The revenue authorities are required by Statute to maintain absolute confidentiality in connection with a taxpayer's affairs. The audited financial statements of a private company are not available for inspection by the public. The only outside persons legally entitled to see private companies' financial statements are the shareholders and the revenue authorities. Only Hong Kong-source income is subject to tax. There is, in general, no tax on non-Hong Kong source profits.
Dividends are exempt from tax.
There are no withholding taxes. Certain types of payments made to a non-resident, e.g. royalties, are, however, deemed to be income subject to profits tax. There is no tax on capital gains. Profits tax may, however, be charged on the profits of speculative transactions if they can be shown to constitute trade. Property Tax Property tax is levied on the owner of land and buildings in Hong Kong, except where they are occupied by the owner for residential purposes.