Filing Goods and Services Tax (GST) returns in Singapore is a crucial responsibility for GST-registered businesses. As part of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore’s (IRAS) requirements, timely and accurate GST filing ensures compliance while avoiding costly penalties.
Whether you are new to GST or looking to refine your processes, understanding the key steps and regulations involved can simplify the task and keep your business on the right track. In this blog, we will guide you through the essentials of GST return filing, helping you navigate the process with confidence and ease.
What is a GST Return?
Businesses file a GST return to report their sales and purchases to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). The key aspects of a GST return include:
Key Component | What it is |
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Output Tax | GST collected from customers on taxable goods or services |
Input Tax | GST paid on business purchases and expenses that can be claimed |
Net GST Payable/Refundable | The difference between output and input tax |
It is important to note that GST returns are essential for compliance. They summarise business transactions subject to GST in a company’s accounting period, which includes output tax, input tax, and standard-rated supplies. Filing timely prevents incurring penalties that can be costly.
Who Must File a GST Return in Singapore?
All GST-registered businesses in Singapore must file a GST return. This includes voluntarily registered and compulsory businesses, whether or not there was any taxable activity during the period.
What Are the GST Return Due Dates?
GST-registered businesses in Singapore must submit their GST Return (GST F5/F8) to the Comptroller of GST within 1 month from the end of their accounting periods.
The typical accounting period is 3 months. After a company’s GST registration application is approved, it will be provided with a quarterly accounting period unless otherwise indicated in the application form. Businesses may request to file on a monthly basis.
The quarterly accounting period depends on your financial year end (FYE):
FYE | Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct | Feb/May/Aug/Nov | Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec |
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Quarterly Accounting Periods |
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For example, a company with a monthly filing frequency and accounting period between 1 Jul 2025 and 31 Jul 2025 must file by 31 Aug 2025. A company with a quarterly filing frequency and accounting period between 1 Jul 2025 and 30 Sep 2025 must file by 31 Oct 2025.
How to File a GST Return
Preparing Your GST Return
Before filing your GST return, you should make proper preparations to ensure the process goes smoothly. We recommend assembling supporting documents, such as sales invoices and expenses, and records of GST collected and paid.
You should also calculate your output taxes and input taxes. Accounting software such as Xero can streamline this process and improve tracking and reporting.
File GST F5 Form
Companies are lawfully required to e-file their GST F5 return digitally via the IRAS myTax website. This form has 15 boxes for companies to complete.
Only authorised individuals can file the GST return. A staff or third party such as InCorp can be authorised to act on a company’s behalf for GST matters as an “Approver” or ‘Preparer”.
Box 1: Total Value of Standard-Rated Supplies
Box 1 of GST F5 refers to the value of your supplies subject to GST. The value must exclude GST amounts and should individually be tracked separately from its output tax.
Box 6: Output Tax Due
Box 6 reports output tax due and is calculated based on the GST charged on standard-rated taxable supplies. It is vital to make precise calculations to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. Remember to record GST collected on low-value goods S$400 or below.
Box 7: Input Tax and Refunds Claimed
Box 7 reports input tax and refunds claimed including GST incurred on business-related purchases and expenses, subject to input tax claims conditions.
Final GST Return: GST F8
GST F8 applies to companies that wish to end their GST registration. When an application to cancel GST registration is approved, a company will be notified of the effective date of GST de-registration. GST F8 is the final GST return to account for output tax on taxable assets, including inventories and capital assets held on hand as of the last day of GST registration.
Correcting Errors in GST Return: GST F7
IRAS understands that sometimes, errors may be made when GST returns are filed. In this case, companies must file GST F7 to correct the mistakes. You may be required to amend the current return or adjust the next return depending on the error’s size and nature.
Non-Compliance Penalties
Late Filing Penalties
The Comptroller can issue an estimated assessment and impose a 5% late payment penalty on the estimated tax if the GST F5/F8 is not filed by the deadline.
After filing the GST return, the estimated assessment may be amended to the actual assessment and the 5% penalty amended to 5% of the actual assessment.
Aside from that, there is also a late submission penalty of S$200 per month. It is imposed immediately if the GST return is not filed by the due date. It will continue to be imposed for every outstanding month that the GST return is owed, up to the maximum of S$10,000 for each F5/F8 return.
You can also be summoned to Court and/or issued a Warrant of Arrest for failing to file your GST returns.
Late Payment Penalties
A 5% penalty will be imposed on the GST return filed or on the estimated tax as per the estimated assessment if you have not filed. A Demand Note will be sent via post notifying the 5% penalty imposed.
If payment is still outstanding 60 days after the 5% penalty is imposed, an additional 2% penalty will be imposed per month that the tax remains unpaid. The total additional penalty will not exceed 50% of the outstanding tax payable.
Related Read: Filing a GST Return in Singapore: What Are the Mistakes to Avoid?
File Your GST Return in Singapore With Ease
Filing GST returns in Singapore does not have to be a daunting task. With the right knowledge, tools, and support, your business can stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties. At InCorp, we specialise in simplifying the GST filing process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness every step of the way.
Whether you need guidance, a customised solution, or a partner to handle the complexities for you, we are here to help. Let us take the stress out of tax compliance so you can focus on growing your business with peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more!
FAQs about GST Return in Singapore
- You can claim input tax incurred on goods purchases or imported if you satisfy the conditions for making such claims.
- Our experienced tax specialists can help with the GST return filing process to ensure compliance.
- Box 13 refers to the value of revenue, which is the income derived from your main income sources, such as the sale of goods.