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The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Cheung, visited the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) this afternoon (October 23) to learn more about the operation and services of the department and to take the opportunity to meet its staff.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Cheung first met with the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Mr Wong Kuen-fai, and the directorate staff. He noted that the IRD is committed to being an excellent tax administration that plays an important part in promoting Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
Mr Cheung started with a tour of the Document Processing Centre to learn more about the workflow in handling a large volume of incoming mail and tax returns as well as the maintenance of eTax accounts. Since 2008, the department has continuously encouraged taxpayers to use the eTax electronic system, which offers an easy, secure and environmentally friendly means of handling tax matters.
Later, Mr Cheung went to the Central Enquiry Counter and the Central Telephone Enquiry under the Enquiry Service Centre. He was briefed on how the Centre offers a one-stop service which aims to provide a convenient and efficient way for members of the public to access information and services. Telephone operators or interviewers can directly handle public enquiries without the need to refer the enquiries to respective assessing units. Mr Cheung learned that in 2014-2015, the Centre handled about 520,000 counter enquiries and over 700,000 calls. The Centre also provides an eTax help desk hotline to handle enquiries on eTax services and provide technical support.
Mr Cheung also visited the Stamp Office and the Business Registration Office to learn more about their daily operations. The Stamp Office is a designated division that administers the Stamp Duty Ordinance. Stamp duty is charged on documents effecting property transactions and stock transactions, and is one of the major revenue sources for the Government. Mr Cheung was pleased to know that the IRD is proactively enforcing the Business Registration Ordinance through the Business Registration Office. The Office helps maintain an efficient business registration system and assists those carrying on a business in Hong Kong to register their business and pay the required fee and levy.
Before concluding his visit, Mr Cheung met staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on relevant departmental issues. He praised colleagues' efforts and encouraged them to continue to provide high-quality, efficient and professional services to the public.
Ends/Friday, October 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:02
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