Singapore makes tax filing easier on mobile
By GovInsider
Tax authority looking to avoid last minute rush online.
Singapore has upgraded its tax filing services with better access to smartphones and a tool to check relief eligibility.
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has made its tax filing website responsive to mobile devices to make it easier for people to use the site on their phones.
The move looks to “encourage taxpayers to file early” since “tax filing can be done easily from anywhere, anytime”, it said.
Singapore has the highest smartphone penetration in the world, with 9 in 10 people having access, according to a survey by Deloitte. IRAS has also built an interactive tool that users can download to check whether they are eligible for tax relief.
It has also pre-filled a part of the online tax forms, saving time for citizens. Taxpayers who have rented out houses will have their rental expenses pre-filled. They can still choose to enter the amount themselves.
The agency expects over 210 companies to submit online their record of commission-earning employees.
This is an increase from 110 last year. In turn, this will make it easier for those taxpayers, like housing and insurance agents, to file their taxes.
Singapore’s tax filing season runs from 1 March to 18 April this year.