GST Filing Process: Steps; Deadlines in IRAS Singapore

GST filing is the process where GST-registered businesses report the GST they have charged on sales (output tax) and the GST they have paid on purchases (input tax) to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

If your business is GST-registered—for example, if your annual taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million—you must file periodic GST returns and pay any GST due. Filing accurate returns protects your business from penalties and ensures smooth operations with the tax authority.

This guide explains the GST filing process, the main return types (like the F5), deadlines, payment options, and practical steps to prepare and submit your returns via the myTax Portal.

What is a GST Return?

A GST return is the official form you file with IRAS to report the goods and services tax your business collected on sales and claimed on purchases for a specific accounting period. It shows your turnover, taxable supplies, and the net GST payable or refundable.

• Summary of Transactions: The return lists standard-rated and zero-rated supplies, exempt supplies, output tax (what you collected), and input tax (what you paid and can claim).
• Quarterly Filing: Most GST-registered businesses file returns quarterly—generally within one month after the end of the accounting period.
• Why it Matters: Accurate returns determine your net GST position (Box 6 output tax minus Box 7 input tax) and help you avoid penalties.
• Current GST Rate: The prevailing GST rate is 9% (effective as of 2024); always confirm the current rate on IRAS before filing.

Who is Required to File GST Returns in Singapore?

You must file GST returns if your business is GST-registered. Registration can be compulsory or voluntary depending on your taxable turnover and business decisions.

• Compulsory Registration: If your annual taxable turnover exceeds S$1,000,000, you are required to register for GST and file returns.
• Voluntary Registration: Businesses below the threshold can opt to register voluntarily. This is highly useful for claiming input tax on purchases, but it brings ongoing filing and record-keeping requirements.

4 Steps to File Your GST Return via myTax Portal

Below is a practical, step-by-step process you can follow to prepare and submit GST returns through IRAS’s myTax Portal.

• Step 1: Authorise users and assign roles
  Decide who will prepare the return and who will approve and submit it. Authorised filers must have the required rights via Corppass and use Singpass to sign in to myTax Portal.
• Step 2: Prepare the figures and supporting documents
  Gather sales invoices, purchase invoices, and import documents. Reconcile totals to your accounting system. Calculate Box 6 (output tax collected on sales) and Box 7 (input tax claimed on purchases).
• Step 3: File the GST return via myTax Portal
  Sign in to Business Tax Matters on the myTax Portal with Singpass. Navigate to: Business Tax Matters → GST → File GST Return (choose F5/F7/F8 as applicable).
• Step 4: Save acknowledgement and make payment
  After submission, save the acknowledgement page. If you owe GST, pay by the due date using GIRO, online banking, or PayNow. GIRO gives you an extra 15 days before funds are deducted.

What details do I need to file the GST F5?

The GST F5 is the standard periodic GST return most businesses file. Prepare these items before completing the form:

• Sales and revenue records: Total standard-rated, zero-rated, and exempt supplies (Boxes 1–4).
• Purchase and import records: Taxable purchases, imports, and approved-scheme imports (Boxes 5, 9, 14–17).
• Output tax (Box 6): GST collected on sales, adjustments for recovered debts, and imported services.
• Input tax (Box 7): GST paid on purchases, eligible refunds, bad debt relief, and import GST claims.

Frequently Asked Questions: GST Filing

1. What is the penalty for filing a GST return late in Singapore?

Failing to file your GST return by the due date results in a late submission penalty of S$200, and IRAS may issue an estimated tax assessment with a 5% late payment penalty on the estimated tax.

2. Can I claim GST incurred before my business was registered?

Yes, under certain conditions. You can claim pre-registration input tax on goods and services used for making taxable supplies, provided the goods are still held by your business at the time of registration and you have the proper tax invoices.

3. How do I pay my GST to IRAS?

The most highly recommended method is via GIRO, which automatically deducts the payable amount and grants you up to 15 extra days to pay. You can also pay via PayNow, Internet Banking, or at AXS stations.