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Frequently asked questions on Singapore Goods & Services Tax (GST)

Frequently asked questions on Singapore Goods & Services Tax (GST)

GST is a tax on goods and services purchased or consumed locally. Here is a quick overview of GST and how it affects your business


What Is GST?


  • Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a tax charged on the supply of goods and services made in Singapore and on the importation of goods into Singapore.
  • The current rate is 5% (from 1 January 2004). The rate will be increased to 7% from 1 July 2007. 

What Goods And Services Are Subject To GST?


  • All goods and services are taxable and known as taxable supplies.
  • However, some items are specifically exempt from GST by law. Exempted items include financial services and the sale or lease of residential properties.

When Is It Compulsory To Register?


  • Your business must be registered to collect GST if your annual turnover exceeds or is likely to exceed S$1 million from the sale of taxable goods and services.
  • This requirement may be waived if most of your goods or services are exported or supplied internationally ("zero-rated supplies").

Can I Choose To Register?


  • You may also apply to the Comptroller of GST to collect GST voluntarily. Approval for voluntary registration is at the discretion of the Comptroller.
  • Once approval is given, you must remain registered for at least two years.

Why Should I Register?


  • Most businesses register for GST to claim back the GST incurred on their business purchases.
  • When GST paid exceeds GST collected, the difference can be claimed from IRAS as a GST refund.
  • When GST collected exceeds GST paid, you have to pay the difference to IRAS.
  • When GST rate increase, it may make business sense to voluntarily register to collect GST in order to claim back GST incurred on business purchases.

Who Can Register?


  • Sole proprietorships
  • Partnerships
  • Limited liability partnerships
  • Companies
  • Clubs, associations, management corporations or organizations
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Statutory boards
  • Government bodies

Are There Any GST Schemes To Help Businesses?


To create a pro-enterprise environment, the Government has several assistance schemes relating to GST. These schemes generally help to ease the cash flow for businesses.

  • Goods and Services Tax (GST) Assistance Scheme
    Get a grant to lower the costs involved in becoming a GST-registered trader. GST traders can collect GST and claim back for GST paid to suppliers.

  • Major Exporter Scheme (MES)

    Major exporters can improve their cash flow by deferring GST payments on goods imported mainly for re-export out of Singapore.

  • Licensed Warehouse Scheme
    Transform your warehouse into a licensed warehouse for storing dutiable goods. In licensed warehouses, duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) are suspended until the goods are released for sale into Singapore.

  • Zero GST Warehouse Scheme (ZGS)
    Businesses can transform their warehouses into zero-GST warehouses to minimise red tape and bypass the Goods and Services Tax (GST) process.


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