Singapore Income Tax Filing Guide

Every Year, Income Tax Season in Singapore Can Feel Overwhelming, but Staying Informed and Prepared Makes All the Difference

Understand Your Income Tax Filing Obligations

It is important to understand your tax filing obligations first. There are two groups of taxpayers in Singapore: those required to file an income tax return and those on the No-Filing Service.

Understanding the Amount of Income Tax Payable

The amount of income tax you must pay depends on how much you earn in Singapore and whether you are a tax resident or non-resident.

Understanding Singapore Tax Residency

You are a tax resident if you are a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) who usually stays in Singapore aside from temporary absences, or a foreigner who has stayed or worked in Singapore for at least 183 days in the preceding calendar year, or continuously for 3 consecutive years.

Tax Treatment of Tax Residents and Non-Residents

Tax residents are taxed on all income earned in Singapore, while non-residents are taxed on all income earned in Singapore.

Know the Personal Income Tax Filing Deadline

You must know the deadline for your personal income tax filing. The tax filing timeline is as follows:

Be Prepared With the Necessary Documents to File Income Tax Return

Before you log into the myTax Portal, you must ensure that you have these documents ready:

• Singpass account or Singpass foreign user account
• If your employer is not taking part in the Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS), prepare Form IR8A from your employer
• Particulars of your dependants for new relief claims, such as your parents or children
• Details of rental income from your property and other income if any

Avoid Mistakes When Making Tax Relief Claims

IRAS has revealed that the most commonly incorrectly claimed tax reliefs are qualifying child relief, spouse relief, and parent relief. Other errors may also arise from duplicate claims made by 2 or more taxpayers for the same dependant.

Making Changes After Filing or Receiving Income Tax Bill

Need to make a change after you file your original income tax return? You can do so by refiling on the myTax Portal within 7 days of your last submission or by 18 April, whichever is earlier.

File Your Personal Income Tax With Ease Through InCorp’s Help

Filing your personal income tax in Singapore can be a breeze with the right help and tips. By staying informed about key deadlines, tax reliefs, and deductions, you can optimise your tax obligations while remaining compliant with IRAS regulations. However, if you find the process overwhelming or simply want to ensure accuracy and maximise savings, our expert tax professionals are here to help!

Conclusion

Staying informed and prepared is key to navigating the Singapore income tax system with ease. By understanding your tax filing obligations, knowing the personal income tax filing deadline, be prepared with the necessary documents, and avoiding mistakes when making tax relief claims, you can ensure compliance with IRAS regulations while maximising your savings.

FAQs about Singapore Personal Income Tax Filing

• Singapore personal income tax is a tax imposed on an individual’s earnings, including salaries, bonuses, rental income, and other taxable income sources.
• Not everyone in Singapore is required to pay personal income tax. Your tax obligations depend on your tax residency status, total income, and available tax reliefs.

About the Author

Mabel Ng

With over two decades of experience in direct and indirect taxation, Mabel has honed her expertise across a broad spectrum of environments, including the Big 4 accounting firms, mid-tier firms, and various industry roles. Her extensive background spans not only Singapore but also the wider Asia-Pacific region, reflecting a deep understanding of diverse tax landscapes and practices. She is also a member of the ISCA and FCCA, and is an SCTP Accredited Tax Practitioner.