We refer to the letter "Resolve cash-flow conundrum faced by GST-registered exporting SMEs" by Mr Manmohan Singh (BT, Aug 16).

We would like to assure businesses and members of the public that IRAS works expeditiously to make GST refunds. Of the GST refund claims processed annually, more than 98 per cent are refunded within 30 days of receipt of the GST returns.

IRAS carries out selective audits of GST refund claims to safeguard against mistakes and fraud. In our audits, we will deploy field audit teams as appropriate. The total number of audits completed every year is available on the IRAS website.

The law provides that IRAS makes refunds to claims from businesses under audit within three months of receiving complete information requested by IRAS. Otherwise, IRAS is obliged to pay interest to the businesses. Existing channels are also in place for businesses to file their objections.

Businesses may request IRAS to review, or take their appeals through the Goods and Services Review Board, an independent tribunal, for dispute resolution.

We thank Mr Singh for the opportunity to clarify.

Kelly Wee (Ms)
Director (Corporate Communications)
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore