Hong Kong tax chief apologises after online interface error leads to 33,000 unfiled returns

Hong Kong's Inland Revenue Commissioner Benjamin Chan apologized after it was revealed that over 33,000 taxpayers failed to submit their tax returns via the electronic eTAX platform due to unclear instructions, leading to potential penalties. The issue arose from ambiguous wording on the eTAX submission and signature interface, causing users to believe they had successfully completed their returns when in fact their submissions were incomplete.

The Office of the Ombudsman discovered that between May 2025 and January 2026, IRD did not receive the tax returns filed by more than 33,000 taxpayers using the digital signature completed with 'iAM Smart.' The problem was addressed by revamping the two electronic platforms, with iAM Smart now reminding users to return to eTAX to complete their tax returns and clearly indicating when the filing is completed.

Benjamin Chan stated that about 800 taxpayers received a ticket for a fine, while around 26,000 corrected their filings. Luk Che-chung, a former Hospital Authority chief executive, revealed he received a HK$600 penalty for a similar mistake.