How to Register Your Business for GST in Singapore

If you run a business in Singapore, registering for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) may be a legal obligation—or a strategic decision. Whether you’re required to register due to your revenue, or you’ve decided to voluntarily register to claim input tax and boost your business credibility, it’s important to understand the steps and requirements involved.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to register your business for GST in Singapore, covering everything from eligibility and documentation to the actual application process and post-registration compliance.

1. What is GST and Who Needs to Register?

GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a broad-based consumption tax levied on the import of goods and nearly all supplies of goods and services in Singapore. The current GST rate is 9%, effective from January 1, 2024.

You must register for GST if:

• Your annual taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million (retrospective basis), or

• You expect to exceed S$1 million in the next 12 months (prospective basis).

You may also register voluntarily if your turnover is below the threshold and you can benefit from input tax credits or want to enhance your business image.

2. Pre-Registration Considerations

Before you start the application, assess the following:

• Determine your taxable turnover: Use IRAS’ self-assessment tool or consult an accountant.

• Evaluate if you’re liable for compulsory registration: IRAS can penalize late registrations.

• Decide whether voluntary registration makes sense: Consider your customer base (B2B or B2C), input tax recoverability, and administrative capabilities.

For voluntary registration, you must stay GST-registered for at least two years and comply with all obligations.

3. Types of GST Registration Schemes

IRAS offers different registration schemes depending on your business structure and needs:

a. Standard Registration

This applies to most local businesses with taxable supplies. You must collect GST on your sales and can claim GST on your purchases.

b. Overseas Vendor Registration

For overseas service providers or electronic marketplace operators supplying digital services to consumers in Singapore.

c. Group Registration

For a group of companies under common control, allowing them to file consolidated GST returns.

d. Divisional Registration

Applicable if your company has multiple divisions, each handling separate GST filings.

Most SMEs will use Standard Registration.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to GST Registration

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Ensure you have the following:

• ACRA Business Profile

• Past 12 months’ financial statements or invoices/contracts showing turnover

• Projected income statements (if registering prospectively)

• Partnership agreements (if applicable)

• Identification documents of directors and owners

For voluntary registration, you must also complete an e-Learning course offered by IRAS unless you meet exemption criteria.

Step 2: Complete the e-Learning Course (if required)

IRAS mandates this course to ensure applicants understand GST obligations. Topics include:

• Introduction to GST

• Taxable and exempt supplies

• Filing returns and penalties

• Record-keeping

Upon completion, download the Certificate of Completion to upload during your application.

You are exempted from this course if:

• You have a GST-registered tax agent

• Your company is managed by professionals like accountants or lawyers with relevant experience

Step 3: Submit Your Application Online

Use myTax Portal on IRAS’s website: https://mytax.iras.gov.sg

Log in using your CorpPass account and complete the application:

1. Go to “e-Services” > “GST” > “Apply for GST Registration”

2. Fill in details such as:

   • Business type and activity

   • Projected turnover

   • GST scheme selection

   • Effective date of registration

3. Upload supporting documents and e-Learning certificate (if required)

Make sure all declarations are accurate to avoid delays.

Step 4: Wait for IRAS Approval

IRAS usually processes applications within 10 working days. You’ll receive:

• A notification of approval

• Your GST Registration Number

• The effective date of GST registration

Your company will also be listed in the public GST-registered businesses directory.

5. After You Are Registered

Once your registration is approved, several obligations kick in:

a. Charge and Display GST

You must:

• Charge 9% GST on all taxable goods and services

• Reflect GST-inclusive prices on price tags, invoices, and websites

• Issue tax invoices to customers for all standard-rated transactions

b. File GST Returns (Form F5)

You are required to:

• File quarterly GST returns

• Report output tax (collected) and input tax (paid)

• Submit returns even if there is no business activity for the period

The due date is one month after the end of each accounting period.

c. Pay Net GST Due

If the output tax exceeds input tax, pay the difference to IRAS. Payments must be made by the same deadline as the GST return submission.

Late filing and payment incur penalties.

d. Keep Proper Records

Maintain records for at least 5 years, including:

• Tax invoices

• Receipts and accounting records

• Bank statements

• Contracts

These records must be available for IRAS audit if requested.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing compulsory registration deadline: Penalties apply for late registration.

• Incorrectly claiming input tax: Only business-related expenses with valid tax invoices are eligible.

• Failing to file NIL returns: Even if you had no transactions, you must submit a return.

• Not charging GST properly: Always use your effective registration date as the starting point.

7. Cancelling Your GST Registration

You may cancel your GST registration if:

• You cease business operations, or

• Your turnover falls below S$1 million and you are on voluntary registration after the mandatory 2-year period

Submit the cancellation request via myTax Portal. You must continue filing returns until IRAS approves the cancellation.

8. Conclusion

GST registration in Singapore is a process that requires attention to detail, awareness of your legal obligations, and a sound understanding of tax compliance. Whether registering out of necessity or by choice, being GST-registered can bring advantages like claiming input tax and enhancing business credibility—especially in B2B markets.

By following the steps above and staying compliant post-registration, you can reap the benefits without falling afoul of IRAS regulations.