• Hong Kong’s tax authorities reviewed the taxes of at least 20 journalists for alleged income under-reporting.
• The Hong Kong Journalists Association claims these audits lack sufficient evidence and negatively impact press freedom.
• Some of the tax demands were based on “bizarre” assumptions, such as retroactive tax on companies that did not exist at the time.
• Recent political changes have significantly worsened press freedom in Hong Kong, now ranked 140th globally.

Hong Kong authorities have reviewed the taxes of at least 20 reporters and their family members, alleging they under-reported their income, and requested around HK$1 million in payments, according to South China Morning Post. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) argued these audits were initiated without sufficient evidence, imposing unnecessary stress on journalists in an already challenging environment.

Chair Selina Cheng of the HKJA stated that many affected individuals received backdated tax demands, which she described as “strange” and “unreasonable” due to the lack of proper grounds supporting the allegations. The association highlighted discrepancies in the audits, such as claims of unreported income from entities that had not yet been established, according to reports from Los Angeles Times and India Times.

The audits have apparently targeted multiple media organizations, including well-known outlets such as Hong Kong Free Press and Inmedia. Cheng remarked that the tax department's actions have broader implications for press freedom, stating, “It does have a negative effect on Hong Kong’s press freedom”, reflecting an atmosphere where journalists feel increasingly pressured, according to South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.

The Inland Revenue Department defended its audits, stating it follows proper legal procedures and does not target specific industries, while maintaining confidentiality about individual cases. However, many journalists believe these actions are threats to their operational security and autonomy, a sentiment echoed by press freedom advocates as Hong Kong's ranking has dropped drastically to 140 out of 180 in global press indices, as noted in Los Angeles Times and India Times.