Latest arrangements for Inland Revenue Department’s public services
In view of the extension of the special work arrangements for government departments to August 9, the Inland Revenue Department announced today (July 31) that from August 3 it will continue to suspend the provision of all of its public services, except for the following:
| Offices | Opening hours |
| Central Enquiry Counter (only for enquiries relating to tax clearance for taxpayers leaving Hong Kong) |
From 9am to noon and 1.30pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday |
| Central Telephone Enquiry | From 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday |
| Business Registration Office | From 9am to noon and 1.30pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday |
| Stamp Office | From 9am to noon and 1.30pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday |
The department appeals to members of the public for their understanding that the above services will only be provided at a much reduced scale and that services in all other areas will not be provided at the service counters. They should also be prepared to experience a longer waiting time before they can be served. The department encourages the public to use its electronic services to handle their tax affairs as much as possible. A list of such services can be found on the department's website at www.ird.gov.hk/eng/ese/index.htm.
The department further announced that deadlines for tax payments (not applicable to "Auto Tax Payment Service" under the Tax Reserve Certificates Scheme), lodgement of objections and holdover applications, as well as submission of tax returns and information that fall between July 20 and August 9 will be automatically extended to August 10.
The department will review the situation and make further announcements as necessary.