Modern Australian
The Times Real Estate

.

Hong Kong's fiscal position remains healthy despite deficit, KPMG recommends strategically utilizing fiscal reserves to support economic growth

Encourage enterprises to establish regional headquarters to attract capital, companies, and talent holistically

  • The Budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year announced a full withdrawal of all demand-side management measures for residential properties with immediate effect, bringing positive factors to the economic recovery.
  • KPMG advises the government to conduct a comprehensive review of the tax system, taking into consideration Hong Kong's future economic positioning, and to make corresponding adjustments to the tax policy.

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 February 2024 - KPMG welcomes the Hong Kong government's Budget, recognising it as taking a balanced approach to development, addressing the needs of both citizens and businesses, which will effectively create opportunities and drive high-quality economic development in the city. Despite the forecast fiscal deficit being larger than expected, the government's fiscal reserves remain healthy.

John Timpany, Head of Tax in Hong Kong, KPMG China, says: "The government proposes various strategies to increase revenue and contain expenditure. For example, the recently announced Productivity Enhancement Program is expected to trim 1% of recurrent government expenditure in each of the next two fiscal years, with the saved resources being reallocated internally. These stringent expenditure control measures are a prudent step. While unlikely to be welcomed, proposals such as resuming the collection of Hotel Accommodation Tax and introducing a two-tiered standard tax rate regime for salaries tax and tax under personal assessment will increase government revenue in the short term without significantly impacting the majority of citizens and businesses."

Alice Leung, Tax Partner, KPMG China, says: "KPMG previously raised suggestion to the government regarding the profits tax allowances for industrial and commercial buildings and structures. We are pleased to see that the government has proposed optimizations in the Budget, including the removal of the time limit for claiming the allowances. Additionally, we welcome the government's decision to completely eliminate the demand-side management measures for residential properties. These measures were originally implemented to curb speculative trading, which is no longer a critical concern. Since the Policy Address in October last year, which dialed back the measures, we have not seen a resurgence in speculative activity in the property market. Eliminating these cooling measures could bring positive momentum to the economy."

Stanley Ho, Tax Partner, KPMG China, says: "KPMG welcomes the measures in the Budget, which aim to attract businesses, capital, and talent. This includes investing in innovative technologies and nurturing talent in the innovation and technology sector. To promote Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre, we are pleased to see the government's continuing support and assistance to enable high value-added technology industries and enterprises to establish a foothold in the city."

KPMG welcomes the reaffirmation of the government's commitment to optimising tax incentives for funds and family offices, and recommends that the government launch and implement relevant plans as soon as possible to further promote the development of asset management in Hong Kong. In addition, KPMG recommends that the government comprehensively review the tax system to allow Hong Kong to maintain its competitiveness.

KPMG believes that the government could provide further tax incentives and exemptions to attract global companies to establish regional headquarters in Hong Kong, such as adopting 50% of the normal tax rate (i.e. 8.25%) for profits derived from regional headquarters in the city. Additionally, KPMG recommends introducing special tax loss measures, promoting investment in start-ups and scientific research projects, and easing the current stringent tax deduction conditions for interest payments to enhance the tax system.

Hashtag: #KPMGChina

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About KPMG China

KPMG China has offices located in 31 cities with over 15,000 partners and staff, in Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Dongguan, Foshan, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wuhan, Wuxi, Xiamen, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. Working collaboratively across all these offices, KPMG China can deploy experienced professionals efficiently, wherever our client is located.

KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited ("KPMG International") operate and provide professional services. "KPMG" is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 144 countries and territories with more than 236,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

In 1992, KPMG became the first international accounting network to be granted a joint venture licence in the Chinese Mainland. KPMG was also the first among the Big Four in the Chinese Mainland to convert from a joint venture to a special general partnership, as of 1 August 2012. Additionally, the Hong Kong firm can trace its origins to 1945. This early commitment to this market, together with an unwavering focus on quality, has been the foundation for accumulated industry experience, and is reflected in KPMG's appointment for multidisciplinary services (including audit, tax and advisory) by some of China's most prestigious companies.

The Different Career Paths in a Law Firm: From Clerk to Partner

The legal profession offers a structured yet diverse career path, with opportunities ranging from entry-level positions to esteemed leadership roles...

The Importance of Exercise for People with Disabilities: Adaptive Workouts

Exercise is a fundamental part of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, and this holds true for people of all abilities. For individuals with d...

Planning a Construction or Renovation? Don’t Overlook the Plumbing!

Building or renovating your home is an exciting journey—designing layouts, selecting finishes, and watching your space come to life. However, while ...

Bathroom Tiling: Trends, Materials and Installation Tips

The world of bathroom tiling has come a long way, with new trends, improved materials, and innovative installation techniques, making it easier than...

Best Products to Increase Hair Density: What Really Works?

Do you want thick, voluminous hair? We get you!! There’s just something about a full head of hair that makes you feel more confident. But what do...

The Cost of Back to Base Security in Sydney: Is It Worth the Investment?

Sydney is a fantastic place to live. The beaches, the cafes, the culture. There’s a reason people are willing to pay premium prices for a spot in ...

Australian Workplace Engagement Declines Amidst Shifting Employee Priorities

Global leader in employee engagement and HR technology, Reward Gateway, has today released its second annual Workplace Engagement Index. The report...

The Right Mix: 5 Tips for Choosing Products Your Customers Will Love

Photo: Marcella Marcella / Unsplash Crafting the perfect product offering is difficult. You need to strike a delicate balance between building a busi...

Septic Tank Pump Out Cost: What to Expect in 2025

The size of the tank, the location and the rates charged by the service provider all affect how much a septic tank pump out will cost. Every thre...

How Machine Learning is Personalizing Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment has seen a significant transformation over the past few decades, largely due to advancements in digital dentistry and artificial...

From Backend Logic to Frontend Magic: Merging Software Development and Web Design

Software design and web development go hand in hand in today's computer age. Backend logic is used for functionality, and frontend design makes soft...

Australians who want to buy their first home need concrete saving stratagems for their deposit

Many Australians aspire to own a house but face significant obstacles while trying to save for the necessary deposit. Given the increase in property...

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Professional Indemnity Policy for Your Business

"Unlock the secrets to choosing the ideal Professional Indemnity Policy for your business. Understand the critical considerations!" A Professional ...

Skills in Demand (Subclass 482): The Employer-Sponsored Work Visa for Skilled Professionals

Businesses in today's globalized economy are always looking for qualified individuals to fill important positions. Employers in Australia can fill ...

Recent Study Reveals Which Psychological Problems Affect Different Age Groups

In recent years, the wider community has started talking more about mental health, and for good reason. In Australia alone, 42.9% of people between ...

The Ultimate Guide to Flyscreen Windows: How to Keep Your Home Bug-Free in Style

Keeping your home free from insects doesn't mean sacrificing style or comfort. Flyscreen windows offer an effective solution to maintain a bug-free ...

Dating after separation - the do's and don't's

After a romantic split you move forward with plans for fresh dating relationships. The present moment brings excited feelings since you look toward ...

What to Look for in a Reliable Junk Removal Service

Choosing the right junk removal service can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Every year, households and businesses genera...