Employee Cessation Form
IR56F - Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department
DEADLINE
1 month BEFORE
TIME NEEDED
~20 minutes
KEY FIELDS
6 critical items
- ✓Employee's full legal name (surname first)
- ✓Hong Kong Identity Card Number
- ✓Employment period (start and end dates)
- ✓Total income details (salary, bonuses, allowances)
Gather Information
Collect employee details, employment dates, and complete income records from April to cessation date.
Complete the Form
Download and fill in the form. Include income breakdown (salary, leave pay, bonuses, etc.). Sign and add company chop.
Submit to IRD
File by post or e-filing before the deadline. IMPORTANT: Must be submitted 1 month BEFORE the employee leaves.
Submit 1 month BEFORE cessation date, NOT after
Late submission may result in penalties. Plan ahead.
×Filing after the employee has already left
×Missing or incorrect Hong Kong ID number
×Incomplete income information (missing bonuses or allowances)
×Forgetting to sign or add company chop
×Not providing employee's postal address
📮 By Post
Mail to: P.O. Box 28777, Concorde Road Post Office, Kowloon, Hong Kong
💻 By E-filing
Use IRD e-Services or authorized accounting software
💡 Pro Tip:
Keep your payroll records organized. Accurately report all income from April to ensure compliance and avoid future audits.