Do I Need to Collect GST in Singapore?

GST is a 9% consumption tax. Most new businesses do not need to worry about it at first — but knowing the rules early saves you from costly surprises.

The short answer

You must register for GST only when your taxable turnover exceeds SGD 1 million in any 12-month period, or when you are confident it will exceed that in the next 12 months. Below that threshold, GST registration is optional.

What counts as taxable turnover?

Taxable turnover includes standard-rated supplies (most goods and services sold in Singapore) and zero-rated supplies (mainly exports and international services). It does not include exempt supplies like financial services and residential property rentals.

Voluntary GST registration

You can register voluntarily even below SGD 1 million. This makes sense if your main customers are GST-registered businesses — they can claim back the GST, so it does not cost them extra, and you can claim back GST you pay on your own expenses. It generally does not make sense for businesses selling directly to consumers, where charging 9% GST puts you at a competitive disadvantage.

What happens if you exceed SGD 1 million?

You must register with IRAS within 30 days. Failure to register is an offence — IRAS can backdate your registration and require you to pay GST you should have collected. Monitor your turnover monthly as you approach the threshold.

After registration — what changes

Charge 9% GST on all taxable sales. Issue tax invoices with your GST registration number for sales above SGD 1,000. File quarterly GST returns via myTax Portal. Pay the net GST collected to IRAS by the due date. Keep all records for at least 5 years.

Where to check

The IRAS website at iras.gov.sg has a GST registration calculator and detailed guides. For advice specific to your business, consult a Singapore tax professional.