Event Summary
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) revealed that since two years ago, the Inland Revenue Department has been reviewing the tax affairs of at least eight media organisations and 20 journalists or their family members. The authorities have demanded substantial provisional tax payments totalling approximately HK$1.7 million. Among those affected is HKJA Chairwoman Cheng Ka-yu, whose tax for the 2018/19 year was scrutinised. The department estimated her annual income at over HK$631,000, despite her actual salary at the time being HK$18,000 per month while employed in the investigative team of “HK01.” The estimated income was approximately HK$400,000 higher than her actual earnings. Cheng emphasized that her case is just one example of how journalists and media workers are also being subjected to what she described as “unreasonable” tax audits by the department. This event undermines the respect and protection of fundamental freedoms and a supportive legal and regulatory framework, as the reported pattern of disproportionate tax audits targeting journalists and media organisations is perceived as a form of intimidation. Such actions create a chilling effect on press freedom and weakening the role of independent media within civil society.