Journalists in Hong Kong Face Tax Scrutiny Amid Press Freedom Concerns

Journalists in Hong Kong are reporting heightened anxiety about tax inspections as a new barrier to press freedom, just as they grapple with self-censorship and the looming threat of arrests post national security law implementation.

Hong Kong's beleaguered journalists are finding themselves in a new predicament, facing rigorous tax inspections that the Hong Kong Journalists Association claims are unwarranted. Following years of increasing pressure on press freedoms due to a national security crackdown initiated five years ago, reporters and independent news outlets now find themselves under scrutiny from tax authorities.

This new wave of investigations includes not only the news outlets but also the families of journalists, with some individuals required to provide up to seven years’ worth of financial documentation. The Journalists Association highlighted that tax authorities appear to have inflated income figures without proper consideration for essential business expenses, ultimately adding undue stress on these professionals who already face significant pressures.

Selina Cheng, the chair of the association, emphasized that many journalists in the city do not earn high incomes, making tax demands even more burdensome. Commentary from the Inland Revenue Department indicated that the low total of tax investigations—around 1,800 conducted between 2023 and 2024—was standard procedure, stressing that tax scrutiny is impartial with no relation to an individual’s profession.

As journalists navigate the increased tension from both government oversight and potential financial penalties, they express growing fears over the chilling effects these tax investigations may have on an already fragile press landscape.