Understanding Corporate Tax Filing

February 27, 2024

Who is obligated to file corporate income tax?

Understanding Corporate Tax Filing is important and let's dive deeper into it. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) mandates the following entities to file their corporate income tax:

  • Business entities incorporated or registered under the Companies Act 1967 or any prevailing law in Singapore. Typically, such entities bear the designations 'Pte Ltd' or 'Ltd' as part of their names.
  • Foreign companies registered in Singapore, including branches of foreign companies.
  • Foreign companies incorporated or registered outside Singapore.

It is important to note that sole-proprietorship's or partnerships are not classified as companies. Tax obligations for sole-proprietorship's or partnerships are to be fulfilled through individual income tax filings.

How to Determine Your Taxable Income

Companies are taxed based on the income earned in the preceding financial year. For the tax assessment year 2023, income generated in the financial year 2022 will be taxed. Most companies end their financial year on 31 December, but some may choose alternative year-end dates. It's important to inform IRAS if your company's financial year-end differs from 31 December or extends beyond 12 months.

In Singapore, companies are taxed at a standard rate of 17% of their chargeable income, which is the income after deducting tax-allowable expenses. Capital allowances and reliefs may further reduce the taxable income and tax liability.

Tax Filing for Sole-Proprietorships or Partnerships

Sole-proprietors and partnership owners are responsible for filing their taxes as part of their individual income tax. To facilitate this process, they must maintain accurate records and accounts of all business transactions, supported by relevant documents like invoices and receipts.

At the end of the accounting period, owners must compile a statement of accounts, including profit and loss accounts and balance sheets, to ascertain business income and expenses.

Owners typically receive a filing notification or Income Tax Return (Form B or B1 or P) from IRAS by March each year. Upon receipt, they must submit either a 2-line or 4-line Statement for tax filing. The 2-line Statement is for businesses with revenue under S$200,000 for the YA, while the 4-line Statement is for those exceeding this threshold. In the 2-line Statement, businesses declare revenue and adjusted profit/loss, while the 4-line Statement requires additional information such as revenue, gross profit/loss, allowable business expenses, and adjusted profit/loss.

Filing a GST F5 return directly to IRAS using Xero

  • File your GST F5 return directly with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) from Xero.
  • Any GST owed to IRAS must be paid separately.
  • Xero transmits the amounts on the GST F5 return to IRAS, excluding the individual transactions.
  • To file a GST F5 return from Xero, you must have the adviser or standard and view reports user role.
  • Any GST owed to IRAS must be paid outside of Xero.
  • If you are due a GST refund, it will be received outside of Xero.

Read more: How To Do Singapore Corporate Tax Planning

Our Blogposts

Checkout our previous blogpost!
July 15, 2024
Importance of Professional Accounting Services for SMEs in Singapore

In Singapore, small and medium businesses play a crucial role in the economy and contribute to its diverse business environment. Understanding this importance, it's essential for these businesses to consider professional accounting services. This article explores why professional accounting services are crucial for small businesses in Singapore. It covers the […]

× Read More ×
July 15, 2024
Corporate Secretarial Services in Singapore

The purpose of a corporate secretary is to ensure that your company is in check and compliant with local regulations. Companies which are incorporated in Singapore are required to appoint a company secretary within six months from incorporation. Companies may either choose to hire a full-time secretary or outsource their corporate secretarial services in Singapore.  […]

× Read More ×
July 15, 2024
Understanding Taxes and Accounting in Singapore

Singapore is known as a top financial hub due to its organized tax and accounting systems. Businesses benefit from competitive tax rates and international agreements, while also complying with government policies and standards. Corporate tax Singapore Your company in Singapore will be taxed on income earned within Singapore, which includes: […]

× Read More ×
July 15, 2024
Xero Asia Awards 2024

We are excited and proud to announce that Clooud Consulting is a finalist for the "Small Accounting Partner of the Year" award at the Xero Asia Awards 2024. First, we want to thank Xero for organizing this amazing event that honors the hard work and achievements of accounting and bookkeeping […]

× Read More ×
July 11, 2024
Is Outsourcing CFO Services Right for Your Business?

Every business needs a solid financial plan, but keeping track of finances daily can be challenging. Bookkeepers and accountants handle your income, payments, and money owed to you, but you might not have time to review how well your business is doing financially or plan for its future because you're […]

× Read More ×
July 1, 2024
Who's the Boss Now? Take Back Control from Your Accounting Staff

Is Your Accounting Staff Running the Show? Late accounting closes, delayed GST filings, fines from ACRA and IRAS—does this chaos sound familiar? Are you, the boss, feeling pushed around by your accounting staff? It's time to reclaim control of your business! Let's find out more on who's the boss now? […]

× Read More ×
July 1, 2024
The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Bookkeeping for Business Owners

Bookkeeping. Just hearing the word can make many small business owners anxious. Thinking about stacks of receipts and invoices, long columns of numbers, and endless accounting rules can be overwhelming! Good bookkeeping practices are essential for every business to thrive and expand. If your records are disorganized, it can lead […]

× Read More ×
July 1, 2024
Avoiding The Charity Scandal: Protecting IPCs and Charities

Are you struggling with late accounting closures, delayed filings on the Charity Portal, or facing issues like fundraising malpractices? Worried about potential audit failures or being in the news for charity fraud? It's time for a change! Let's reform and strengthen your charity's internal control and governance framework together. With […]

× Read More ×
June 19, 2024
Manage your Singapore small business accounting effortlessly with Xero.

What is Xero? Xero is an accounting software that works online, making financial tasks easier. It allows for real-time collaboration, automated bookkeeping, and access to financial information from anywhere, making it easier to manage finances effectively. Let's find out more on how to manage your Singapore small business accounting effortlessly with Xero. Can Xero work for businesses of all sizes? Yes, Xero is suitable for businesses big and small. Whether you're just starting out or running a large company, Xero can be […]

× Read More ×
June 19, 2024
How Xero's Job Tracking and Project Accounting Can Boost Your Business

Staying on top of project costs and deadlines can be challenging for any business. But what if there was a software solution that could simplify everything from initial quotes to final invoices? Look no further, let's find out on how Xero's job tracking and project accounting can boost your business! […]

× Read More ×
1 2 3
The first 10 to contact us will receive a free informative consultation!
Book Free Demo
Copyright © 2022 All Rights Reserved.