Job Discussion Forums

Liam · Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Posts: 70

I recieved my pay slip for January yesteray and on it was noted a 5% deduction. I asked the secretary about it as I don't have an MPF and haven't recieved a tax bill. She then told me that all HK teachers get 5% deducted on the first day of each year to go to the government to pay for schools, hospitals, public facilities etc... I said that was tax but she insists it's not tax and it's not MPF payments. I can live without the money but am curious as to what's it's for. This is my first year as a NET and was wondering if any old hands out there knew more about this than the confusing little that I've been told.

Thanks a lot.

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

I have never heard of this. You should check further into it. I suggest that the secretary is either mistaken or not telling you the full extent of the truth. This has never happened to me or anyone else.

ChrisRose · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hong Kong

This sounds like male cow waste matter.

If this is some form of school contribution to charity say the COmmuniy chest, I would expect a recipt.

As for some form of goverment tax, never heard of it.

I suggesst for clarification or recipt otherwise I would beleive that you are being scammed.

Ricci · Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 67

Yep, all true. All teachers in government schools and all civil servants pay it as a one-off payment on the 1st January (or next salary). It is a short-term scheme and will not continue forever.
Imagine the outcry in the UK if they suggested taking more money away from teachers. Crazy.

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

Tell us more ....where did you find out about this..and where can I find out also?

Ricci · Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 67

When I heard about Liam I asked at school. Everyone in my staffroom said that it had been introduced a couple of years ago, to generate extra funding for schools, hospitals, etc. Everyone maintains this is "not tax" but what is it then? Tax wrapped up in pretty paper? I haven't had an official line on this, just from other teachers, but they had all heard of it and all had it subtraced from January's pay.
Sorry I can't be of more help.

NETteacher · Joined: 25 Jun 2004 Posts: 21

This sounds like a rip-off to me. You should join NESTA. The Chairman of NESTA is holding secret meetings with the EMB and says that within years the EMB will rollover on all his demmands. He's also playing a cunning game with the press by refusing to comment on anything. When asked his age, shoe size etc. He craftily replied "Der... I don't know & refuse to comment in case I may be misquoted..... go ask my buddies in the EMB!"