Channel NewsAsia - 32 minutes
ago
SINGAPORE: Personal tax filing season is just around the corner.
But this year, one out of five taxpayers will not even need to lift
a finger with a new no—filing service.
For those whose employers automatically submit their incomes to
the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and who claim
standard tax relief items, they will not need to file their
taxes.
Some 7000 employers participate in the auto—inclusion scheme,
and they are listed on the IRAS website.
IRAS wants to encourage all companies who have not signed up to
do so. Companies that participate in the scheme will not need to
give out IR8A forms to their employees.
IRAS has already informed employees who qualify through mail.
These taxpayers will only need to login to the IRAS website and
check their details if there are no changes.
If there are changes, all they have to do is follow the
instructions on the website to update the records.
Deputy commissioner of IRAS’ individual income tax division
James Khor said: "There are taxpayers who feedback to us that since
all the info is pre—filled, they don’t need to make changes, why do
they need to key in every year again?"
"We decided that since there are taxpayers who need not change
anything, we decided to further simplify and reduce compliant costs
by saying if there are no changes, there’s no need for you to file
a return at all," he continued.
"We ran a pilot last year and the feedback was generally very
good. The taxpayers just want reassurance that they don’t need to
file if they satisfy the criteria," he added.
Taxpayers who did not receive the letter will have to file taxes
the traditional way. These are usually people who have other
sources of income such as rental, or are freelancers.
IRAS also makes things easier for this group by having tax
officers stationed at five community clubs — Bedok CC, Changi Simei
CC, Chong Pang CC, Toa Payoh Central CC and [email protected] Batok — from 17
March to 18 April to guide those who need help through the
process.
Those who have questions about this new service can call
1800—250—6217 or email IRAS at [email protected] — CNA/ac