On 20 October 2026, the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD) issued a circular letter to tax representatives under the Block Extension Scheme for lodgement of 2025/26 tax returns. It further extends the due date for filing 2025/26 Profits Tax returns with Accounting Date Code 'M'.
Overseas directors of Hong Kong companies with a March year-end (31 March / 3月年結) should note the revised paper and electronic dates, plan accounts and audit work early, and confirm their accounting date code with their tax representative. This page summarises the circular only — it is not a substitute for reading the IRD source or case-specific advice.
What changed
According to the IRD circular, the extended due dates for 2025/26 'M' code Profits Tax returns are:
- Paper form: from 16 November 2026 to 30 November 2026
- Electronic filing: from 16 December 2026 to 30 December 2026
The IRD states that the further extension is to support businesses and practitioners adapting to new tax compliance requirements. Tax representatives are still encouraged to file as many returns as possible well before the extended due date.
Who 'M' code covers
In the circular, Accounting Date Code 'M' refers to an accounting date falling within 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026 (IRD’s literal window). In practice for Hong Kong companies, this extension is relevant for those with a March year-end (31 March / 3月年結) — the common year-end that falls in that window. Confirm your coding and filing channel with your tax representative or the IRD; do not assume from a marketing summary.
Practical takeaways for overseas directors
- Still plan early. An extension is breathing room, not a reason to leave bookkeeping or audit to the last week. Late accounts still compress filing readiness.
- Confirm your accounting date code. Ask your tax representative which code applies to your company for 2025/26 and whether you are on paper or electronic filing.
- Audit and accounts timing still drive readiness. Year-end close and statutory audit work typically need to finish before a clean Profits Tax filing package is ready. See our overview of Hong Kong accounting and audit and the guide on Hong Kong audit requirements.
Related official context
The circular links the extension to adaptation to new compliance requirements. Separately, the IRD maintains information on electronic filing of profits tax returns, including that the first phase of mandatory e-filing has come into effect and that voluntary e-filing may obtain a further one-month extension on application. Treat that page as adjacent official context — do not assume from this article who is in scope for mandatory e-filing.
Source
Primary source (please read the original):
- IRD Circular Letter to Tax Representatives — Block Extension Scheme for Lodgement of 2025/26 Tax Returns: Extended Due Date for 'M' Code Returns (PDF, dated 20 October 2026; signed by CHAN Sze-wai, Benjamin, Commissioner of Inland Revenue)
- Optional: IRD — Electronic filing of profits tax returns
Need help aligning bookkeeping, year-end accounts, or audit timing with Profits Tax filing for an overseas-managed Hong Kong company? Send an enquiry with your year-end and current filing channel.
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