Question 1

What is a Hong Kong Certificate of Resident Status (CoR)?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of Resident Status is a document issued by the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department confirming that the applicant is a Hong Kong tax resident. Foreign tax authorities commonly request it before applying the reduced withholding rates in a double taxation agreement.

Question 2

How long does it take to get a Hong Kong CoR?

Accepted Answer

The Inland Revenue Department's published target is 21 working days from receipt of a complete application.

Question 3

Does a CoR guarantee I will get the treaty withholding rate?

Accepted Answer

No. The IRD has stated that the issue of a Certificate of Resident Status does not guarantee that treaty benefits will be granted. The tax authority of the paying jurisdiction decides whether relief applies.

Question 4

Which countries does Hong Kong have a double taxation agreement with?

Accepted Answer

Hong Kong has comprehensive double taxation agreements with around 60 jurisdictions and limited agreements with a number of additional partners, including Mainland China, the United Kingdom, Korea, Canada and many others. Hong Kong does not have a comprehensive double taxation agreement with the United States.

Question 5

Does TAX ONE serve clients in Japan?

Accepted Answer

No. This service is not available to Japan-based clients, and TAX ONE does not prepare applications for payments from Japan.