Following the FCC’s May 23 statement on multiple tax audits of independent media organisations, the club made enquiries to Hong Kong’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD). Below is IRD’s reply in full.

To protect tax revenue, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has established procedures to review the information provided by taxpayers and to verify the amount of tax payable. If there is any information showing that any person may have breached the provisions of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (IRO), the IRD will follow up the case in accordance with the IRO. The industry or background of a taxpayer has no bearing on such reviews.

Owing to the secrecy provision of Section 4 of the IRO, the IRD is precluded from disclosing information of individual cases to unauthorised persons and will not comment on any case.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is concerned by reports of multiple independent media outlets facing simultaneous tax audits and backdated demands from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

At a press conference on May 21, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) said it had evidence that at least six news outlets—Boomhead, Hong Kong Free Press, InMedia, ReNews, The Witness and another outlet that wished to remain anonymous—had recently been subject to additional scrutiny of their tax affairs after being “randomly selected” for an audit.

In addition, 20 people linked to Hong Kong independent media are facing similar tax inspections, according to HKJA. In a statement, Hong Kong Free Press said that the scrutiny “has diverted resources, manpower and funds away from journalism”.

The FCC, whilst understanding the need for targeted tax audits, has reached out to IRD to ask why so many independent media organisations were selected simultaneously for random audits. The FCC has asked that IRD consider enhancing its transparency because we believe that an explanation as to why these investigations have occurred simultaneously is a necessary improvement to the system. In our view, a reasonable and timely explanation by IRD would positively impact the international perception of Hong Kong as a business centre and its commitment to press freedom, which is guaranteed in the Basic Law.

On World Press Freedom Day, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong reaffirms its resolute support of journalists and unwavering commitment to defend press freedom, both in Hong Kong and around the world.

Today, we recognise and celebrate the vital role of the global news media in combating disinformation and keeping societies informed, pushing back against threats to fact-based discourse from AI-generated falsehoods and populist political movements.

We also mourn our colleagues who have lost their lives in the line of duty around the world. Last year was the deadliest year on record since the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) began collecting data more than 30 years ago. At least 124 journalists and media workers were killed in 2024, with 85 killed in the Israel-Gaza war alone.

Closer to home, the FCC’s recently published Press Freedom Survey reflects the pressure faced by working journalists in Hong Kong, with 62% of respondents saying that their working environment as a journalist has changed for the worse since we conducted our last survey.

May 3 acts as a reminder for Hong Kong’s government officials to respect their stated commitment to press freedom, which is guaranteed in the city’s Basic Law.

The FCC will continue to support journalists and advocate for press freedom in Hong Kong so that journalists can carry out their work without fear or favour.

“A free press is not a luxury. A free press is at the absolute core of equitable development” — James Wolfensohn, former president of the World Bank.

An anonymous survey of the FCC’s Correspondent and Journalist members reflects the damaged sentiment that many working journalists in Hong Kong are facing.

The results of the survey, the third that the FCC has conducted in the last four years, raise concerns about the working environment that our members and others in the media industry face.

Of the 69 respondents, 43 (62%) said that their working environment as a journalist in Hong Kong had changed for the worse since July 2023, the time of the last press freedom survey. The National Security Law, its related trials, and the perceived exodus of international news organisations were mentioned as reasons for the change.

Respondents also noted that their sources have become more concerned about sharing their own opinions, with 44 (64%) saying that their sources are less willing to be quoted or discuss sensitive subjects.

Journalists are cautious about their own writing as well, with 45 (65%) saying they had self-censored in the last 18 months, and 12 (18%) saying they had self-censored “considerably”.

Ten respondents (16%) reported facing minor interference in their reporting, and one noted significant interference.

The perception of the media environment is also noteworthy, with four people (6%) saying they are “very concerned,” and 36 people (52%) being “slightly concerned” about the possibility of arrest or prosecution over their reporting or opinion articles or work they have edited.

While only one person reported experiencing digital surveillance and two reported physical surveillance, 62 (90%) said they were concerned about digital and physical surveillance.

The FCC supports journalists’ fundamental right to conduct their work freely and without fear of intimidation or harassment.

We will continue our proactive engagement with relevant authorities to safeguard press freedom in the city in order to make sure that Hong Kong remains a thriving hub for journalism and business in the region.

Read the full results of the survey in the latest edition of the club’s magazine, The Correspondent.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is concerned by the repeated cancellations of the Hong Kong Journalists Association’s (HKJA) annual fundraising gala by the host venues, and their implications for press freedom in the city.

HKJA is a non-profit organisation that advocates press freedom and supports journalists and journalism in Hong Kong.

If this trend of cancellations were to continue, it risks tarnishing Hong Kong’s image as an international business and financial centre.