• High e-Filing Rate of More Than 97% 
• Number of Taxpayers who Sought e-Filing Assistance Fell 15%
  

A record high 96% of taxpayers filed their tax returns on-time this year. Initiatives introduced by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) this year to simplify tax filing did not go unnoticed by taxpayers. About 800,000 taxpayers, or more than 97% of those who filed, did so electronically.

Close to 96,000 (or 12% of those who e-filed) filed their tax returns using smartphones, one of the tax filing enhancements offered this year. IRAS also simplified the tax returns for owners of tenanted residential properties this year, allowing them the option to choose the pre-filled deemed rental expense of 15% of gross rent, or the actual rental expenses incurred.

About 1.7 million taxpayers whose employers participated in the Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS) enjoyed the convenience of pre-filled tax returns. This scheme will be extended to employers with 10 or more employees from 2017. IRAS also welcomes employers with fewer than 10 employees to join the scheme so that their employees can benefit from the scheme.

Falling Number of Taxpayers Seeking e-Filing Assistance

With the numerous service initiatives introduced over the years, the number of taxpayers seeking filing assistance has been falling. This year, the number fell a significant 15% compared with last year. There were also fewer calls to IRAS during the filing period. The number of calls fell 8% compared with 2015.

IRAS recognises that even with the many simplifications, there are taxpayers who still require filing assistance. Based on the profile of those who sought filing assistance at the Community Centres in previous years, IRAS tailored its tax filing assistance programme this year and offered filing assistance to hawkers and taxi drivers, in partnership with the respective associations.

Assistant Commissioner of Taxpayer Services Division, Dennis Lui, said: “We are very encouraged by the record high on-time filing rate and high e-Filing rate. We strive to continue to bring about even more enhanced service initiatives and relevant, targeted assistance programmes for a hassle-free tax filing experience.”

What's Next 

Getting your tax bill

Most taxpayers should receive their tax bills (Notices of Assessment) for the Year of Assessment 2016 from end Apr to Sep 2016. Those who have updated their mobile numbers with IRAS will receive SMS alerts when their tax bills are finalised. 

GIRO for seamless payment

Taxpayers are encouraged to pay their taxes by GIRO, to benefit from the flexibility and convenience of paying either in 12 monthly interest-free instalments or a one-time deduction.

Joining GIRO is easy – just a one-time sign-up through any of the following channels:

- Online GIRO application via Internet Banking (for DBS/POSB, OCBC and UOB customers) - Instant Approval
- Online GIRO application at AXS stations (for DBS/POSB customers) - Instant Approval
- Use GIRO form on the Payment Slip sent with the Notice of Assessment (for DBS/POSB, HSBC, OCBC and UOB customers)
- Download GIRO application form and send the completed form to 55 Newton Road, Revenue House, Singapore 307987

Those who are not on the GIRO payment plan must pay their taxes within one month from the date of the tax bill.

Late filing penalty

Taxpayers who have yet to file their returns should do so immediately. Those who require assistance can call 1800-356 8300 or email IRAS via www.iras.gov.sg.

There is a late filing penalty of up to $1,000.