炒港美股“补税潮”突袭？一文了解始末

Core Viewpoint - A nationwide self-inspection and tax payment initiative targeting domestic residents' investment income from Hong Kong and U.S. stocks has been launched, focusing on high-net-worth individuals and requiring them to report and pay taxes on overseas income from 2022 to 2024 [1][2][4]. Group 1: Legal Basis and Tax Types - The legal basis for taxing domestic residents' overseas income has been clearly established, requiring individuals to report overseas investment income, interest, capital gains, and employment income [2][6]. - The tax types involved include capital gains tax and dividend tax, both subject to a 20% rate, with capital gains from investments via the Hong Kong Stock Connect being exempt from personal income tax until the end of 2027 [2][9]. Group 2: Impact and Industry Response - The frequency of tax payment notifications has significantly increased since May, expanding from first-tier cities to economically active regions, primarily targeting residents who invested through overseas brokers [3][4]. - The current round of tax notifications mainly affects high-asset individuals, with required payments ranging from over 100,000 to several million yuan, highlighting a previously weak enforcement of tax regulations on overseas investment income [4][6]. - Despite the notifications, industry insiders indicate that the overall impact on brokerage firms is manageable, as many had already ceased new business with mainland residents due to regulatory definitions of non-compliance [2][11]. Group 3: Tax Calculation and Controversies - Tax on capital gains is calculated based on the difference between selling and buying prices, with a 20% tax applied to the profit, while dividend tax involves a 20% total tax burden after accounting for U.S. withholding taxes [9][10]. - There are ongoing discussions regarding the taxation of losses and gains over multiple years, with investors expressing dissatisfaction over the requirement to pay taxes in profitable years despite no overall gain [10]. Group 4: Shift to Hong Kong Stock Connect - The tax policy has prompted some investors to consider shifting their focus to the Hong Kong Stock Connect, which offers significant tax advantages by exempting capital gains tax until 2027 [11][12]. - However, concerns remain regarding the limited range of investment options available through the Hong Kong Stock Connect, which may not cover all desired stocks and derivatives [12].