Personal Tax Submission in Singapore: What You Need to Know

Personal income tax filing is an annual responsibility for individuals earning taxable income in Singapore. Whether you are an employee, freelancer, business owner, or self-employed professional, understanding the personal tax submission process helps ensure compliance with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

For many individuals and entrepreneurs, managing tax filings alongside business operations can be challenging. That’s why professional accounting and tax advisory services can help simplify the process.

This guide explains how personal tax submission works in Singapore, key deadlines, and how professionals like Podwerx can help ensure accurate filing.

Understanding Personal Income Tax in Singapore

Singapore operates on a preceding-year basis of taxation. This means income earned in one calendar year is assessed for tax in the following year, known as the Year of Assessment (YA).

For example:

Income Earned	Year of Assessment
1 Jan – 31 Dec 2024	YA 2025

Each taxpayer must submit an annual tax return with the relevant income details and claim eligible tax reliefs or deductions.

Personal Tax Filing Deadlines in Singapore

The personal income tax filing season typically runs from:

1 March – 18 April each year

Taxpayers who receive a filing notification from IRAS must submit their tax return within this period through the myTax Portal.

Important milestones include:

• Feb – Mar: Filing notifications sent by IRAS

• 1 Mar: Filing window opens

• 18 Apr: Filing deadline

• End Apr onwards: Notice of Assessment (tax bill) issued

Failure to submit your tax return on time may result in penalties or enforcement actions.

Who Needs to Submit Personal Tax in Singapore?

You must file a personal income tax return if:

• IRAS sends you a notification to file

• You earned employment income

• You are self-employed or a freelancer

• You received rental income or other taxable income

  
  

However, some individuals may be placed under the No-Filing Service (NFS) scheme, meaning IRAS already has sufficient income information and filing may not be required unless corrections are needed.

How to Submit Your Personal Tax Return

Most individuals file their taxes online through IRAS myTax Portal.

Step 1: Prepare Your Income Information

Gather records such as:

• Salary or employment income

• Business or freelance income

• Rental income

• Investment income (if applicable)

  
  

Step 2: Check Pre-Filled Information

Many employers participate in the Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS), which automatically submits employment income details to IRAS.

Step 3: Claim Eligible Tax Reliefs

Common personal tax reliefs may include:

• CPF relief

• Earned income relief

• Parent relief

• Course fees relief

Singapore currently imposes a personal tax relief cap of SGD 80,000 per Year of Assessment.

Step 4: Submit Your Return

After reviewing the information and relief claims, submit your tax return through the portal.

When Do You Pay Personal Income Tax?

After submission, IRAS will issue your Notice of Assessment (NOA).

Key points:

• Tax must generally be paid within one month from the NOA date.

• Payment can be made through:

  • GIRO instalments

  • Internet banking

  • PayNow or AXS

    
    

Many taxpayers choose GIRO instalments, allowing up to 12 monthly payments.

Common Mistakes in Personal Tax Submission

Even though Singapore’s tax system is relatively straightforward, individuals often make mistakes such as:

• Missing the filing deadline

• Forgetting to declare freelance or side income

• Incorrectly claiming reliefs

• Not updating income information

• Filing without proper documentation

  
  

Self-employed professionals and business owners are especially prone to errors if their bookkeeping records are incomplete.

How Podwerx Helps with Personal Tax Filing

Podwerx supports individuals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs with professional tax and accounting services.

Personal Tax Filing Assistance

• Preparation and submission of personal tax returns

• Verification of income and deductions

• IRAS compliance support

  
  

Accounting & Bookkeeping Services

• Accurate financial records

• Income tracking for self-employed professionals

• Financial statement preparation

  
  

Tax Advisory & Planning

• Maximising eligible tax reliefs

• Structuring income efficiently

• Avoiding compliance issues with IRAS

  
  

With expert support, individuals can focus on their careers or businesses while ensuring their tax obligations are handled correctly.