Life at IRAS

My journey at IRAS has been incredibly fruitful, filled with memorable events and cherished experiences. In the Infocomm Division, we continuously adopt new technology, driven by a collective commitment to excellence, which makes my work fulfilling and engaging.

I've had several opportunities to be part of significant core transitions. These transitions aren't without their moments of struggle, but it’s truly inspiring to see the seamless collaboration between the business and IT departments, all coming together to pursue a common goal.

IRAS prioritises employee development, providing unwavering support and guidance, and encouraging continuous learning and skill development. I’ve also received unwavering support and guidance from my supervisors who have been part of my professional development journey. Our dedication to continuous learning and skill development is a testament to IRAS's commitment to employee growth.

The challenges in my work serve as constant motivation, propelling me to innovate in ways I hadn't imagined. Beyond professional milestones, I truly cherish the personal connections formed with colleagues. Many have evolved from acquaintances into genuine friendships. Navigating life and work together has created a bond that extends beyond the workplace, making every moment even more special.

Kelvin
Senior Assistant Director
Infocomm Division

I have always aspired to find a meaningful job that equips me with relevant knowledge and skills. Recognising taxes as a fundamental aspect of nation building has led me to join IRAS as a fresh graduate.

Currently, I am overseeing Live Chat operations at Taxpayer Service Experience Centre ensuring high quality service delivery to our taxpayers. At the same time, as a Chatbot designer and a core member of the Chatbot Center of Excellence (COE), my role involves close collaboration with GovTech, positioning our team at the forefront of digital initiatives.

One aspect I treasure the most about working at IRAS is the camaraderie among my colleagues. Not only are they my close friends, but they are also a strong support system I can lean on. I'm fortunate to receive support from my supervisors, who make me feel appreciated and valued.

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a Generative AI challenge at work, where our division achieved 3^rd place! It was a proud moment for our team, as it showcased our division's soft skills and technical capabilities.

The hackathon, as well as my teammates, has inspired me to learn Python, despite never considering myself tech-savvy. Being part of the chatbot team has exposed me to various digital tools, helping me keep pace with the ever-evolving digital landscape. Overall, I am happy to be in a role that continuously motivates and inspires me.

MadelineAssistant Director
Taxpayer Experience Division

IRAS is an ideal environment for individuals seeking personal and professional fulfillment, as well as those driven to make a positive impact. The people and culture in IRAS have been instrumental in shaping a rewarding and purposeful journey for me.

Since joining IRAS, the comprehensive training program has facilitated a seamless integration into the organisation. The division's working environment is conducive for both work and fun with colleagues, fostering a culture of mutual respect and lively camaraderie.

In my role as a Legal Executive in the Law Division, I am responsible for providing legal and administrative support to legal officers. This entails conducting research and completing standard forms on legal matters. My work has helped me to hone my problem-solving and critical analysis skills, as well as familiarity with established legal procedures and systems.

My experience at IRAS has provided me with exposure to a diverse range of legal procedures and areas, while also affording me the opportunity to receive valuable mentorship from supervisors and colleagues. The people here are some of the most nurturing and welcoming people you will encounter.

Pravin
Legal Executive
Law Division

At IRAS, my work carries a profound personal meaning. In my role within the Property Tax Division – Valuation & Stamp Duty, I primarily focus on managing stamp duty policies. It’s always surreal and fulfilling to see a policy through from conceptualisation to implementation. Being involved in the Inter-Agency Property Market Task Force (IAPMTF) offers firsthand insights into how prudential tools are used in the property market.

During my secondment to MOF at the onset of COVID-19, I gained invaluable learning experiences working on the Rental Relief Framework for SMEs and NPOs. It equipped me with essential soft skills like resilience and critical problem-solving, enhancing my professional and personal development.

At work, there is always a friendly and nurturing atmosphere where everyone plays off each other’s strengths. Beyond work, the division’s annual year-end party is always a blast, a testament to our vibrant team culture.

I’m grateful for opportunities to work with some of the most gifted and nurturing minds, forming not only professional connections but lifelong friendships. Our IRAS family comprises of professionals from varied backgrounds – spanning from lawyers to data analysts. The strong teamwork across IRAS is truly inspiring.

JillianSenior Assistant Director
Property Tax Division

My journey at IRAS, from a fresh graduate to mid-career professional, has been an exploration of the technological landscape. As I continually strive for peak productivity and adapt to evolving technological trends, IRAS has been instrumental in honing my ability to embrace uncertainties and acquire new relevant skills.

Throughout my tenure, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of organisational structures. I have transitioned across various roles – from providing backend support and manual assessments, to engaging in customer service and scriptwriting, witnessing the evolution of technology and problem-solving in different positions.

Despite not considering myself inherently tech-savvy, I take pride in being part of the centralised Robotic Processing Automation (RPA) team, driving the digitalisation of work processes.

IRAS is an environment that constantly encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, preparing us to adapt to technological disruptions and develop new skill sets for the future of work. This, coupled with a focus on work-life harmony, ensures that IRAS is not just a workplace, but a platform for a fulfilling career path amidst the changes in the professional landscape.

NurmayaManager
Individual Income Tax Division

Embarking on my career at IRAS was a natural progression, driven by my enduring passion for taxation since my university years. Recognising the pivotal role taxes play in shaping economic, social and political landscapes, I saw IRAS as the ideal launchpad for a meaningful career.

My journey at IRAS started in the Goods and Services Tax Division, where I gained diverse work exposure, in the areas of frontline operations and audits. These experiences equipped me with a comprehensive grasp of tax intricacies and refined my communication skills.

Presently in my role, it is a privilege to redesign internal systems and user-friendly interfaces for taxpayers. Witnessing the tangible impact of my contributions on both the organisation and taxpayers has truly been rewarding.

What sets IRAS apart is our unwavering commitment to nurturing growth and fostering innovation. The organisation consistently provides avenues for continuous learning and development. I have eagerly seized numerous learning opportunities, completing Goods and Services Tax courses, and UX design courses. IRAS supports me in reaching greater heights both professionally and personally, making every day a meaningful step forward into the dynamic landscape of taxation.

JonielManager
Goods & Services Tax Division

My tenure at IRAS has been a significantly enriching and truly transformative. As my first full-time job, my journey in IRAS has played a pivotal role in shaping the individual I am today and my professional development. I am appreciative of the supportive culture that has enabled me to strike a harmonious work-life balance.

Starting my career in Enforcement, I found fulfilment in assisting individuals from diverse backgrounds with their tax concerns. The experience of engaging with various taxpayers and resolving their tax issues has been both rewarding and enjoyable. In pursuit of new challenges, I made a transition to the Finance and Procurement branch, where I had the privilege of contributing to the Tax Payout Reporting Team.

In my current role, I play a significant part in reporting on collection, refund, and adjustments of revenue accounts. Additionally, my role involves the reporting of Enterprise Disbursement Scheme payouts and the audits of financial statements for Trust Funds.

Throughout my journey at IRAS, I am fortunate to have met amazing supervisors and colleagues who support and inspire me. Working on the introduction of schemes during the Covid-19 pandemic has also allowed me to hone my skills and adaptability. I am grateful for the enriching opportunities that have facilitated my personal and professional development.

DurgaletchumiManager
Revenue & Corporate Services Division

Since my undergraduate days, I have been particularly drawn to IRAS's friendly and warm culture. It was a no-brainer for me when the opportunity arose to join IRAS’s Investigation & Forensics Division, which aligned with my interests in investigation, law, and accounting. Joining IRAS as a tax investigator provided a unique blend of these elements, and I really enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship among my colleagues.

Throughout my tenure, I have had the privilege of undertaking diverse posting across IRAS, including investigation, secretariat, frontline, operations, assessment, anti-gaming, audit, and strategic work. Each role has afforded me invaluable experiences and insights into the multifaceted functions of tax administration.

One of the most unforgettable experiences in IRAS would be my involvement in the implementation of the Jobs Support Scheme during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic. As IRAS undertook the task of expeditiously launching the scheme from conception in April 2020, I was entrusted the role of supporting the scheme.

Despite the challenges faced, the team rallied together to address the concerns of employers. We managed a large volume of contacts totaling up to the thousands, within a tight timeframe, and ensured the timely disbursement of funds to support businesses during the height of the pandemic. The collective effort and meaningful friendships forged during this time were especially meaningful to me.

AaronSenior Assistant Director
Internal Audit

Choosing to pursue Accounting for my degree was a decision driven by my passion for numbers and mathematics. This led me to specialise in taxes at IRAS, where I have spent 15 fulfilling years! The experience has been enriching, offering challenging and engaging work that defies the common misconception of tax being mundane, especially in this evolving international tax landscape.

In my current role within the Transfer Pricing and Dispute Resolution branch, I work with various tax authorities for negotiations on advance pricing arrangement (APA) and mutual agreement procedure (MAP) cases. This involves delicately balancing the interests of tax authorities while striving to provide tax certainty for taxpayers.

Having had opportunities to work across several branches, I really appreciate the strong sense of unity and the collaborative spirit that extends across branches and divisions. It makes us feel like one big family!

I’m very grateful for the support and mentorship of my colleagues and bosses, many of whom are incredibly passionate about tax and always willing to impart their technical knowledge. Their guidance has not only enriched my professional journey but has also contributed to a nurturing and supportive work environment I am proud to be a part of.

LindaGroup Tax Specialist
International Tax & Relations Division

Driven by my keen interest in tax work, I started my journey at IRAS upon completing my polytechnic education. As part of the Compliance Strategy & Tax Recovery Division, my role entails critical analysis of filing and payment compliance-related issues, implementation of effective actions, as well as the management and deterrence of non-compliance through strategically aligned reinforcement actions across various tax types.

I deeply value the growth opportunities facilitated by IRAS, through the Staff Development Scheme (SDS), which has not only encouraged my upskilling but also provided essential support for the successful completion of my part-time degree.

Throughout my tenure in IRAS, I am honoured to have received extensive learning opportunities and exposure to diverse tax types, including Income, Property, Corporate Income, Goods and Services, and Withholding Tax. My responsibilities encompass tax recovery, debt management, and addressing inbound tax queries.

I am grateful for the invaluable support and mentorship from my supervisors and colleagues, and for fostering an environment where growth and development are actively encouraged. The people at IRAS are truly nurturing and warm-hearted, contributing to a supportive and enriching professional environment. They are some of the most nurturing and warm-hearted people you will come across!

HazirahExecutive
Compliance Strategy & Tax Recovery Division