THE Hong Kong Society of Accountants (HKSA) is offering free advice on legal ways of minimising tax bills.
The Inland Revenue Department estimates that about 1.8 million employees - sole proprietors of businesses and individuals receiving income from rental properties and about 150,000 companies - will this year be liable to complete tax returns.
The society is willing to help individuals and companies compute their liabilities and identify their exemptions.
Tony Ng, a spokesman for the society, said: ''This is regarded as a community service and there is no restriction on who can apply.'' Areas in which the society can offer advice include offsetting rental income against mortgage payments, advice for those setting up companies, and what to do if income is earned in both Hong Kong and China.
Those seeking information about the service can get an application form from the public inquiry centres of the Inland Revenue district offices or from the society's office in Wan Chai.
Successful applicants will be advised by two professional accountants for up to 45 minutes.
