What is IRAS and how can you work with IRAS? (2025)

As the main tax authority in Singapore, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) plays a central role in the nation’s financial system.

Whether you're a local or foreign entrepreneur, a corporate executive, or an individual taxpayer, understanding how to navigate IRAS can save time, money, and potential legal troubles.

This guide will explain IRAS, its key functions, and the practical steps businesses can take to work effectively with this government agency.

1. What is IRAS?

Established in 1992 under Singapore’s Ministry of Finance via the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore Act 1992, IRAS is the government agency responsible for:

• Collecting, and assessing taxes;
• Enforcing tax policies, and;
• Handling programs that provide payments or benefits to businesses.

The revenue collected funds critical public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. 

By ensuring a steady flow of funds with digital transformation program and steady effective inspection activities, IRAS helps Singapore maintain its high-quality living standards and infrastructure.

For instance, in the 2023/2024 financial year, Singapore's tax revenue reached an impressive US$80.3 billion, growing by 17% compared to the previous year.

2. IRAS roles and resposibilities

2.1. IRAS structure

IRAS handles both individual and business matters in a variety of taxes, so it is organized into specific departments 

• For individuals (Singapore citizens, foreigners);
• For companies (Local companies and foreign companies) and;
• For different taxes (GST, corporate tax, personal tax, property tax, international tax, etc).

Knowing this structure helps you gain a clear vision of the roles and responsibilities of IRAS and how your company can work with IRAS.

3. IRAS roles and responsibilities

Even though IRAS has many departments with each responsible for a specific role and responsibility, its two main roles are:

- Collecting all types of taxes;

IRAS is responsible for collecting

• Personal income tax and corporate income tax;
• Good and Service tax if your company revenue surpasses 1 million SGD;
• Property Tax is based on the rental value of properties;
• Stamp duties for property transactions, property-holding entities, and shares;
• Other taxes: Withholding Tax, Trust Tax, Estate Duty, Private Lotteries Duty, Betting/Sweepstake Duties, Casino Tax.

The revenue collection of IRAS by tax type in the financial year 2023/2024

- Advising the government on tax matters.

IRAS serves as the government’s main tax advisor with the key functions being:

• Drafting tax policies and assisting with tax legislation.
• Developing tax treaties, like double taxation agreements (DTAs) with nearly 100 countries, prevents dual taxation.

4. How can your company work with IRAS?

Staying compliant with IRAS is essential for businesses and individuals to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on your responsibilities, how to connect with IRAS for tax purposes, and the resources available for support.

Staying compliant with IRAS is essential for businesses and individuals to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on your responsibilities, how to connect with IRAS for tax purposes, and the resources available for support.

4.1. For individuals dealing with IRAS

Individuals are notified to file their tax returns via SMS, email, or letter. Their duties are:

• Submit accurate and timely income tax returns;
• Maintain proper documentation of income, expenses, and deductions for at least 5 years;

Filing can be done:

1. Online via myTax Portal: Log in using your SingPass credentials or get support from a registered agent like Global Link Asia Consulting if you are a foreigner.
2. Paper filing: Submit by April 15 each year.

4.2. For companies dealing with IRAS

Companies in Singapore have responsibilities for staying compliant with IRAS. The main annual duties are:

• Submit Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) within three months of the financial year-end;
• Prepare financial statements in accordance with the Singapore Financial Reporting Standard (SFRS). and maintain documents for 5 years;
• File tax returns on time E-file Form C or Form C-S by November 30 2024 for YA filing;
• For companies earning over S$1 million annually, quarterly GST returns are required;
• Individuals working in Singapore must file their personal tax returns via the myTax Portal;
• Ensure full and prompt payment of all tax liabilities.

Filing can be done 

1. Online via myTax Portal: Log in using your CorPass credentials or get support from a registered agent like Global Link Asia Consulting;
2. Accounting software approved by IRAS like QuickBooks Online, InvoiceNow for GST filing, and One-Stop Payroll.

4.3. How you can contact IRAS?

If you want to contact IRAS for support, you can get in touch via

1. Business hotline: For corporate tax and GST queries, call +65 6356 8018;
2. Email support: Use the contact form available on IRAS’s website for detailed queries;
3. Website: Use the page Contact Us to get specific answers to your questions;

1. IRAS bot: IRAS’s AI chatbot on their website assists with common questions 24/7.

IRAS bot to support enquiries

5. IRAS solutions help businesses save time and effort

5.1. Digital tools

RAS) is continually investing in digital solutions to help businesses simplify their tax processes. By working closely with software providers and stakeholders, IRAS has developed advanced Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that allow businesses to manage their tax obligations directly from their accounting and payroll software.

So far, over 120 software providers and agents have partnered with IRAS to create 46 unique software products that simplify tax filing and payments for businesses in Singapore.

Businesses can now easily report employment and payroll data through a single payroll management software (The One-Stop Payroll). This initiative helps businesses save time, ensure accurate reporting, and meet deadlines efficiently.

5.2. Support programs

For the fiscal year 2023/24, IRAS allocated approximately USD 2.3 billion to support businesses, workers, and employment initiatives.

These initiatives ensure that businesses have access to the financial support and resources they need to thrive while complying with IRAS regulations.

6. How can GLAC help you stay compliant with IRAS?

Staying compliant with IRAS can be a complex task for businesses and individuals alike. Global Link Asia Consulting offers expert assistance to navigate IRAS's processes and ensure your business meets all regulatory requirements.

We can help:

• Prepare complete financial statements;
• Assist with audits;
• File your personal, corporate, GST, withholding tax returns on time and more;
• Work with IRAS for disputes regarding tax assessments or penalties;
• Remind you of important deadlines;
• Update you with the newest regulations from IRAS;
• Optimize your tax with government grants and policies;
• Address late submissions, reduce penalties, and negotiate extensions or payment plans

7. FAQs about IRAS

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