Which are the annual reporting requirements for a Limited Company?
For limited companies in Hong Kong, there are essential annual reporting requirements that must be fulfilled to maintain compliance with regulatory authorities.
Are there any specific documents or forms that need to be submitted annually to the Companies Registry in Hong Kong?
Yes, there are annual obligations with the Companies Registry as well as internal procedure to maintain. Let’s begin exploring the annual requirements by outlining the internal obligations and company registry procedures that you must adhere to in order to ensure compliance.
NAR1 - Annual Return
The NAR1 form, also known as the Annual Return, is a crucial document that every limited company in Hong Kong must file annually. This form provides updated information about the company's structure, shareholders, directors, and registered address. Here's what you need to know about the NAR1 form:
- When is the deadline for filing annual returns in Hong Kong? - The Annual Return must be filed within 42 days of the company's anniversary of incorporation.
- Required Information: The form includes details about the company's registered office address, principal place of business, details of directors and shareholders, and more.
- Penalties for Late Filing: Late submission of the Annual Return can result in fines, so it's essential to meet the filing deadline.
Who can help you preparing and filing the NAR1? Your company Secretary, and that’s why is important to appoint a reliable entity.
It’a important to note that the NAR1 is called NN3 for Hong Kong Branches of foreign entities, and the requirements are different.
Do you need to keep internal records of my company’s documents?
All companies need to keep their statutory records at the company’s registered office, and to notify the Company Registry of it. The statutory records are:
- Certificate of Incorporation (CI)
- Certificate of Business Registration (BR)
- Articles of Association (AA)
- Records of resolutions, minutes of all meetings
- Company seal
- Share certificates
- Registers of members and directors
- Business licenses (if any).
Any changes in a Hong Kong corporation must be reported to CR within 15 days of the change.
In addition to the statutory record, In Hong Kong every limited company has to appoint a Designated Representative (DR). Who is a Designated Representative? An individual or entity appointed by a company to fulfil the regulatory obligation of reporting the Significant Controllers Register (SCR) to the authorities. This role involves the disclosure of information about the Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) of the company, ensuring transparency and compliance with the Anti Money Laundering Ordinance (AMLO) regulations. The Designated Representative acts as an intermediary, facilitating the communication between the company and government authorities, contributing to the overarching objective of preventing money laundering and promoting corporate transparency.
Do you need to hold an annual general meeting (AGM) for my Hong Kong company?
Yes! Within 18 months of its creation, a Hong Kong corporation is required to meet its first Annual General Meeting (AGM), which must be conducted annually at the conclusion of the fiscal year.
AGMs must be held by the company within 9 months of its accounting reference period and within 15 months of the most recent one.
Additionally, a director's report needs to be written. The Companies Ordinance checklist will serve as the basis for the report's specifics.
Importantly, it is the Hong Kong company's duty to deliver such documents to the company's shareholders after receiving the directors' permission. The presentation must be submitted no later than 21 days before the AGM.
Are there any specific documents or forms that need to be submitted annually to the Inland Revenue Department in Hong Kong?
Same as the Companies Registry, also the Inland Revenue Department have some some requirements, major deadlines, and best practise that all companies need to follow.
Business Registration - BR
All businesses, including limited companies, must renew their Business Registration (BR) annually. The BR certificate indicates that your company is registered to operate legally in Hong Kong, and contains details such as your business nature, business address, date of commencement of business.
The BR number is your company identification number (together with the Certificate of Incorporation number), and you always have to make sure to have it on hand.
Here's an overview of the BR renewal process:
- Renewal Deadline: The renewal of Business Registration should be done before the anniversary date of the company's incorporation. Don’t worry, is indicated in the certificate as well.
- Required Information: You'll need to provide updated business information, including the company's business address and other relevant details.
- Renewal Process: You can renew the Business Registration online or through the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Do you need to prepare a Financial Statement in Hong Kong?
Limited companies in Hong Kong are also required to prepare annual financial statements, which consist of the balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and notes to the financial statements. These statements must be submitted to the Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) annually.
These statements adhere to the established accounting framework, primarily the Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRS), ensuring the presentation of accurate and reliable financial information.
The HKFRS provides guidelines and principles that companies follow to create financial statements that are consistent, comparable, and informative.
Limited companies need to have their financial statement audited by a qualified auditor in Hong Kong. These auditors, independent of the company, undertake a comprehensive examination of the financial statements, accounting records, and internal controls. Their objective is to express an opinion on the accuracy and fairness of the financial information presented in the statements.
The audit report communicates the auditors' findings, conclusions, and assurance on whether the financial statements are free from material misstatements and conform to the applicable accounting standards. This process adds an extra layer of credibility to the financial statements, reassuring stakeholders that the information provided is reliable and has undergone a rigorous examination by experts in the field.
Are there any tax filing requirements for Hong Kong companies on an annual basis?
Yes, the main requirements are the below:
PTR - Profit Tax Return
The Profit Tax Return in Hong Kong is a form that businesses use to declare their profits and related financial information to the government. It's a way for companies to report their earnings and expenses, so the government can calculate the amount of tax they need to pay on their profits. This form helps ensure that companies are paying the right amount of tax based on their business activities. In the Profit Tax Return, businesses declare their total income, deduct allowable expenses, and calculate their taxable profits. This form is essential for maintaining transparency and fulfilling tax obligations in Hong Kong.
Employer’s Return
The Employer's Return (ER) is a form used by employers in Hong Kong to report information about their employees and their income. This form helps the government keep track of employment details, such as salaries, bonuses, and benefits provided to employees. Employers use the ER to declare the total amount paid to employees during the year, the amount of money withheld for taxes (if applicable), and other relevant employment information. This form is important for both employers and employees, as it ensures that accurate tax calculations are made and that the correct amount of taxes is withheld from employees' salaries.
The ER plays a crucial role in maintaining transparency, adhering to tax regulations, and fulfilling the tax responsibilities of employers in Hong Kong.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of annual reporting requirements in Hong Kong can feel like a complex journey, especially if you are not an Hong Kong resident. Staying on top of these obligations is crucial for limited companies, ensuring your business sails smoothly in these dynamic waters.
Here's the good news: you don't have to navigate this voyage alone. Having a trustworthy partner who understands the ins and outs of deadlines and regulations can make all the difference. We're here to be that partner, supporting you in keeping your company's health in check and making sure you're always aware of important dates. Contact us today!