Take a look at everything you need to know about registering your Singapore company for GST–from working out whether you qualify to submitting your application on the IRAS myTax Portal
Key takeaways
- Companies in Singapore can register for GST online through the IRAS myTax Portal using Corppass
- Businesses must determine whether they qualify for compulsory or voluntary GST registration before applying
- GST registration becomes mandatory once taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million, and businesses generally have 30 days to apply
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a consumption tax charged on the import of goods and on most goods and services supplied in Singapore.
If businesses are eligible to register for GST, they can do it through the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and meet ongoing reporting obligations. This guide explains when GST registration is required, how to apply, the documents you’ll need and what happens after your application is approved.
When does a company need to register for GST?
A business must register for GST if its taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million, as this makes GST registration compulsory under Singapore’s GST rules. Once a business becomes liable to register, it has 30 days to submit its GST registration application. Businesses with taxable turnover below the S$1 million threshold are not required to register but may choose to do so voluntarily if they meet the relevant conditions
How to register for GST in Singapore
Businesses can register for GST online through the IRAS myTax Portal using Corppass. Follow the step-by-step guide below to register for GST in Singapore:
Step 1: Determine your GST registration type
Choose whether you are applying for compulsory or voluntary GST registration. The registration type determines the application requirements.
Step 2: Prepare the required documents
Prepare all supporting documents in soft-copy format before starting your application. IRAS may require:
- Company Unique Identity Number (UEN)
- Business activity details
- Financial statements or projected taxable turnover
- Directors’ or business owners’ details
- Other supporting documents requested by IRAS
Step 3: Submit your application
Log in to the IRAS myTax Portal using Corppass, complete the GST registration form and upload your supporting documents. If you cannot finish the application in one session, you can save it as a draft. Drafts remain available for 14 days before they are automatically deleted.
Step 4: Complete any outstanding IRAS requirements
IRAS may also request additional information, supporting documents or a guarantee, depending on the application. Applications are processed only after all required information has been received.
Step 5: Receive your GST registration approval
It usually takes 10-30 days to process all applications. Once approved, IRAS will issue a notification confirming:
- Your GST registration number
- Your effective GST registration date
You will receive the approval letter at your registered address, and IRAS may also notify you by SMS or email if contact details were provided.
Note: Do not charge or collect GST until your effective GST registration date. Your GST registration number must also be included on your tax invoices, credit notes and receipts where required.
GST registration costs and late registration penalties
Registering for GST with IRAS costs nothing. If a business does not register when it is required to, IRAS can backdate the GST registration to the date it should have been registered. This means the business may have to pay GST on past sales, even if it never charged GST to its customers. On top of this, IRAS may impose a fine of up to S$10,000, charge a 10% penalty on the GST owed, and, in some cases, take legal action.
Common mistakes to avoid when registering for GST
- Registering late after becoming liable: Businesses that meet the compulsory GST registration criteria need to apply within the prescribed deadline to avoid penalties and backdated registration
- Charging GST before your effective registration date: Only start charging and collecting GST after IRAS confirms your registration and effective date
- Submitting an incomplete application: Missing supporting documents or incomplete information can delay the approval process
- Skipping mandatory requirements for voluntary registration: Complete the required GST e-Learning course, apply for GIRO or eGIRO, and meet the GST InvoiceNow requirements where applicable
- Not monitoring taxable turnover: Regularly review your taxable turnover to determine whether your business has become liable for compulsory GST registration
WorldFirst is built for global companies in Singapore
Registering for GST is one part of running a business in Singapore. Working with overseas customers, suppliers or marketplaces is another, and cross-border payments are where a lot of businesses lose time and margin.
WorldFirst is an international payments provider that helps businesses handle those flows through the World Account–a multi-currency account built for cross-border trade.
The World Account gives businesses local currency accounts in 20+ major currencies, including SGD, USD, GBP, EUR, HKD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CAD and CNH, all managed from a single online dashboard. From one World Account, businesses can also:
- Collect payments from 130+ global marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Shopify, Etsy and Stripe, in the marketplace’s local currency
- Hold funds in the currency they were received in, rather than converting the moment they land
- Send payments to suppliers and partners in 100+ currencies across 200+ countries and regions
- Convert between currencies at competitive rates when the timing suits
- Pay 1688.com suppliers in CNH through World Pay, the authorised international payment provider for 1688.com
- Set up multi-user access for finance and operations teams, and connect the account to existing ERP systems for reconciliation
- Spend directly from held currency balances using the World Card, a Mastercard-powered multi-currency card. Businesses can issue up to 20 virtual cards at no additional cost and make payments in 150+ currencies
There is no monthly fee, no account setup fee and no fee to receive funds into any of the supported currency accounts.
FAQs
Is GST registration free in Singapore?
Yes. IRAS does not charge a fee to submit a GST registration application. But, businesses can incur costs for accounting software, professional services or meeting the GST InvoiceNow requirements where applicable.
How long does GST registration take?
IRAS processes around 60% of GST registration applications within 10 working days, while more complex applications may take up to 30 working days, provided all required information and supporting documents have been submitted.
Can I charge GST while my application is being processed?
No. You must wait until the effective GST registration date stated in your IRAS approval letter before charging or collecting GST from customers.
What documents are required for GST registration?
Most businesses need their company UEN, business activity details, financial information or projected taxable turnover, directors’ details and any supporting documents requested by IRAS. Prepare these documents in soft copy before starting the application.
Can I save my GST registration application and complete it later?
Yes. Applications submitted through the IRAS myTax Portal can be saved as drafts if you are not ready to submit them immediately. Draft applications are retained for 14 days before they are automatically deleted.
Can foreign companies register for GST in Singapore?
Yes. Overseas businesses may need to register for GST in Singapore under the Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR) regime. Registration is generally required if the business has an annual global turnover exceeding S$1 million and makes more than S$100,000 a year in B2C supplies of remote services and/or low-value goods to customers in Singapore.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.
