HK$150/month or more.
