How Many Years Back Can You Reclaim Missed MPF Tax Deductions?

What did accountants remind workers in May 2011?

Two weeks before the tax deadline, accountants reminded workers: file MPF contribution deductions yourself — don’t assume the employer’s tax form did it; missed deductions can be reclaimed up to 6 years back. ACCA Hong Kong’s Wong Wang-tai laughed that even accounting professionals had assumed for years their forms covered it, reclaiming only after his reminder. 99% of employees trust the company form, but still check salary and bonus figures yourself.

What else is deductible?

The commonest error: treating “termination payments” (like pay in lieu of notice) as taxable salary — they’re exempt and must be deducted on the form. “Wholly, exclusively and necessarily” work expenses also qualify: commuting, entertainment costs your employer didn’t reimburse; agents can log client-viewing transport in a notebook without receipts; even disciplined-services uniform laundry counts.

What about the self-employed?

They can deduct more than employees — transport, entertainment, anything provably business-related. And don’t under-report online business income.