How to use IRAS to fill up your taxes?

To file taxes using the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), log in to the myTax Portal using Singpass, review your pre-filled income details, update deductions and reliefs, declare any additional income, and submit your return before the deadline.

What is IRAS?

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) is Singapore’s official tax authority responsible for managing, evaluating, and collecting taxes. It operates under the Ministry of Finance and also advises the government on tax policy and legislation.

Established in 1992, IRAS evolved from earlier tax departments dating back to 1947. In order to prevent people and companies from paying taxes twice on the same revenue, it currently oversees more than 100 Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) and manages Singapore’s tax system.

Who Needs to File Taxes with IRAS?

You are required to file taxes with IRAS if you are:

• An individual earning income in Singapore
• A self-employed professional or freelancer
• A partner in a Singaporean business
• A foreign individual with Singapore-sourced income

How to File Personal Income Tax via IRAS?

Step 1: Set Up Your Singpass

You need an active Singpass account to access the myTax Portal.

• Singapore Citizens and PRs can register online
• Foreign nationals can apply for a Singpass Foreign User Account (SFA)

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Before logging in, keep the following ready:

• Singpass login credentials
• Form IR8A (if your employer is not under Auto-Inclusion Scheme)
• Details of dependants for relief claims
• Income details (salary, freelance, rental, etc.)
• Business registration number (if self-employed)

Step 3: Log In to myTax Portal

Visit mytax.iras.gov.sg and log in using your Singpass. 

Navigate to:

• Individuals → File Income Tax Return

Ensure you complete the process within 20 minutes to avoid session timeout.

Step 4: Review Pre-Filled Information

IRAS pre-fills much of your income and relief data through the Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS).

Review your Income, Deductions, and Reliefs Statement carefully. 

• If changes are needed, select “Yes, I need to edit my tax form” to proceed to the editable form. 
• If everything looks correct, select “No” to move ahead.

Step 5: Declare Additional Income

You must manually declare any income not pre-filled, such as:

• Rental income
• Freelance or business income
• Overseas income (if applicable)

Fill in the appropriate sections with the relevant information.

Step 6: Update Tax Reliefs

You can:

• Remove outdated relief claims
• Adjust shared relief allocations
• Add new eligible reliefs

Ensure all claims meet IRAS eligibility criteria to avoid penalties.

Step 7: Submit and Save Acknowledgement

After reviewing all entries:

• Submit your tax return
• Download or print the confirmation page

This serves as your official filing acknowledgement.

Important Tax Filing Deadlines

Filing period: 1 March to 18 April (individuals)

Corporate tax filing: 30 November (paper) / 15 December (e-filing)

Compliance Requirements for Companies

Singapore-registered companies are required to meet the following obligations with IRAS:

1. Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI): 

Companies must file their ECI within three months from the end of their financial year. This is a declaration of the company’s taxable income for that year.

2. Accounting Records: 

All Singapore companies are required to maintain proper accounting records, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, equity statements, and other supporting financial documents.

3. Corporate Income Tax Return (Form C/C-S/C-S Lite): 

The deadline for filing corporate income tax returns in Singapore is 30 November every year (for paper filing) and 15 December for e-filing. Firms should use the appropriate form based on their revenue and complexity.

4. Financial Statements: 

Depending on its size, each business must compile and submit either audited or unaudited financial statements.

These must include income statements, balance sheets, notes to the accounts, disclosure of important accounting policies, as well as details on shareholders’ and directors’ interests.

5. Audit Requirement: 

An independent audit report is mandatory for companies with shareholders (other than sole proprietors) and where annual revenue exceeds S$5 million.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing via IRAS

• Failing to declare additional income (rental, freelance, overseas)
• Incorrect or ineligible relief claims
• Missing filing deadlines
• Relying solely on pre-filled data without verification

Tips for a Smooth Filing Experience

• File early to avoid last-minute issues
• Review your Notice of Assessment (NOA) after submission
• Use GIRO for interest-free instalment payments
• Retain supporting documents for at least 5 years

Conclusion

Filing your taxes through the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) is a straightforward process when you follow the right steps on the myTax Portal. With pre-filled income details and a structured system, most individuals can complete their filing efficiently and stay compliant within the required deadlines.

However, tax filing is more than just submitting a form. If your income includes multiple sources, business earnings, or cross-border elements, even small errors in reporting or missed relief claims can lead to higher tax liability or compliance issues.

Book a consultation with OnDemand International to review your IRAS filing and avoid costly mistakes.

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