Tax exemption only applies to those with (resident status)
While Singapore’s tax policies are friendly enough to both citizens and foreigners, the precise benefits you’ll be getting depend on your tax residency status in the city-state. And in case you’re wondering, it just so happens that tax residents in Singapore enjoy better income tax rates and more tax reliefs than their non-resident counterparts. Show
Sadly, however, tax residency is not open to everyone. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) only awards the privilege to certain individuals and corporations. Read along to find out the qualification requirements, plus how you can secure tax residency in Singapore as a foreign or domestic individual, or as a company. Who Qualifies as a Tax Resident in Singapore?Now, as it turns out, tax residency in Singapore is not exclusive to the city-state’s citizens. Even foreign individuals and companies can successfully register as tax residents. They just need to meet the requirements. When it comes to individuals, for instance, the IRAS will consider you a tax resident in a particular financial year if:
Now, with that, comes a variety of benefits. For instance - as a tax resident in Singapore, you can expect an income tax rate of low as 0% on the first S$20,000, 2% on the next S$10,000, and so forth. What’s more, the IRAS allows you to file for deductions and capitalize on various tax relief schemes. But, if you fail to qualify for tax residency, you’ll be paying an income tax rate of between 15% and 22%. The IRAS charges non-resident employees a flat rate of 15%, or the corresponding resident tax rate - whichever results in a higher amount. And that only applies to the employment income. Other forms of non-resident income like pension, rental income, and directors’ remuneration attract a tax rate of 22%. Determining Tax Residency of a CompanyAnother favorable thing about Singapore’s tax residency is, it doesn’t end with individuals. The IRAS stretches to accommodate even corporations as tax residents. Then get this. The qualification requirements themselves are pretty straightforward. You’re essentially allowed to register your company as a tax resident if it’s based in Singapore and managed directly from the city-state. This applies even to foreign companies. That means foreigners can go ahead and secure tax residency for their entities, organizations, societies, and corporate bodies. But, it doesn’t end there. It’s also possible for non-resident individuals to secure tax residency status for their corporations. You just need to apply for a Certificate of Residence via the IRAS myTax Portal. Ultimately, when your company’s tax residence status is confirmed, you can use it to:
Unfortunately, though, such tax residency status is not permanent in Singapore. The IRAS happens to award the certification on a year to year basis. That means you could pay tax as a resident in one year, and then get downgraded to non-resident status in the subsequent financial year. Now, to avoid such an outcome, you might want to keep the headquarters of your company in Singapore. That’s because the IRAS only qualifies foreign corporations that are managed directly from the city-state. Criteria for Individuals to be Considered a Tax ResidentFor IRAS to officially recognize you as a tax resident in Singapore, you should pass at least one of the following tests:
Quantitative Test for Tax ResidentsThe Quantitative Test fundamentally applies to foreign employees, with the exception of company directors, professional consultants, and public entertainers. To qualify for the tax residency status, you should either have:
Qualitative Test for Tax ResidentsThe Qualitative Text, on the other hand, assesses Singapore Citizens (SC) as well as Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR). Now, for the sake of clarity, SPR refers to foreigners who qualify for permanent residence by virtue of:
Whichever category you fall into, the IRAS will grant you tax residency status if you permanently reside in Singapore. And in case you happen to travel out of the country, your absence should be temporary and completely understandable. Criteria for Entities to be Considered Tax ResidentsYour entity can only be considered as a tax resident if it meets the following conditions:
It’s worth noting, though, that the IRAS usually awards tax residency status after evaluating the factors as they applied in the preceding calendar year. For example - a company can only be considered to be a Singapore tax resident in the year 2021 if its management decisions throughout 2020 were made directly from Singapore. Where to StartSo there you have it. You can now go ahead and use these pointers to get your Singapore tax residency journey started. For the best possible outcome, though, consider leaving the technical bits to Wealthbridge’s professional tax experts. They happen to know all there is to know about Singapore’s tax policies, plus all the legal tricks you could apply to secure and maintain tax residency as a foreigner in Singapore. Also if you are looking for a comprehensive guide to learn more about personal income taxes in Singapore, then read our article here. Is basic exemption available to nonAs a Non-resident, you still get the benefit of the basic exemption limit of Rs. 2,50,000 from your total income. However, If your total income in India consists of only short term capital gains or long-term capital gains, then the benefit of the basic exemption limit is not available in respect of such gains.
Who is exempted from income tax?Types of Exempt Income
House Rent Allowance. Allowance on transportation, children's education, subsidy on hostel fee. Exemption on Housing Loan. Income defined as per Section 10, Section 54 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
What is difference in taxation of resident and nonIn case of resident taxpayer all his income would be taxable in India, irrespective of the fact that income is earned or has accrued to taxpayer outside India. However, in case of non-resident all income which accrues or arises outside India would not be taxable in India.
Who is a nonIf you are not a U.S. citizen, you are considered a nonresident of the United States for U.S. tax purposes unless you meet one of two tests. You are a resident of the United States for tax purposes if you meet either the green card test or the substantial presence test for the calendar year (January 1 – December 31).
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