[Sazzy]

I am leaving Hong Kong. I have to give the Inland Revenue one months notice of my departure. Your employer also has to do the same thing. Your employer must also withhold all future salary payments until the Inland Revenue issues a letter of release. The Inland Revenue will issue a letter of release once the income tax is paid.

I am now not getting paid for November and December - this sucks. How am I suppose to pay my tax (and rent etc) if I dont get my salary?

Thank goodness for credit cards! But this still sucks!!!

Im not a big fan of the smilies but this deserves a

[sylvesterjay]

Originally Posted by Sazzy

I am now not getting paid for November and December - this sucks. How am I suppose to pay my tax (and rent etc) if I dont get my salary?

You don't expect any government to use logic do you? Or to give a crap about how it impacts you for that matter?

I feel for you. A friend of mine went thru this a few months ago.

[KnowItAll]

On the other hand, the IRD will issue the letter very quickly with minimal fuss if everything is in order.

[discobay]

Oh how things have changed. When I first came here it was common practice for expats to leave with no notice to the authorities. Their employers treated them as employees of their overseas office on temporary loan - temporary my a***.

I think you did the right thing sazzy.

[Sazzy]

yes, but they dont issue the letter until they have received the money - but how can i pay the tax if I dont get my salary? It just doesnt make sense.

[sylvesterjay]

see my comments above

[sylvesterjay]

can you work something out with your employer to get money to pay the tax? Or have them pay it and deduct it from your final pay?

[Sazzy]

Next step is for me to go and see the Inland Revenue - I will ask them!
At the moment, my employer is withholding x amount but the income tax owed is less than that so why cant the Inland Revenue allow my employer to release the difference - at least I could pay my rent then.

But as you said - thats just to logical!

[KnowItAll]

Here's a compromise.

1) Get Inland revenue to issue you a demand note.

2) Get your employer to write a check to Inland revenue, FROM the amount they're witholding. That way, they're assured that you're not doing a runner with the money.

3) Once inland revenue gives you the release, they pay you the balance.

Atleast that way, you're not paying from your own pocket.

Hopefully you have an understanding employer.

[Sazzy]

KIA - yes, I had thought of that. Going to the Inland Revenue next week - wait and see what happens I suppose.

Just wanted to warn everyone out there what happens now before you leave HK.