It is mandated by the Companies Ordinance that all private limited companies that are locally incorporated should file their annual return in Hong Kong with the Companies Registry.
What is Hong Kong annual return?
An annual return can be defined as an electronic form that contains important particulars of a company such as the registered address, directors, secretaries, shareholders, and even details about the financial statement.
Which companies are required to file Hong Kong annual return?
All companies in Hong Kong, both locally incorporated companies and registered non-Hong Kong companies that are located in Hong Kong are required to file annual returns to the Companies Registry as stipulated by the law.
When is Hong Kong annual return due?
Annual returns in Hong Kong are due within 42 days after your company’s incorporation anniversary date. Late filing of your annual returns within the stipulated period can attract penalties. However, here are some things you should know about the due date for filing annual returns:
The 42-day time frame includes weekends
Non-compliance to the 42-day time frame can attract prosecution and is liable to a criminal offense.
The annual returns due date cannot be altered by anyone, even the Registrar of Companies
Filing of annual returns in Hong Kong should be done for every year your company is in business except the first year.
What are the penalties for late annual return filing?
A company is said to have breached the Companies Ordinance if they fail to file its annual returns within the 42-day time frame. The officers involved such as the company managers, directors, and secretaries will be subject to fees or even prosecutions.
The company secretary can make the filing of annual returns in Hong Kong simple and hitch-free. This is because the annual returns form can be signed and verified by the company secretary who is privy to all the information that needs to be contained in the annual return. The process for filing an annual return is stated below:
The online annual returns forms should be appropriately filled
Provision of the necessary documents such as registered office address, company membership, and audited financial report that is duly signed by a registered accountant and two directors or the secretary of the company.
The completed form should be submitted for evaluation and verification.
Submit the completed form alongside the receipt for annual returns registration.
Need any advice or help regarding the annual return in Hong Kong?
The annual return process can be tasking and complicated but with professional help, you can file your company’s annual returns with ease. SJH Global is a company that offers a variety of business solutions including filing annual returns. We also offer secretarial services with a team of skilled and licensed company secretaries that are equipped to handle all necessary secretarial duties.
We are conversant with the requirements of the law as regards filing annual return in Hong Kong and ensure that our clients remain compliant with these laws and requirements.
Comments