GST (Goods and Services Tax) in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Singapore's GST is a broad-based consumption tax currently at 9% (effective 1 January 2024):
- Compulsory registration (GST Act s.8 & First Schedule): A business must register for GST if its taxable turnover exceeded S$1 million in the past 12 months (retrospective view) or is reasonably expected to exceed S$1 million in the next 12 months (prospective view). Apply within 30 days of becoming liable.
- Voluntary registration: Businesses below the S$1m threshold may register voluntarily, but must remain registered for at least 2 years and comply with GIRO and e-filing requirements. Useful where most customers are GST-registered or supplies are mostly zero-rated.
- What is taxed: Most goods and services supplied in Singapore, and imported goods.
- Zero-rated vs exempt — important distinction:
- Zero-rated (0%, GST Act s.21): Exports of goods and international services are taxable supplies at the 0% rate — the supplier can claim input tax on related purchases.
- Exempt (GST Act s.22 & Fourth Schedule): Financial services, the sale and rental of residential property, certain investment precious metals, and digital payment tokens are exempt — the supplier cannot charge GST and cannot claim input tax on related purchases.
- Reverse Charge for imported services and Low-Value Goods (since 1 Jan 2020 / 1 Jan 2023): GST-registered businesses that are not entitled to full input tax credit must self-account for GST on imported services (e.g. consultancy, software subscriptions) and Low-Value Goods (≤ S$400 imported via air/post). Non-GST-registered businesses must register if reverse-charge supplies exceed S$1m/year.
- Input tax credits: GST-registered businesses can claim back input GST paid on business purchases (subject to GST Act s.20 and the Regulation 26/27 disallowed-input rules — e.g. club subscriptions, family benefits, motor cars).
When does it apply?
- You run a business in Singapore — you may need to register for GST if your turnover exceeds $1 million.
- As a consumer, you pay GST on most purchases. The price displayed must include GST (or clearly state "+ GST").
- Tourists: Can claim GST refunds on purchases under the Tourist Refund Scheme at the airport.
What to Do If Your Business Has Exceeded the GST Registration Threshold in Singapore
- Business owners — monitor turnover monthly: Once any rolling 12-month period exceeds S$1 million in taxable supplies, you must apply to register within 30 days (GST Act First Schedule). If you reasonably expect to cross the threshold in the next 12 months, apply prospectively. Late registration attracts a penalty of 10% of the GST due plus daily fines.
- If most of your output is exports or international services (zero-rated), consider voluntary registration — you can recover input GST on Singapore inputs. Be aware of the 2-year minimum registration period.
- If you import services (cloud software, overseas consultancy) or Low-Value Goods, check whether Reverse Charge or the Overseas Vendor Registration regime applies and self-account through Box 14 of the GST F5.
- File GST returns quarterly via myTax Portal — due within 1 month after each quarter ends.
- Keep records for 5 years — IRAS requires full documentation of all transactions.
- Tourists: Look for shops displaying the Tax Free Shopping logo and use the eTRS self-help kiosks at the airport.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't charge GST if you are not registered — this is illegal and misleading.
- Don't claim input tax on personal expenses — only genuine business purchases qualify.
- Don't ignore GST audits — IRAS conducts regular compliance checks and can impose penalties of up to 200% of the GST undercharged.
Common Questions
What is the current GST rate in Singapore?
Singapore's GST is a broad-based consumption tax currently at 9%, effective 1 January 2024 (raised from 8%). It applies to most goods and services supplied in Singapore and to imported goods. Prices displayed must include GST or clearly state '+ GST'.
When must my Singapore business register for GST?
Businesses with taxable turnover exceeding S$1 million in the past 12 months, or expected to exceed in the next 12 months, must register for GST. Once registered, you file GST returns quarterly via myTax Portal, due within 1 month after each quarter ends. Keep records for 5 years — IRAS requires full transaction documentation.
Are any goods GST-exempt or zero-rated in Singapore?
Yes. Financial services, the sale and rental of residential property, and certain investment precious metals are GST-exempt. Exports and international services are zero-rated at 0% — the business can still claim input GST on business purchases. Tourists can claim GST refunds at the airport under the Tourist Refund Scheme using eTRS self-help kiosks.
When does it apply — gst (goods and services tax)?
You run a business in Singapore — you may need to register for GST if your turnover exceeds $1 million.As a consumer, you pay GST on most purchases. The price displayed must include GST (or clearly state "+ GST").Tourists: Can claim GST refunds on purchases under the Tourist Refund Scheme at the airport.
What should I do if my Singapore business turnover has exceeded $1 million and I need to register for GST with IRAS?
Business owners — monitor turnover monthly: Once any rolling 12-month period exceeds S$1 million in taxable supplies, you must apply to register within 30 days (GST Act First Schedule). If you reasonably expect to cross the threshold in the next 12 months, apply prospectively. Late registration attracts a penalty of 10% of the GST due plus daily fines.If most of your output is exports or international services (zero-rated), consider voluntary registration — you can recover input GST on Singapore inputs. Be aware of the 2-year minimum registration period.If you import services (cloud software,...
What should you NOT do — gst (goods and services tax)?
Don't charge GST if you are not registered — this is illegal and misleading.Don't claim input tax on personal expenses — only genuine business purchases qualify.Don't ignore GST audits — IRAS conducts regular compliance checks and can impose penalties of up to 200% of the GST undercharged.