Hong Kong tax review 2023

The year in review: An array of tax concessions and measures to sharpen Hong Kong’s competitive edge.

As Hong Kong gradually emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic and returned to normality, it has become the top priority of the Hong Kong SAR Government to revitalise the economy and improve people’s livelihood. In addition to being an active player in international tax cooperation and countering cross-border tax evasion, Hong Kong has introduced various tax concessions and measures in 2023 to sharpen its competitive edge and attract more businesses and investments, with an array of tax and related initiatives in the pipeline to anchor strategic industries.

The Hong Kong Tax Review 2023 summarises the significant tax updates in 2023 and previews the upcoming tax developments in 2024.

Landmark tax developments in 2023

Further refinements to Hong Kong’s Foreign-sourced Income Exemption regime in respect of foreign-sourced disposal gains
Tax certainty enhancement scheme for onshore equity disposal gains
Proposed patent box tax incentive
Family office tax concession
Proposed company re-domiciliation regime
Proposed enhancements to the aircraft leasing preferential tax regime
Proposed tax deduction for spectrum utilisation fees
Inland Revenue Department’s (IRD) adjusted approach to the issuance of Hong Kong Certificate of Resident Status
Taxation of insurers upon implementation of Risk-based Capital regime
IRD enhances processing of applications for tax exemption status of charities
Hong Kong’s responses to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (i.e. BEPS)