APAC Payroll newsletter Issue 1/2026

Key highlights:

Australia

• No recent regulatory updates in Australia to report in this edition

China

• Paid caregiving leave introduced in Shanghai
• Reminder: Resident individuals can now confirm the special deductions for 2026 
• Reminder: Resident-to-non-resident tax status change declaration due by 15 January 2026

Hong Kong

• Hong Kong statutory holiday update for 2026

India

• No recent regulatory updates in India to report in this edition

Indonesia

• Minimum wage updates for FY 2026
• Mandatory digital tax administration (Coretax DJP)

Japan

• Income tax law reform in 2026
• Change to the calculation method for dependent status under health insurance
• Child and childcare support contribution system
• Change to the old-age pension system for active employees
• Revised rail and bus fares on major railways

Korea

• Minimum wage and insurance rate increases in 2026

Malaysia

• Stamp duty voluntary disclosure programme (PKPS 2026)

New Zealand

• Upcoming changes to the Holidays Act

Philippines

• Holidays in the Philippines for 2026
• Updated De-Minimis provisions – increased ceiling of non-taxable benefits in the Philippines

Singapore

• Increase to qualifying salaries for work visas from 2027
• Increase in CPF contribution rates for older workers from 2027
• Local Qualifying Salary to increase from $1,600 to $1,800 in 2026

Taiwan

• Ministry of Finance introduces new tax measures to ease public burden and enhance taxpayer services

Thailand

• Social security wage ceiling adjustment approved – effective January 2026
• New payment deadlines and reductions in Social Security Fund contributions due to severe flooding in southern Thailand

Vietnam

• Update on employment income (salaries and wages)
• Update on income from business
• Update on income from capital transfer
• Update on income from winnings, royalties, inheritances and gifts
• Update on introduction of an additional category of taxable income – other incomes
• Update on other cases of tax exemption and reduction
• Update on effective date of the new PIT law