Hong Kong authorities have been looking into the tax records of around 20 journalists and their family members, suspecting that they may have underreported their income. In response, they have been asked to make a prepayment of approximately HK$1 million, the largest journalism group in the city revealed. The Hong Kong Journalists Association expressed concerns about the lack of substantial evidence to support these reassessments, arguing that the actions taken by the Inland Revenue Department have added unnecessary pressure on reporters and media organizations, ultimately impacting press freedom in a challenging environment.
The association disclosed that at least 20 journalists had their taxes reviewed by the department, including salaries tax, profits tax, and rates. Initially requested to pay around HK$1 million, they later applied for a “holding over” option to delay payment but were still required to hand over about HK$90,000. Furthermore, the association and seven media platforms also faced scrutiny over their profits tax and salaries tax, being asked to pay approximately HK$700,000 initially and then about HK$300,000 after requesting a postponement. The group strongly objected to the assessments and audits, claiming that they were initiated without sufficient information, evidence, or valid reasons. In some instances, the department considered all bank transactions, including money transfers, as income, falsely accusing individuals of underreporting their earnings by referencing incorrect business registration numbers.
Amidst these tax controversies, journalists and media organizations in Hong Kong are grappling with mounting financial burdens and unwarranted allegations. The excessive prepayments and tax reviews have raised doubts about the government’s motives and the true extent of tax evasion within the journalism industry. The Inland Revenue Department’s aggressive approach to tax enforcement has sparked concerns about potential violations of privacy and press freedom, further straining the already tense relationship between the media and the authorities. As the journalism community continues to navigate these challenges, transparency and accountability in tax assessments become crucial for upholding the integrity of the profession and protecting the rights of journalists to report freely and without fear of reprisal.
