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Corporate Tax Filing in Singapore: A 2024 Guide for Businesses

If you’re a business operating in Singapore, understanding the intricacies of corporate tax filing is essential to maintain legal compliance and financial stability. From calculating taxable income to meeting deadlines, navigating the company tax landscape can seem daunting. However, with the right knowledge and guidance, you can streamline the process and ensure your company meets its regulatory responsibilities.

Understanding Corporate Tax Filing Requirements

In Singapore, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) mandates that companies adhere to specific tax filing regulations. Entities required to file corporate income tax include:

  • Business entities incorporated or registered under the Companies Act 1967 or any other applicable law in Singapore, typically denoted by ‘Pte Ltd’ or ‘Ltd’.
  • Foreign companies registered in Singapore, including branches of foreign companies.
  • Foreign companies incorporated or registered outside Singapore.

It’s important to note that sole-proprietorships and partnerships are not categorised as companies for tax purposes. These entities file taxes as part of individual income tax, setting them apart from corporate entities.

Calculating Taxable Income

To calculate taxable income, companies in Singapore assess the income earned in the preceding financial year. Corporate income in Singapore is taxed at a flat rate of 17 percent. This chargeable income refers to the company’s income after deducting tax-allowable expenses. Additionally, capital allowances and reliefs may further reduce taxable income.

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Singapore Corporate Tax Filing Process

In Singapore, companies are obligated to file two types of Corporate Income Tax (CIT) returns annually: Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) and Form C-S/C-S (Lite)/C. These filings cater to different stages of tax assessment and have distinct requirements.

  1. Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI): The ECI is an estimation of the company’s taxable profits for a Year of Assessment (YA).
    • Deadline: Must be filed within three months after the financial year-end.
    • Waiver Conditions: Companies with annual revenue below S$5 million and a nil ECI are exempt from filing ECI.
  2. Form C-S/ Form C-S (Lite)/ Form C : These forms are for declaring the company’s actual income, providing detailed financial information.
    • Deadline: Due by November 30 of the YA.
    • Differentiation:
      • Form C-S: For companies with annual revenue up to S$5 million, not claiming specific reliefs or credits.
      • Form C-S (Lite): For companies with annual revenue below S$200,000, designed for straightforward tax matters.
      • Form C: Applicable to companies not eligible for Form C-S or C-S (Lite), usually with more complex financial situations.

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Steps for Filing Tax Returns

Filing corporate tax returns in Singapore involves a structured process. Companies must first have an authorised personnel to act for its Corporate Income Tax matters via Corppass. The filing is done through the MyTax Portal, where companies can file either the ECI or Form C-S/C-S (Lite)/C, following the instructions below:

Step 1: Access MyTax Portal

Log in to the MyTax Portal using your company’s CorpPass account. This account serves as your gateway to electronic services offered by the Singapore government, including tax filing. You can either complete the filing process yourself or delegate the task to an authorized person or tax agent with access to your company’s CorpPass accounts.

Upon logging in, verify your identity through the authentication method you’ve set up, which may include SMS verification or the use of a OneKey Token.

Step 2: Navigate to Corporate Tax Filing

Once logged in successfully, navigate to the menu bar where you will find the “Corporate Tax” option. Click on it to access the corporate tax filing section within the MyTax Portal. Here, you will be presented with options to file either the ECI or Form C-S/C, depending on your company’s requirements.

Step 3: Follow IRAS Instructions

Select the appropriate option based on whether you are filing the Estimated Chargeable Income or the comprehensive Form C-S/C. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided by IRAS to initiate and complete the filing process. These instructions will guide you through the specific data entry fields, requirements, and documentation needed for a successful submission.

Summary

Filing corporate taxes in Singapore is a structured process that ensures accurate reporting and compliance with the regulations set forth by IRAS. By outsourcing your company tax filing to a team of knowledgeable tax specialists, you can navigate the compliance landscape with confidence and ease.

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