5 Best Tax Advisors in Hong Kong [2024]

Hong Kong is an attractive location for global businesses with its favourable tax systems. However, navigating taxes as a company has some intricacies that may cause some headaches. 

According to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), the Hong Kong tax system consists of 3 direct taxes and various other indirect taxes and levies, each with its own specific rules, rates, and exemptions. 

Furthermore, Hong Kong’s tax laws are subject to updates. For instance, Hong Kong is set to implement the OECD’s Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) measures under Pillar Two in 2025. This change will make the tax regulations more complex and could impact multinational enterprises’ tax liabilities. 

If you just started a business in Hong Kong, you can benefit greatly from partnering with experienced tax advisors who can help you understand the complexities of tax laws, ensure compliance, and optimise your tax planning. 

Wondering where to find them? This article features the top 5 tax advisors in Hong Kong. We’ll look at their services and factors to consider when choosing an advisor to help you pick the best fit for your business. 

Tax advisors are professionals who specialise in providing tax advisory services, offering guidance and support on all tax-related matters. 

For example, a tax advisor in Hong Kong can:

• Analyse your business structure to provide you with personalised tax solutions and strategies that reduce your overall tax burden and maximise your tax efficiency in Hong Kong. 
• Ensure that you meet the statutory tax filing deadlines, complete and check your tax returns, and help you navigate withholding tax in Hong Kong.
• Keep you updated with the latest tax laws and regulations in Hong Kong. 

Tax advisors often have backgrounds in accounting, law, or financial planning, and they may collaborate as a multi-disciplinary team of professionals.

PKF Hong Kong is part of a global network of accounting firms called PKF International, which operates in 150 countries. It has been in business since 1968 and has grown alongside Hong Kong's financial development.

Combining worldwide knowledge with local expertise, PKF Hong Kong offers a range of services, including tax and business advisory, auditing and assurance, and corporate services. It caters to the needs of corporates in mainland China and Hong Kong. 

PKF Hong Kong particularly specialises in industries such as construction, licensed corporations, regulated companies, catering, hospitality, real estate, and charitable instutitions while also offering audit, assurance, and advisory services to financial institutions.

• Hong Kong, PRC, and international tax compliance services
• Personal and corporate tax computations and returns
• Hong Kong tax due diligence reviews
• Holding structure, operational, and trust and estate advisory
• Pre-Initial Public Offering tax provision reviews and advisory
• Supports tax investigation and queries, e.g., prepare replies to IRD’s inquiries
• Cross-border business and tax advisory
• Initial Public Offering (IPO) Services
• Lodgment of Hong Kong offshore claim or tax exemption
• Application for advance ruling 
• Tax planning for high net worth individual
• Employee remuneration tax advisory

You can contact PKF Hong Kong through any of the following channels:

• Website: PKF Contact Form
• Phone: +852 2806 3822
• Fax: +852 2806 3712
• Email: enquiry@pkf-hk.com
• Office: 26/F, Citicorp Centre, 18 Whitfield Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

CW CPA is a member of Allinial Global, an association of independent accounting and consulting firms. 

Their ACCA and HKICPA-qualified tax professionals offer corporate and personal tax advisory services to local and multinational clients across various industries, including manufacturing, wholesale, retail, real estate, logistics, shipping, and financial services.

CW CPA has a presence in various locations, including Hong Kong, mainland China, Spain, the UK, Colombia, and Brazil.

• Corporate and individual tax compliance services
• Tax health checking services, including evaluating existing exposures and identifying potential tax risk areas
• Assistance in preparing corporate profits and individual income tax returns
• Advisory support for tax authority’s inquiries 
• Tax investigation and field audit support 
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) tax diligence and structuring 
• Assistance in applying for a Certificate of Resident Status in Hong Kong to claim tax benefits 
• Advance ruling applications for controversial tax issues
• Explore tax-saving opportunities

To reach CW CPA Hong Kong, use any of the following contact options:

• Website: CW CPA Contact Form
• Phone: +852 2956 3798
• Email: cw@cwhkcpa.com
• Office: Suites 2111-13, 21/F, Prudential Tower, The Gateway, Harbour City, 21 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

For those in Mainland China, CW CPA offices are also located in the Futian District in Shenzhen, the Huangpu District in Shanghai, and the Tianhe District in Guangzhou.

RSM Hong Kong is part of RSM, a multinational network of independent accounting and consulting firms with a presence in over 120 countries. Established in 1975, it is one of the leading firms in Hong Kong, offering services including Audit and Assurance, Taxation, and Transaction Advisory. 

Their services include audit and assurance, taxation, risk advisory, technology and management consulting, transaction advisory, corporate advisory, and financial reporting advisory.

Regarding tax advisory, RSM Hong Kong offers expert services on the taxation regimes of Hong Kong and mainland China to local and multinational companies. 

• Advising on tax-efficient business structures
• Personal income tax advisory and efficient compensation structuring
• Negotiating with the IRD in tax investigations and field audits
• Handling tax exemption claims and resolving IRD disputes
• Formulating tax strategies for investments, restructuring, and M&A
• Conducting tax due diligence for M&A transactions
• Reviewing and planning tax provisions for pre-initial Public Offering

For enquiries with RSM Hong Kong, you have these contact options:

• Website: RSM Hong Kong Contact Form
• Phone: +852 2746 7600  
• Office: 1301A, 13th Floor, Sun House, 90 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong

3E Accounting is a Hong Kong-based firm that specialises in offering professional services such as accounting, tax, and compliance support tailored to startups and small-to-medium-sized businesses. 

As an independent member of the 3E Accounting International Network, they provide expert guidance and tax advice for Hong Kong business operations. 

3E Accounting offers comprehensive services to assist Hong Kong-incorporated businesses with the entire taxation process. They also offer other business solutions, including company incorporation for locals and foreigners, business licence renewals and Hong Kong business advisory. 

• Hong Kong corporate tax compliance services
• Certificate of Resident Status application for claiming tax benefits under Double Taxation Agreements
• Offshore corporate tax exemption claim
• Submission of Notification of Commencement of Business and Change of Business Particulars to the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD) 
• Withholding tax services for non-resident individuals and businesses
• Transfer pricing services in Hong Kong

To get in touch with 3E accounting, you can use these communication channels:

• Website: 3E Accounting Contact Form
• Phone: +852 3703 8500
• Email: info@3ecpa.com.hk

Office: 2/F., Tern Centre, Tower 1, 237 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong

Zetland Fiduciary Group, headquartered in Hong Kong, offers personalised business consultancy services in company establishment, trust management, accounting, taxation, and more. 

In terms of taxation, they focus on Hong Kong, the US, the UK, Australia, China and Singapore taxation issues. They also aim to provide a one-stop solution for both individual and corporate tax needs, including tax planning for business structures, compliance, cross-border issues, exit strategies, and advisory services.

Their team consists of experienced professionals, including certified attorneys, accountants, and tax experts. 

Zetland Fiduciary Group has offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, and London. 

• Corporate tax services
• Strategic guidance for multinational tax planning
• Support for reorganisations and restructuring
• Planning recommendations tailored for owner-managed enterprises
• Comprehensive advice on corporate and general taxation matters
• Strategies for profit extraction, encompassing dividend policies
• Competent authority discussions and negotiations
• Guidance on income source assessment
• Audit Liaison 

To contact Zetland Fiduciary Group for pricing and other information, you can use any of the following contact channels:

• Website: Zetland Fiduciary Group Contact Form
• Phone: +852 5808 0180
• Fax: +852 2140 6833
• Email: hongkong@zetland.biz 

Office:5/F, Chung Nam Building, 1 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

To make the best choice when choosing a tax advisor, consider these key factors.

The first criterion is to seek a qualified tax advisor or tax consultant who holds the appropriate licences and certifications. 

In Hong Kong, you should look for: 

• A certificate from the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA), an authority responsible for training, developing, and regulating certified public accountants in Hong Kong. You can verify an advisor’s HKICPA certification using the Find a CPA tool on the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants website. 
• Chartered Tax Advisors (CTA), granted by the Taxation Institute of Hong Kong (TIHK). You can check from the Chartered Tax Adviser Register Page on the Taxation Institute of Hong Kong’s website.

It is important to understand the tax advisors’ fee structure to ensure it fits your budget. While most tax advisors in Hong Kong require you to contact them for a personalised quote, here are the most common fee structures you might encounter:

• Hourly rates: The tax advisor charges a fixed rate per hour of work performed. This is often used for straightforward tasks or ongoing consultations. 
• Flat fees: The tax advisor charges a fixed amount for a specific service or project, such as conducting a tax audit or developing a long-term tax strategy.
• Retainer fees: The tax advisor charges a fixed monthly or annual fee for a set number of hours or services. This is typically used for ongoing advisory and compliance services.

While less common, some tax advisors may offer a contingency fee structure for specific situations, such as tax dispute resolutions. It’s important to discuss the pricing and fee structure upfront with the tax advisor for clarity. 

To avoid disputes over fees, ask for a written quotation and agreement that specify the following information:

• The type and scope of service
• The estimated time and cost involved
• The payment terms and conditions
• Any additional fees for extra services

Tax regulations and implications can vary significantly between industries. Choosing a tax advisor with experience and expertise in your specific industry can ensure they understand the unique challenges and opportunities your business faces. 

For example, a real estate company needs a tax advisor with specialised expertise to navigate complex property taxes and regulations, while a tech startup might require an advisor who is familiar with tax incentives for intellectual property. 

To ensure all your tax needs are met, choose a tax advisor with a comprehensive range of services. 

The ideal advisor offers a full suite of tax services, covering these three fundamentals:

• Tax compliance: The tax advisor ensures that you meet all tax obligations and deadlines, such as reporting income and expenses,  filing tax returns, and paying taxes.
• Tax planning: The tax advisor helps you plan and implement strategies to reduce tax burdens and maximise benefits, such as claiming tax deductions.
• Tax advisory:  The tax advisor provides guidance on tax implications of various business activities, including mergers, acquisitions, and cross-border transactions. 

Taxation can be complex, so you should ensure you can have clear and direct communication with your advisor.

• Language Proficiency: For a business in Hong Kong, an advisor fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English is a necessity to ensure they can effectively communicate with the Hong Kong authority. The tax advisor should also speak the same language as you or be able to communicate with you.
• Communication Channels: Ensure that you can contact your tax advisor through convenient methods, such as email, phone, or video conferencing.
• Communication Hours: If your business operates across different time zones or you frequently travel, choose an advisor with flexible availability who can accommodate your schedule and preferred communication times.

In conclusion, the top 5 tax advisors in Hong Kong include PKF Hong Kong, CW CPA, RSM Hong Kong, 3E Accounting, and Zetland Fiduciary Group.

When choosing a tax advisor, it's crucial to consider their qualifications, industry knowledge, range of services, and communication style to ensure they can effectively meet your business needs.

Remember, the best tax advisor for you is the one whose expertise and approach align with your specific requirements.

Lastly, it’s always beneficial to reach out to these professionals for tailored advice, ensuring their service is compatible and can help with your Hong Kong business operations.