Hong Kong Journalists Face Tax Scrutiny Amid Press Freedom Concerns

The Hong Kong Journalists Association reports that multiple news outlets and their founders are under tax scrutiny, intensifying the challenges faced by journalists in an environment of increasing censorship and control.

Journalists in Hong Kong are under mounting pressure as they contend with heightened scrutiny over their financial matters, coinciding with an ongoing crackdown on press freedoms. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) announced on Wednesday that several independent news organizations, including the association itself, have been subjected to aggressive tax investigations, significantly adding to the burdens already placed on the media landscape in the city.

These investigations have reportedly extended to the personal tax situations of the families of some journalists, creating a climate of fear and apprehension. The HKJA noted that some individuals under investigation received demands for extensive financial records covering as many as seven years, leading to concerns regarding the motives behind these inquiries.

Selina Cheng, chairperson of the HKJA, expressed skepticism over the justification for these tax audits, asserting that many were based on exaggerated income figures that failed to account for legitimate business expenses. "The financial strain further complicates matters for journalists who struggle to make ends meet," Cheng remarked. "Proving one's innocence in these cases is an arduous process that consumes invaluable time and resources."

Historically, the number of tax audits in the city has been manageable, with approximately 1,800 field audits and investigations reported by the Inland Revenue Department last year. Officials claimed these processes adhere to established protocols, stressing that a taxpayer’s professional background does not influence these reviews. However, as journalists face persistent threats to their safety and job security, the reality of such financial investigations appears to reflect deeper societal tensions within Hong Kong's press landscape.