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 From Hong Kong's Information Services Department
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June 27, 2006
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Administration

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Gov't e-services unchanged by 5-day week

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The implementation of the five-day week will have no impact on Government e-services, which make payment easy and hassle-free.

 

There is no need to pay in person. People can choose auto-pay, phone-banking, online payment, ATM machine, PPS, payment at Post Offices or by post.

 

From July 1 Inland Revenue Department counters will be closed Saturdays. Office hours on weekdays will be extended 45 minutes to 5.30pm. People can continue to use its e-services, which are simple, convenient, and speedy.

 

With a digital certificate or an e-Tax Password for authentication, people file tax returns through the Internet anytime. The system also provides functions like pre-filing of data and estimation of tax payable to help taxpayers make financial arrangements ahead of tax payments.

 

More than half of the payment transactions for earnings and profits tax are now made through electronic means.

 

Rating & Valuation

Upon moving to the five-day week, the Rating & Valuation Department's enquiries counter will open from 8.15am to 6pm on weekdays, and close Saturdays.

 

The department has over the years made available various simple and convenient payment channels. People can pay rates and Government rent through these channels, which are unaffected by the five-day week.

 

The Water Supplies Department receives payments only at the Mong Kok Customer Enquiry Centre. All Customer Enquiry Centres, including the Mong Kok Centre, will continue to open on Saturdays after July 1. Customers can also pay water and sewage charges via e-Pay stations.

 

Hongkong Post counters will continue to open Saturdays. The public can pay Government bills, including tax bills and traffic offence fixed-penalty tickets, via the PayThruPost Service at any post office, except mobile post offices. Its mail delivery service will continue on Saturdays.

 

For details call the Citizen's Easy Link:1823 or click here.