Corporate Tax in Singapore

Singapore Tax Authority (IRAS) helps to develop a stronger community, a better environment and a more vibrant economy. Singapore attracts more investments from all over the world by reducing its corporate income tax rate and introducing different types of tax incentives. Thus, Singapore corporate tax rate is one of the lowest in the world, with the current rate being 17%.

How to Determine Your First Year of Assessment(YA)

The first YA refers to the YA relating to the basis period during which the company was incorporated.

From the fourth YA onwards, your company will be given partial tax exemption instead of the exempt amount for new start-up companies.

Income Tax Basis Period

In Singapore, the statutory Income for the Year of assessment is computed based on the income derived in the preceding calendar year (known as the basis year) from all sources.

Income Tax Filing Due Date

Income tax filing due date for Singapore companies starting year 2009 is November 30.

The company has to file a complete set of returns including Form C, audited/unaudited accounts, and tax computation.

As the filing due date has been extended to 30 Nov of each year, companies have at least 11 months to file their tax returns. All companies are required to file their returns by the due date. Please submit the tax returns by the due date to avoid enforcement actions such as composition or summons issued to the company.

Single-Tier Income Tax System

Singapore has introduced a single-tier corporate income tax system since January 1, 2003. Tax paid by a company on its chargeable income is the final tax and all dividends paid by a company to its shareholders are tax free.

There is no tax on capital gains in Singapore. Examples of capitals gains include gains on sale of fixed assets, gains on foreign exchange on capital transactions, etc.

Tax Residence of a Company

A company is regarded as resident in Singapore for tax purposes if its management and control are exercised in Singapore. In other words, the place where the directors of a company manage and control its business and hold their board meetings is the place where the company is deemed resident.

The question of whether or not a company is tax resident in Singapore is significant for a number of purposes, including:-

• liability to account for Singapore tax in respect of dividend payments;
• liability to Singapore withholding tax in respect of certain categories of interest, royalty and management fee payments;
• eligibility for relief from foreign taxes under the provisions of Singapore's double taxation agreements;
• eligibility for double tax credit relief in respect of income which is liable to tax in both Singapore and an overseas jurisdiction;
• liability to Singapore tax in respect of foreign-source income received in Singapore.

Tax Treaties

A double taxation occurs where an income is taxed twice, that is, first at the source where it is generated and for a second time where it is received. In order to avoid such double taxation of income, Double taxation Agreements (DTA) are concluded between countries. Under a DTA, the country of residence would usually agree to either give credit to its residents for income which is taxed at reduced rates, or exempt such income from tax.

The main benefit and objective of a income tax treaty is to help businesses avoid double taxation of their income.

Singapore has concluded tax treaties with many countries and the list continues to grow. The treaties reflect Singapore's continual efforts to help businesses in relieving double taxation and to encourage and facilitate the trade and investment opportunities across-borders.

Tax Rates

A company is taxed at a flat rate on its chargeable income regardless of whether it is a local or foreign company.

The tax rates and tax exemption / rebate for each Year of Assessment (YA) are as follows:

Tax Exemption Scheme for New Start-up Companies

Under this scheme, a newly incorporated company that satisfies the qualifying conditions can claim for full tax exemption on the first $100,000 of normal chargeable income* (excluding Singapore franked dividends) for each of its first three consecutive YAs.

The exempt amount for each YA is summarised as follows:

Qualifying Conditions

To qualify for the tax exemption for new start-up companies, your company must:

• 1. be incorporated in Singapore(other thana company limited by guarantee**);
• 2. be a tax resident* in Singapore for that YA;
• 3. have no more than 20 shareholders throughout the basis period for that YA where:
• 1. all of the shareholders are individuals beneficially and directly holding the shares in their own names;OR
• 2. at least one shareholder is an individual beneficially and directly holding at least 10% of the issued ordinary shares of the company.

* A company is resident in Singapore if the control and management of its business is exercised in Singapore.
** With effect from YA 2010, the scheme will be extended to companies limited by guarantee, subject to the same conditions imposed on companies limited by shares.

Singapore Taxation Services

Overview

All business decisions today have tax implications, and it is important for a company to manage their income tax requirement efficiently. Our tax professionals will keep you abreast of developments that may affect your business. We collaborate closely with you to identify and implement tax strategies that work best within your organization.

We can also assist you in structuring your executives; remuneration packages that will offer both your company and your staff the maximum tax benefits. For individuals and family held enterprises, we can help you in organizing your financial affairs in the most tax efficient manner.

Scope of Services

• Corporate tax compliance
• Partnership and personal tax filing
• Tax Planning for corporate and individual
• Singapore tax structuring and Planning
• Tax efficient structuring of employment packages
• Negotiation of tax incentives with tax authorities
• Optimizing use of tax incentives and exemptions
• Fees are subject to the complexity of the taxation accounts