China and Hong Kong have announced a new tax agreement that will have important implications for businesses operating across the two jurisdictions.

Under the new agreement, signed in April 2019, China will designate Hong Kong as a “separate tax jurisdiction” for the first time. This means that businesses operating in both mainland China and Hong Kong will be able to avoid double taxation, and will benefit from more consistent and predictable tax treatment.

The agreement comes as part of a wider effort by China to promote economic integration in the Greater Bay Area, a region that includes Hong Kong, Macau, and several mainland Chinese cities. The hope is that the agreement will encourage more cross-border investment and trade, and help to create a more harmonious business environment in the region.

What does the agreement mean for businesses in Hong Kong and China?

For businesses operating in both Hong Kong and mainland China, the new tax agreement will have several important implications. Firstly, it will simplify the process of filing tax returns and reduce administrative costs, which is good news for companies looking to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.

Secondly, the agreement will help to avoid double taxation. Currently, companies operating in both jurisdictions can face significant tax liabilities, as they may be subject to both mainland Chinese and Hong Kong taxes on the same income. Under the new agreement, businesses will be able to claim tax credits for taxes paid in one jurisdiction against their tax liabilities in the other jurisdiction, which will help to reduce their overall tax burden.

Thirdly, the agreement will provide greater clarity and certainty on tax treatment. This is particularly important for companies operating in sectors such as financial services, where tax treatment can be complex and subject to interpretation. By designating Hong Kong as a separate tax jurisdiction, the new agreement will help to ensure that companies operating in both Hong Kong and mainland China are subject to consistent and predictable tax treatment.

Overall, the new China-Hong Kong tax agreement is a positive development for businesses operating in the Greater Bay Area. By reducing administrative costs, avoiding double taxation, and providing greater clarity and certainty on tax treatment, the agreement will help to promote cross-border investment and trade, and create a more harmonious business environment in the region.