Skip to main content

Featured

DC reform meetings held

The Government held exchange meetings on the theme of improving the district governance system and reforming the District Councils (DCs) at the Central Government Offices today.   Over 80 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and Hong Kong SAR members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) were there to exchange views on improving the district governance system and supporting the District Council election.   Chief Executive John Lee noted that it is the first major citywide election after improving the district governance system and reforming the DCs, and is of particular significance.   He said it also marks the final mile for the full implementation of the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” in the district governance structure.   The Chief Executive also noted that the election is of great significance to the good governance and the long-term st

Stamp duty bill gazetted

The Stamp Duty (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2023 was gazetted today to implement a measure to trawl for talent as announced in the 2022 Policy Address.   It proposes a refund mechanism under the Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) and New Residential Stamp Duty (NRSD) regimes for non-Hong Kong permanent residents who have entered Hong Kong under designated talent admission schemes.   Eligible incoming talent who acquired a residential property in Hong Kong on or after October 19, 2022 and subsequently become a Hong Kong permanent resident, can apply for a refund of the BSD and NRSD paid for that property which was his/her only residential property (save for replacing property) at the time of purchase and he/she still holds on the date of the refund application.   The Ad Valorem Stamp Duty at Scale 2 rates will still be payable such that the overall stamp duty charged will be on par with that levied on first-time home buyers who are permanent residents.   The aforesaid bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on April 19 for first and second readings. The Inland Revenue Department will accept refund applications after the approval and gazettal of the new legislation.   The Government said the proposed refund mechanism can attract incoming talent to stay in Hong Kong for long-term development by substantially reducing their cost of property purchase.
http://dlvr.it/Sm4MSd

Popular Posts