At the close of the e-Filing deadline of 18 Apr 09, about 962,000 taxpayers e-Filed their tax returns, setting a new record of 91% e-filing rate. This is an increase of 4% points as compared to last year’s 87%. More than 1,059,000 taxpayers filed their returns, making up a 90% filing rate.

No-Filing Service (NFS) makes tax-filing a non-event for more than 344,120 taxpayers

IRAS is encouraged that the NFS has brought the convenience of no filing to some 344,120 taxpayers this year.  Out of 495,000 taxpayers who were issued the NFS letters, only 3 in 10 had to file a return because they had additional income or there were changes to their relief claims, and almost all of these taxpayers did it electronically.

Tax officers & volunteers in the heartlands helped more than 20,000 taxpayers to e-File

To provide greater accessibility to taxpayers and to encourage them to e-File, IRAS worked with the CPF Board to provide e-Filing assistance at all CPF Service Centres during the filing period this year. In addition, more than 300 volunteers were on hand at e-Filing Service Centres at Chong Pang Community Club and Bedok Community Centre and 25 CitizenConnect Centres spread across the island to help taxpayers e-File. More than 20,000 taxpayers filed their returns at these centres, an increase of almost 50% from last year. IRAS is happy with the response and is committed to continue the service next year. 

Easier payment of taxes

Most of the taxpayers who have filed their taxes can expect to receive their Notice of Assessment (NOA) by September this year. Taxpayers are required to pay their tax in full within one month of the date of the NOA.  Taxpayers are encouraged to join GIRO to enjoy up to 12 interest-free monthly instalments.  IRAS would like to encourage taxpayers to apply for GIRO by:

• Signing up online via Internet banking accounts with DBS/OCBC; or
  
• Completing a GIRO application form that can be downloaded from   www.iras.gov.sg.

Taxpayers who pay by GIRO can now view their payment plan on myTax Portal at IRAS website.  Taxpayers can also check out their latest tax position or request a Statement of Account at myTax Portal.

IRAS would like to remind taxpayers who have not filed their tax returns to do so immediately.  A late filing penalty of $ 1,000 may be imposed for late filing unless taxpayers have been granted an extension to do so. Taxpayers may contact our officers on 1800-356 8300 (for employees) or 1800-356 8611 (for self-employed) if they need any assistance.

Issued by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore