Your Guide to the Compliance Calendar for Businesses in Hong Kong

Kristina Coluccia
Aug 4
3 min read

For companies operating in Hong Kong, staying compliant with legal, tax, and corporate governance obligations is not only a regulatory necessity but also a key aspect of good business practice. Missing a filing deadline or overlooking a statutory requirement can lead to penalties, reputational damage, and even the risk of deregistration. One of the most effective tools for managing these obligations is a compliance calendar.

Understanding a Compliance Calendar

A compliance calendar is a structured schedule that outlines all the critical deadlines a business must meet to remain compliant with Hong Kong’s regulatory framework. It acts as a central reference point, ensuring directors, company secretaries, and finance teams have a clear overview of upcoming obligations throughout the year.

In Hong Kong, the compliance calendar typically includes filing deadlines with the Companies Registry (CR), the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), and any relevant licensing authorities. It can also incorporate internal corporate governance activities, such as annual general meetings, shareholder updates, and board reporting cycles.

Key Compliance Dates in Hong Kong

While the exact dates depend on your company’s incorporation date, tax year-end, and specific industry, most Hong Kong companies should expect their compliance calendar to include:

Annual Return Filing (Form NAR1) – Filed with the Companies Registry within 42 days after the anniversary of incorporation.
Business Registration Renewal – Annually or every three years, depending on your registration certificate.
Profits Tax Return (PTR) Submission – Issued by the IRD, usually in April each year, with varying deadlines based on your accounting period.
Employer’s Return (Form IR56B and others) – Submitted annually to report employees’ income to the IRD.
Annual General Meeting (if applicable) – Required for public companies and optional for private companies unless specified in the Articles of Association.
Statutory Record Updates – Ensuring registers (directors, shareholders, charges, etc.) are kept current and accessible.

Benefits of Maintaining a Compliance Calendar

A compliance calendar does more than simply remind you of deadlines—it supports long-term operational stability and risk management. By tracking all obligations in one place, companies can:

Avoid late filing penalties and interest charges.
Maintain good standing with Hong Kong authorities.
Demonstrate strong corporate governance to investors and partners.
Streamline coordination between internal departments and external advisors.

Digital vs. Manual Compliance Calendars

Many businesses still rely on spreadsheets or paper diaries to manage deadlines. However, digital compliance calendar systems—often integrated into corporate secretarial or accounting software—offer automated reminders, real-time updates, and secure document storage. This is particularly valuable for companies with cross-border operations or multiple Hong Kong entities.

How Woodburn Can Support

At Woodburn Accountants & Advisors, we understand that compliance in Hong Kong can be complex, especially for companies balancing local obligations with international operations. We provide tailored compliance calendar services that ensure you never miss a critical deadline. Our team manages all statutory filings, maintains accurate company records, and keeps you informed of regulatory changes that could impact your obligations. With Woodburn as your compliance partner, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the details.

Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China and Hong Kong’s most trusted business setup advisory firms.

Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. We focus on eliminating the complexities of corporate services and compliance administration. We help clients with services ranging from trademark registration and company incorporation to the full outsourcing solution for accounting, tax, and human resource services. Our advisory services can be tailor-made based on the companies’ objectives, goals and needs which vary depending on the stage they are at on their journey.