SINGAPORE: If you haven't filed your tax returns, be
warned!
The taxman is expecting teething problems with the new e-filing
system, even with the deadline extended to the end of April.
And its concerns may not be unfounded, as only some 65,000
taxpayers have e-filed their returns - out of some 1.4 million who
are expected to file this year.
So you could face a last-minute server jam if you have not filed
yet.
Taxpayers who filed online last year should have received their PIN
numbers for access to the system, via mail by 15 March.
Those who have not can contact the Inland Revenue Authority of
Singapore (IRAS).
There is added information on the electronic tax form this year,
like employment income, deductions, dividends and donations.
While some may appreciate being able to see the added information,
others say it's confusing.
"The old filing is more simplified. For the new one, there are a
lot of complications, new details," said one taxpayer.
While IRAS did not specify what 'teething problems' e-filing could
have, with so much information on the forms this year - compared to
last year - it's not hard to guess that information overload could
cause servers to crash.
This would worsen when too many people log on at the same
time.
In addition, couples now have to file separately as
individuals.
If you have difficulties filing your income tax online, you can go
to the 20 e clubs located at community centres islandwide or call
the IRAS helpline number at 1800-252-5011.
Taxi drivers who need help can get it from a group of experts from
the Society for the Physically Disabled.
Philip Ang, senior finance executive at the Society for the
Physically Disabled, said: "Being physically disabled does not mean
that we are always receiving help, we also can help to contribute
something back to the society."
CityCab in turn has donated $10,000 worth of taxi vouchers to the
Society. - CNA