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Taxation in Singapore

Income Tax

Tax is based on a progressive tax system for local residents. The Year of Assessment (YA) is based on the calendar year (1st January to 31st December). Tax is payable on a preceding year basis, meaning taxes are paid based on income earned in the previous calendar year.

The following are the income tax bands in Singapore Dollars:

• 0% on income of 20,000 and under

• 3.5% on income between 20,001 and 30,000

• 5.5% on income between 30,001 and 40,000

• 8.5% on income between 40,001 and 80,000

• 14% on income between 80,001 and 160,000

• 17% on income between 160,001 and 320,000

• 20% on income of 320,001 and over

The top rate of tax will increase to 22% in 2017.

Tax is paid on source income, which is that earnt in Singapore, or derived from overseas but received in Singapore. Tax is only needed to be paid by those who reside in Singapore or who are in employment there for at least 182 days in any calendar year.

Corporate Tax

The corporate tax rate in Singapore is 17%.

There are also financial incentives for new businesses that meet qualifying conditions. Companies can claim:

• For tax exemption on the first S$100,000 (approximately £50,000) of normal chargeable income for each of its first 3 years of assessment
• A further 50% exemption on the next S$200,000 of normal chargeable income for each of the consecutive years of assessment
• A 30% corporate income tax rebate, subject to a cap of S$30,000 per year of assessment for 2014 and 2015

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