Hotel Accommodation Tax to be reinstated in HK

Starting tomorrow (Jan. 1), the government will resume the collection of hotel room tax at a rate of 3% on room rentals.

The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) announced this on Dec. 31 via social media, emphasizing that the government has been in close communication with the tourism industry.

Meetings with the Inland Revenue Department, hotel and guesthouse operators, and online travel platforms have been conducted to clarify operational arrangements. A communication platform has also been established to address industry concerns and feedback promptly.

The Inland Revenue Department will continuously update relevant information and FAQs on its website. Additionally, a dedicated phone hotline and service desk at tax offices will be available to support the industry. In the first quarter of next year, the department plans to hold a sharing session for hotel and guesthouse operators to discuss initial experiences with the reinstated tax and provide guidance on tax reporting and payments.

Furthermore, the authorities will inform incoming travelers about the hotel room tax through electronic notices at the airport and various border control points. They have also reached out to the Tourism Board, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices, Invest Hong Kong, consulates, and international chambers of commerce in Hong Kong to promote this information.

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