How to file your 2025 income tax in Singapore

Singapore tax residents pay progressive income tax from 0% (first SGD 20,000) to 24% (above SGD 1 million), with tax year running January-December and filing deadlines of April 15 (paper) or April 18 (e-filing). Non-residents pay flat 15% minimum or progressive rates, whichever is higher. E-filing is mandatory for most. Singapore has no capital gains tax. Tax residency requires living in Singapore for 183+ days annually. Discover more expat resources on our directory.

Singapore has low income tax rates and an efficient online filing system making it easy to submit annual returns. The city-state's tax system is territorial - only Singapore-sourced income and foreign income remitted to Singapore is taxable.

Latest 2025 Tax Developments

• Top marginal rate remains at 24% for income above SGD 1 million
• Personal reliefs and rebates continue with minor adjustments
• Enhanced tax incentives for sustainability initiatives
• Continued push for digital tax administration

Singapore Tax Rates for 2025

Resident Tax Rates (Progressive)

Non-Resident Tax Rates

• Employment income: Flat 15% or progressive resident rates, whichever is higher
• Director fees: 24%
• Consultant/professional fees: 24%
• Short-term assignments (≤60 days): May be exempt

Who Pays Income Tax in Singapore?

Tax Residents

You are a tax resident if you:

• Stay/work in Singapore for 183+ days in a calendar year, OR
• Work in Singapore for 3 consecutive years (even if less than 183 days in year of arrival/departure)

Who Must File a Tax Return?

• Anyone who receives a tax return notice from IRAS
• Self-employed individuals with income above SGD 6,000
• Directors of companies
• Those claiming tax reliefs/deductions

Who Is Exempt?

• Annual income below SGD 22,000 (after deductions/reliefs)
• Short-term visitors working ≤60 days
• Students on internships/part-time work (certain conditions)
• Foreign government officials/military personnel

How Does Singapore Tax Work?

Tax Year

Runs January 1 - December 31. You are taxed on previous year income (e.g., income earned in 2024 is assessed in 2025).

Taxable Income Types

• Employment income (salary, bonuses, allowances)
• Trade/business/profession income
• Rental income from Singapore property
• Investment income (dividends, interest - certain exemptions apply)
• Foreign income remitted to Singapore (if you are resident)

Non-Taxable Income

• Capital gains (Singapore has no capital gains tax)
• Inheritances
• Insurance payouts
• Foreign-sourced income not remitted to Singapore
• Certain government grants/subsidies

How to File Your 2025 Tax Return

Filing Deadlines

• E-filing: April 18, 2025
• Paper filing: April 15, 2025
• Self-employed/partnership: April 18, 2025

E-Filing Steps

1. Access myTax Portal (mytax.iras.gov.sg) with SingPass
2. IRAS pre-fills employment income from Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS)
3. Review and add any additional income/deductions
4. Claim applicable tax reliefs
5. Submit return electronically
6. Receive Notice of Assessment (NOA) within 1-2 months

Required Documents

• Form IR8A (from employer - usually auto-included)
• Supporting documents for reliefs (course fees receipts, CPF statements, etc.)
• Rental income records (if applicable)
• Business income/expense records (if self-employed)

Tax Reliefs and Deductions for 2025

Personal Reliefs (Capped at SGD 80,000 total)

• Earned Income Relief: SGD 1,000 (automatic)
• Spouse/Handicapped Spouse: SGD 2,000/SGD 5,500
• Qualifying/Handicapped Child: SGD 4,000/SGD 7,500 per child
• Parent/Handicapped Parent: SGD 9,000/SGD 14,000 (if staying with you)
• Course Fees: Up to SGD 5,500
• CPF Cash Top-up: Up to SGD 8,000
• SRS Contributions: Up to SGD 15,300 (Singaporeans/PRs) or SGD 35,700 (foreigners)
• NSman Relief: SGD 3,000-SGD 5,000

Business Deductions

• Expenses wholly and exclusively incurred for business
• Capital allowances for equipment/machinery
• Donations to approved charities (250% tax deduction)

Paying Your Taxes

Payment Methods

• GIRO (recommended - automatic monthly installments)
• AXS/SAM kiosks
• Internet banking
• PayNow QR
• Credit/debit card (convenience fee applies)
• Cheque

Payment Deadline

Within 1 month of receiving Notice of Assessment. GIRO payments spread over 12 months (interest-free).

Singapore Tax for Foreigners

Employment Pass/S Pass Holders

• Taxed as residents if in Singapore 183+ days
• Otherwise taxed as non-residents (15% minimum)
• Can claim certain reliefs if tax resident

Work Permit Holders

• Generally taxed at 15% flat rate on gross employment income
• Employer typically handles tax withholding

Tax Clearance

Foreigners leaving Singapore must:

1. Inform employer at least 1 month before leaving
2. Employer notifies IRAS
3. File tax return and pay taxes within 1 month
4. Obtain tax clearance from IRAS
5. May need to deposit security bond if outstanding taxes

Double Tax Agreements (DTAs)

Singapore has DTAs with 80+ countries to prevent double taxation. Common DTA benefits:

• Reduced withholding tax rates
• Tax credits for foreign tax paid
• Exemptions for certain income types

Common Tax Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing filing deadlines (late penalties apply)
• Not declaring all income sources
• Claiming ineligible reliefs
• Failing to keep supporting documents (keep for 5 years)
• Not updating IRAS on address changes

Getting Tax Help

• IRAS Helpline: 1800-356-8300
• myTax Portal: mytax.iras.gov.sg
• Tax professionals: For complex situations (self-employed, multiple income sources)
• Free tax clinics: Available during filing season