Taxes are an unavoidable part of running a business in Singapore. As a business owner, it is important to understand the different types of taxes that you need to pay in order to remain compliant with the law. This article will provide an overview of the different types of taxes that businesses need to pay in Singapore, as well as the importance of having a Unique Entity Number (UEN).

Unique Entity Number (UEN)

In order to register for taxes in Singapore, businesses must first understand what is UEN number and obtain one. A Unique Entity Number (UEN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) that is used to identify businesses in Singapore. It is important to note that businesses must have a valid UEN in order to register for taxes in Singapore.

Corporate Income Tax

The most common type of tax that businesses need to pay in Singapore is corporate income tax. This tax is imposed on the profits of a business, and the rate of tax depends on the type of business entity. For example, companies are subject to a flat rate of 17%, while sole proprietorships and partnerships are subject to a progressive rate of up to 20%.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Another type of tax that businesses need to pay in Singapore is the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This tax is imposed on the sale of goods and services, and the rate of tax is currently 7%. Businesses that have an annual turnover of more than S$1 million are required to register for GST, and they must charge GST on all taxable supplies of goods and services.

Property Tax

Property tax is another type of tax that businesses need to pay in Singapore. This tax is imposed on the owners of commercial and industrial properties, and the rate of tax depends on the type of property and its annual value. Property tax is calculated based on the annual value of the property, which is determined by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty is a tax that is imposed on certain documents, such as contracts and deeds. The rate of stamp duty depends on the type of document, and it is usually a flat rate of 0.2% of the value of the document.

Import and Export Duties

Businesses that import or export goods in Singapore are subject to import and export duties. The rate of duty depends on the type of goods, and it is usually a flat rate of 5%.

Conclusion

Taxes are an unavoidable part of running a business in Singapore, and it is important for business owners to understand the different types of taxes that they need to pay. This article has provided an overview of the different types of taxes that businesses need to pay in Singapore, as well as the importance of having a Unique Entity Number (UEN).