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Tax Filing and Deadlines
Key information on how and when to file taxes in Singapore, including deadlines for individuals and businesses.
Sections
Key Features:
- No capital gains tax: Gains from the sale of investments or properties are not taxed.
- No inheritance tax: Estate duty was abolished in 2008.
- Progressive personal income tax rates: Higher earners pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes.
- Flat corporate tax rate: Competitive rates to attract businesses.
2. Tax Filing for Individuals
Who Needs to File Taxes?
- Residents: Individuals who have stayed or worked in Singapore for at least 183 days in a calendar year or have established permanent residence.
- Non-residents: Individuals who have worked in Singapore for less than 183 days in a calendar year. Non-residents are taxed differently (see below).
Taxable Income
Taxable income includes:
- Employment income (salary, bonuses, allowances, etc.)
- Rental income
- Business income
- Other income (e.g., royalties, dividends, etc.)
Personal Income Tax Rates (2023)
Singapore uses a progressive tax rate for residents:
- First SGD 20,000: 0% (tax-exempt)
- Next SGD 10,000: 2%
- Next SGD 10,000: 3.5%
- Next SGD 40,000: 7%
- Next SGD 40,000: 11.5%
- Next SGD 40,000: 15%
- Next SGD 40,000: 18%
- Above SGD 320,000: 22%
Non-residents are taxed at a flat rate of 15% on employment income or the resident rates, whichever results in a higher tax amount.
Key Deadlines for Individuals
- Tax Year: The tax year in Singapore follows the calendar year (1 January to 31 December).
- Filing Deadline:
- 15 April (for paper filing)
- 18 April (for e-filing via myTax Portal)
- Payment Deadline: Taxes must be paid within 30 days of receiving the Notice of Assessment (NOA).
Filing Procedures for Individuals
- Receive Filing Notification: IRAS will notify you if you need to file a tax return. If you do not receive a notification, you may still need to file if you earned taxable income.
- Log in to myTax Portal: Use your Singpass to access the portal.
- Complete Form B/B1:
- Form B1: For tax residents.
- Form B: For self-employed individuals or those with business income.
- Declare Income and Deductions:
- Employment income is often pre-filled by employers under the Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS).
- Claim deductions (e.g., donations, course fees, or parent relief).
- Submit by Deadline: Ensure submission by 15/18 April.
3. Tax Filing for Businesses
Who Needs to File Taxes?
All companies incorporated in Singapore or operating in Singapore must file taxes, regardless of whether they made a profit.
Corporate Tax Rates
- Flat rate: 17% on chargeable income.
- Partial Tax Exemption: The first SGD 10,000 of chargeable income is 75% exempt, and the next SGD 190,000 is 50% exempt.
- Start-Up Tax Exemption: Qualifying new companies enjoy a 75% exemption on the first SGD 100,000 of chargeable income for the first three years.
Key Deadlines for Businesses
- Tax Year: Same as the calendar year (1 January to 31 December).
- Filing Deadline:
- Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI): File within 3 months of the end of the financial year.
- Corporate Income Tax Return (Form C/C-S): File by 30 November (paper filing) or 15 December (e-filing).
Filing Procedures for Businesses
- Prepare Financial Statements: Ensure they comply with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS).
- File ECI: Submit an estimate of your chargeable income within 3 months of the financial year-end.
- File Form C/C-S:
- Form C-S: For small companies with annual revenue β€ SGD 5 million.
- Form C: For larger companies or those with more complex tax matters.
- Submit via myTax Portal: Use the corporate Singpass to access the portal.
4. Tax Reliefs and Deductions
Singapore offers various tax reliefs to reduce taxable income. Some common ones include:
For Individuals
- Earned Income Relief: Based on age and employment status.
- Parent/Grandparent Relief: For supporting elderly dependents.
- Course Fees Relief: For skills development courses.
- CPF Contributions: Mandatory contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) are tax-deductible.
For Businesses
- Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC): For investments in innovation and productivity.
- Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi): For expenses incurred in expanding overseas.
- Investment Allowances: For qualifying capital expenditures.
5. Payment Methods
Taxes can be paid via:
- GIRO: Monthly installments or a one-time deduction.
- Credit/Debit Card: Online payment through myTax Portal.
- Internet Banking: Transfer via participating banks.
- Cheque: Payable to "Commissioner of Inland Revenue."
6. Penalties for Late Filing or Payment
- Late Filing: A fine of up to SGD 1,000 and possible prosecution.
- Late Payment: A 5% penalty on the unpaid tax, with an additional 1% penalty for every month the tax remains unpaid (up to 12%).
7. Country-Specific Considerations
- Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS): Employers in Singapore are required to submit employeesβ income information directly to IRAS, simplifying the filing process for individuals.
- Tax Residency Status: Your tax residency status significantly affects your tax rates and relief eligibility. Ensure you determine your status correctly.
- Double Tax Agreements (DTAs): Singapore has DTAs with many countries to avoid double taxation. Check if your home country has a DTA with Singapore.
8. Resources and Support
- IRAS Website: www.iras.gov.sg
- myTax Portal: For e-filing and tax-related services.
- IRAS Hotline: +65 6356 7012 (for individual tax queries) or +65 6356 7014 (for corporate tax queries).
- Tax Agents: Consider engaging a licensed tax agent for complex tax matters.
By adhering to the above guidelines and deadlines, you can ensure compliance with Singaporeβs tax regulations and avoid penalties. Let me know if you need further clarification or assistance!