2. The tax system of Singapore
Country in Asia
Population is 5.639 million (2018)
Currency is Singapore dollar (S$)
Monetary Authority of Singapore issues
the banknotes and coins of the
Singapore dollar.
Average cost of living in Singapore is
high.
About Singapore
3. Accounting Rules
Calendar year (1 Jan to 31 Dec) and referred to as the Year of Assessment (YA).
Tax Year
Accounting Standards
Singapore's prescribed accounting standards ("Singapore Financial Reporting
Standards" or SFRS) are aligned with those of the International Accounting
Standards Board.
The Accounting Standards Council of Singapore (ASC) develop, review, amend and
approve accounting standards for use by companies, charities, co-operative societies
and general societies.
Accounting Regulation Bodies
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority - ACRA
4. Accounting Reports
Income Tax Returns, Profit and Loss Statements, and Balance sheet.
Publication Requirements
Each company has to produce a profit and loss account as well as a financial balance
sheet.
Accounting records must be kept for five years following the end of the business
year of each transaction.
A company is required to keep certain records in addition to accounting records.
Professional Accountancy Body
Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore
Certification and Auditing
Companies have to seek a statutory auditor to conduct an annual audit of the
financial health of their organization.
5. Tax Rates
Consumption Taxes
Goods and Services Tax (GST) 7%
Goods for export and international services are zero-rated. No other reduced rate are
applicable in Singapore.
Corporate Taxes
17% (with a 75% exemption of the first SGD 10,000 and a 50% exemption of the
next SGD 190,000, for a total exempt income of SGD 102,500)
Country Comparison For Corporate Taxation Source: Doing Business, 2019
7. Allowable Deductions and Tax Credits
Employment expenses wholly and exclusively incurred in the production of the
income are tax-deductible.
Special Expatriate Tax Regime
Non-resident individuals are taxed at a flat rate of 22%, except that Singapore
employment income is taxed at a flat rate of 15% or at resident rates with personal
reliefs, whichever is higher.