Hong Kong Tax ID Number (TIN) Guide 

Introduction 

In Hong Kong, the Tax Identification Number (TIN) is an essential tool for the identification of taxpayers, ensuring proper tracking, filing, and compliance with the tax system. TINs are used to register individuals, businesses, and other entities, making them an integral part of Hong Kong’s tax administration. Obtaining a TIN ensures compliance with local tax regulations, and is crucial for both businesses and individuals when it comes to filing taxes, paying duties, and other related activities. This article provides detailed information about TINs in Hong Kong, verified from official tax authority websites and trusted government sources. 

Tax Identification Number Types 

In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Identity Number (HKID) for individuals and the Business Registration Number (BRN) for businesses serve as the official Tax Identification Numbers (TINs). 

1. Hong Kong Identity Number (HKID) 

• Local Name: Hong Kong Identity Number (HKID). 
• Applicable to: All permanent residents of Hong Kong. 
• Purpose: The HKID number is used for all personal tax filings, including income tax returns and other personal taxation obligations. 

2. Business Registration Number (BRN) 

• Local Name: Business Registration Number (BRN). 
• Applicable to: All businesses and legal entities operating in Hong Kong, including sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations. 
• Purpose: The BRN is used to identify businesses for tax purposes, including corporate tax filings, VAT (if applicable), and other business-related tax duties. 

TIN Format and Structure 

1. Hong Kong Identity Number (HKID) 

• Format: The HKID number consists of a letter followed by six digits and a suffix letter. 
• Structure: 
  • The first letter indicates the individual’s sex (M for male, F for female). 
  • The six-digit number is unique to the individual. 
  • The suffix letter is a checksum character used for validation. 

• Example Format: A123456(7) 
  • “A” represents the first letter of the individual’s sex. 
  • “123456” is the unique identification number. 
  • “(7)” is the validation letter. 

2. Business Registration Number (BRN) 

• Format: The BRN is typically a 8-digit number that is issued by the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD) upon the registration of a business. 
• Example Format: 12345678 

Issuing Authority 

The official authority responsible for issuing TINs in Hong Kong is the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for individuals and the Business Registration Office (BRS) for businesses. 

• Official Name: Inland Revenue Department. 
• Official Website: www.ird.gov.hk 

Registration Process for Individuals 

1. Eligibility Requirements: 
   • All Hong Kong permanent residents are required to have an HKID number. 
   • Non-residents working in Hong Kong for a certain period or earning income from Hong Kong sources must also apply for a TIN. 

2. Required Documents: 
   • For Hong Kong residents: A valid Hong Kong Identity Card. 
   • For non-residents: Passport and proof of employment or other relevant documents. 

3. Application Process: 
   • Online: Individuals can apply for an HKID number during their registration for residence or upon entry into Hong Kong. Non-residents can also apply for a TIN online or at a local office. 
   • In-Person: Applications can be submitted at the Immigration Department. 
   • Fees: There is typically no fee for obtaining an HKID number. 

Registration Process for Businesses 

1. Eligibility Requirements: 

• Any business or entity operating in Hong Kong must register with the Inland Revenue Department to obtain a Business Registration Number (BRN). 
• This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited companies, and foreign companies. 

2. Required Documents: 

• For local businesses: Business registration application form (IRBR1), proof of business activity, and identification details of the company director(s). 
• For foreign businesses: Certificate of incorporation from the home country and details of the company representative in Hong Kong. 

Application Process 

• Online: The Business Registration Office allows businesses to apply for their BRN through their official online portal. 
• In-Person: Businesses can also submit applications at the Inland Revenue Department’s local offices. 
• Fees: The fee for business registration varies depending on the type and duration of the registration. 

TIN Verification and Lookup 

To verify a TIN in Hong Kong, individuals and businesses can use the official Inland Revenue Department (IRD) online tools for verification. 

Official Verification Tool: Hong Kong’s Inland Revenue Department provides online services for verifying the status of an HKID or BRN. Or Instantly Verify Tax IDs in Hong Kong with TaxDo Real-Time TIN Validation Platform 

TaxDo offers a compliant, automated, and globally trusted solution for TIN verification—not just in Hong Kong, but across 135+ jurisdictions. Unlike other solutions, TaxDo validates tax IDs instantly and securely using only official government sources. 

What Makes TaxDo Different? 

• Real-time TIN verification for Hong Kong and 135+ countries  

• Seamless API integration into your ERP, CRM, or onboarding system 

• Powerful dashboard to manage and track tax ID validations globally 

• Fully compliant and official-source-based results ONLY 

Whether you’re conducting due diligence, onboarding clients, granting tax exemption, or managing vendor compliance in Hong Kong, TaxDo helps you avoid risks, delays, and penalties with effortless global Tax ID validation. 

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Importance of Official Resources

It is crucial to utilize the official verification tool to ensure that the TIN is valid, as incorrect or fraudulent TINs can lead to penalties, delays in tax processing, and legal consequences. 

TIN and VAT Number Connection 

In Hong Kong, the Business Registration Number (BRN) also serves as the VAT number for businesses. For businesses engaged in taxable activities, such as trading or providing services, the BRN automatically functions as the VAT number. 

• VAT Number Format: The VAT number follows the same format as the BRN, consisting of a 8-digit number, such as 12345678. 
• Confirmation: Businesses must ensure that their BRN is used correctly when conducting VAT-related transactions. 

Why Accurate TIN Validation Matters 

Ensuring the accuracy of your TIN is critical for both businesses and individuals in Hong Kong. An incorrect or unverified TIN can lead to serious complications such as: 

• Delays in tax processing 

• Rejection of tax exemption claims 

• Fines and penalties for non-compliance 

• Rejection of e-invoicing submissions 

• Onboarding unqualified suppliers or customers 

• Data quality issues across finance and compliance systems 

Using the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department or TaxDo real-time global tax ID verification platform ensures accurate Tax ID validation, error reduction, and full compliance with Hong Kong tax laws. 

Stay Compliant with TaxDo 

While the Inland Revenue Department offers a basic PIN checker, TaxDo takes Hong Kong TIN validation to the next level with real-time results, periodic revalidation for ongoing compliance, and seamless integration into your systems. 

With TaxDo, you can automate Tax ID validation, monitor changes, and ensure continuous compliance, all from a single, user-friendly dashboard or through API connectivity. 

TaxDo is trusted by leading enterprises, platforms, and compliance teams worldwide. Try it now and eliminate the risks of Tax ID errors in Hong Kong and beyond.