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?
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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.
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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?
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All goods and services are taxable and known as taxable supplies.
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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?
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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.
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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?
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You may also apply to the Comptroller of GST to collect GST voluntarily. Approval for voluntary registration is at the discretion of the Comptroller.
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Once approval is given, you must remain registered for at least two years.
Why Should I Register?
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Most businesses register for GST to claim back the GST incurred on their business purchases.
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When GST paid exceeds GST collected, the difference can be claimed from IRAS as a GST refund.
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When GST collected exceeds GST paid, you have to pay the difference to IRAS.
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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?
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Sole proprietorships
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Partnerships
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Limited liability partnerships
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Companies
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Clubs, associations, management corporations or organizations
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Non-profit organizations
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Statutory boards
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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