Encouraging Tax Compliance

The vast majority of taxpayers comply voluntarily with their tax obligations. We proactively provide the necessary platforms and services to enable them to do so.

Examples: e-Services, frontline services, No-Filing Service, and simplification of filing via the Auto-inclusion of Employment Income Scheme 

Some taxpayers want to comply but require assistance to do so. We invest effort into raising taxpayers’ awareness of tax issues and providing taxpayers with accurate information to prevent non-compliance.

Examples: SMS reminders, seminars, public communications and dialogues with trade associations

Some taxpayers may not have given sufficient attention to their tax obligations. We seek to detect errors and deter this group from making recurring mistakes.

Examples: Audit Programmes and Voluntary Disclosure Programme to encourage self-correction of errors

A minority of taxpayers intentionally cheat or evade tax. IRAS will not hesitate to take strong actions against them and penalise such errant taxpayers. If you are aware that someone has evaded tax in Singapore, you are encouraged to contact us.

Examples: Deterrent penalties, enforcement actions, investigation and prosecution  

A simple tax system makes it easier for taxpayers to fulfil their tax obligations. IRAS actively influences the design of policies and tax laws where possible, to ensure that tax rules and processes are clear and easy to comply with.

IRAS also continuously explores ways to integrate tax within taxpayers’ systems or life events, so that taxpayers need not expend additional effort just for tax purposes. This embodies our belief that “no need for service is the best service”.

Taxpayers who know their tax obligations will be more responsible for their tax matters.  IRAS seeks to understand taxpayers’ needs so as to provide excellent and timely service through various channels and service initiatives, enabling taxpayers to fulfil their tax obligations with ease.

While most taxpayers are generally compliant, there may be a small group who are non-compliant. For the latter, IRAS will put in place strong deterrent measures which are effective, calibrated and timely to ensure such taxpayers pay their fair share of taxes. This will maintain society’s confidence in the fairness and sustainability of Singapore’s tax system.

IRAS is committed to building a community which believes in taxpaying as a shared social responsibility. Working alongside our partners and stakeholders, we aim to inculcate strong taxpaying values in the community