Statutory Audit Support for Hong Kong Companies
Every Hong Kong limited company must have its annual financial statements audited by a Hong Kong Certified Public Accountant and submitted to the Inland Revenue Department alongside the profits tax return. We coordinate the full process, from records preparation through to IRD submission.
How We Handle It
Records Review
Assess whether bookkeeping is audit-ready.
Catch-Up (if needed)
Bring records current before handing to the auditor.
Auditor Coordination
Manage queries and documentation requests.
IRD Submission
Submit audited accounts with the profits tax return.
Why the Audit Matters
- Statutory requirement under the Companies Ordinance - not optional
- Banks, investors and partners typically request audited accounts before extending credit or entering agreements
- Surfaces bookkeeping errors and control weaknesses before they compound
- Required for the annual profits tax return
Typical Timeline
| Starting point | Typical audit-to-submission time |
|---|---|
| Bookkeeping current and reconciled | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Bookkeeping outdated or disorganised | Longer - catch-up happens first |
Who This Is For
This service suits companies that already have their own bookkeeper or accounting system and need audit coordination specifically, as well as companies that want bookkeeping and audit handled together as a single annual package.
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Hong Kong company need an audit, even a small one?
Yes - the statutory audit requirement applies to all Hong Kong limited companies regardless of size or trading volume. A dormant company has a more limited filing route, but this must be formally declared with the Companies Registry, not simply assumed because there was little activity.
Can I use any accountant for the audit, or does it need to be a specific type of firm?
The audit must be performed by a Hong Kong Certified Public Accountant (practising) - this is a legal requirement, not a preference. A bookkeeper or general accountant, however qualified elsewhere, cannot sign off the statutory audit; we coordinate with a licensed CPA firm as part of this service.
What if my bookkeeping has not been kept up to date?
We bring records current before the audit begins rather than handing an auditor incomplete books - this typically means reconstructing transactions, reconciling bank accounts and resolving discrepancies first. It adds time compared to a company with current records, but skipping this step generally results in a longer, more query-heavy audit rather than a faster one.
What documents does the auditor typically request?
Bank statements and reconciliations, sales and purchase invoices, contracts for significant transactions, payroll records, and supporting documentation for any unusual or related-party transactions. We prepare this documentation set proactively before the audit begins, rather than gathering it reactively as the auditor asks.
How does the audit connect to my profits tax filing deadline?
Audited financial statements are a required attachment to the profits tax return - you cannot file the return without them. This makes the audit timeline the effective driver of your tax filing deadline, which is why we manage both as a single coordinated process rather than treating the audit as a separate, later step.
