You do not need to pay tax if your annual income (applicable for tax residents only) is less than S$22,000. However, you may still need to file returns if you have been informed by tax authority to submit your tax form. Even if you do not have any income in previous years, you still need to declare zero income in your tax form and submit by 15 April (paper) or 18 April (e-filing). It is compulsory for you to file tax returns if your annual income is S$22,000 or more.
You can choose to file your returns online or by mail. IRAS will send you the appropriate paper tax form, upon request, the online form will be available from 1 March every year.
- For tax resident individuals – Form B1
- For self-employed – Form B
- For non-resident individuals – Form M
You will be subject to penalties for late filing or not filing. IRAS might also take legal actions against the individual for non-filing of tax return or non-payment of the tax.
After you have filed your returns, you will receive your Notice of Assessment or tax bill in May to September. The tax bill will indicate the amount of tax you have to pay. If you disagree with your tax amount, you need to inform the Singapore tax authority within 30 days from the date of your tax bill and state your reasons for objection.
You need to pay the full amount of tax within 30 days of receiving your Notice of Assessment. This is regardless of whether you have informed tax authority about your objection. If your tax remains outstanding after 30 days, penalties will be imposed.