Hong Kong inks tax pact with Qatar

To prevent double taxation.

According to a report, Hong Kong and Qatar have signed an agreement for avoidance of double taxation and prevention of income tax evasion.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Prof KC Chan signed the agreement with Qatari Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary to China Hamad Bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa last 13 May.

Prof Chan said the agreement, which sets out the allocation of taxing rights between the two jurisdictions will help investors better assess their potential tax liabilities from cross-border economic activities. It will bolster the economic and trade connections between the two places and offer added incentives for companies in Qatar to do business and invest in Hong Kong.

Under the agreement, double taxation will be avoided in that any Qatari tax paid by Hong Kong companies doing business through a permanent establishment there will be allowed as a credit against the tax payable in Hong Kong in respect of the income, subject to the provisions of Hong Kong’s tax laws.

Tax paid in Hong Kong by Qatari residents will be allowed as a credit against tax payable in Qatar.

The agreement the 29th of its kind Hong Kong has concluded with its trading partners. It will come into force after the completion of ratification procedures in both places.