In brief
The Hong Kong Journalists Association has reported a rise in tax inspections targeting journalists and independent news outlets, compounding the challenges faced since the imposition of a national security law.
Journalists in Hong Kong are facing heightened adversity as they report an alarming trend of tax investigations that further threaten their already strained press freedoms. The Hong Kong Journalists Association has revealed that numerous journalists, alongside six independent news organizations and their founders, are currently being subjected to scrutinizing tax inquiries. This development is particularly disturbing as it follows years of intimidation and fear of arrest embedded in the lives of journalists since the national security law was enacted five years ago.Among those targeted are not just the journalists but also their family members, with investigations extending to the personal tax records of their spouses and parents. Reports indicate that many journalists have received increased tax demands, with some being solicited for extensive financial documents extending back seven years. Selina Cheng, the association's chair, expressed concerns that many investigations lacked solid proof, with allegations of authorities inflating income figures without considering legitimate business expenses.The financial burden of proving their innocence adds to the already challenging landscape for journalists who, according to Cheng, typically do not earn high incomes. The Inland Revenue Department reported that it conducted around 1,800 field audits and investigations in 2023 and 2024, affirming that all reviews align with standard procedures and are not influenced by a taxpayer's profession. However, journalists argue that these investigations appear to disproportionately target those in the media sector, intensifying fears of censorship and further undermining press freedom in Hong Kong.
