If you are using payroll software (developed internally by your company or bought from a payroll vendor) to generate text (.txt) file or Extensible Markup Language (.xml) file, the files must comply with IRAS’ specifications. Please download the Validation and Submission Application to validate the files for data error before transmitting to IRAS.
View the list of supporting payroll vendors.
If you use the Validation and Submission Application
Data errors detected will be listed and you need to rectify the errors before transmitting to IRAS.
How do I start validation?
Launch the Validation and Submission Application when you are ready to transmit the files to IRAS. Browse for the file to submit and click <Validate>. If there is no error, you can proceed with the submission via the application.
Learn more about the Validation and Submission Application from our step-by-step user guide:
Download the Validation and Submission Application below to start validating the files.
With effect from 2009, all companies should use the issued Unique Entity Number (UEN) as the tax reference number. As such, when preparing the income information in your payroll software, please ensure the UEN is used as the company tax reference number.
How do I rectify the errors listed?
If you are using payroll software, please contact your payroll vendors or IT Department on how to rectify the error.
Recommended hardware/ software requirement
- Operating system
Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista
Java Runtime Environment Version 6 and above
- Hardware requirements
Pentium 4 PC and above with 1 GB RAM (recommended 2GB RAM)
512Kbps speed Broadband with connection to a local ISP
- Browser
Internet Explorer 5.5 and above or Mozilla FireFox 1.0 and above
Install Latest Version of Validation and Submission Application
Enhancements/ changes might be made to the Validation and Submission Application after you have downloaded them. Always check that you have the latest version before you transmit the files to IRAS.
How do I know if the version I have downloaded is the latest?
Always make an attempt to connect to the Internet when you launch the application. If there is a later version, there will be a message to inform you to perform the auto-update. Do accept all updates.
To get the latest version of the application, you can also re-download the application from IRAS’ website.