Singapore Tax Guide 2013

Transcription

1 Singapore Tax Guide 2013

2 foreword A country s tax regime is always a key factor for any business considering moving into new markets. What is the corporate tax rate? Are there any incentives for overseas businesses? Are there double tax treaties in place? How will foreign source income be taxed? Foreword Since 1994, the PKF network of independent member firms, administered by PKF International Limited, has produced the PKF Worldwide Tax Guide (WWTG) to provide international businesses with the answers to these key tax questions. This handy reference guide provides clients and professional practitioners with comprehensive tax and business information for over 90 countries throughout the world. As you will appreciate, the production of the WWTG is a huge team effort and I would like to thank all tax experts within PFK member firms who gave up their time to contribute the vital information on their country s taxes that forms the heart of this publication. I hope that the combination of the WWTG and assistance from your local PKF member firm will provide you with the advice you need to make the right decisions for your international business. Richard Sackin Chairman, PKF International Tax Committee Eisner Amper LLP richard.sackin@eisneramper.com I

3 important disclaimer Disclaimer This publication should not be regarded as offering a complete explanation of the taxation matters that are contained within this publication. This publication has been sold or distributed on the express terms and understanding that the publishers and the authors are not responsible for the results of any actions which are undertaken on the basis of the information which is contained within this publication, nor for any error in, or omission from, this publication. The publishers and the authors expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person, entity or corporation who acts or fails to act as a consequence of any reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Accordingly no person, entity or corporation should act or rely upon any matter or information as contained or implied within this publication without first obtaining advice from an appropriately qualified professional person or firm of advisors, and ensuring that such advice specifically relates to their particular circumstances. PKF International is a network of legally independent member firms administered by PKF International Limited (PKFI). Neither PKFI nor the member firms of the network generally accept any responsibility or liability for the actions or inactions on the part of any individual member firm or firms. II

4 Preface The (WWTG) is an annual publication that provides an overview of the taxation and business regulation regimes of the world s most significant trading countries. In compiling this publication, member firms of the PKF network have based their summaries on information current on 1 January 2013, while also noting imminent changes where necessary. On a country-by-country basis, each summary addresses the major taxes applicable to business; how taxable income is determined; sundry other related taxation and business issues; and the country s personal tax regime. The final section of each country summary sets out the Double Tax Treaty and Non-Treaty rates of tax withholding relating to the payment of dividends, interest, royalties and other related payments. While the WWTG should not to be regarded as offering a complete explanation of the taxation issues in each country, we hope readers will use the publication as their first point of reference and then use the services of their local PKF member firm to provide specific information and advice. Preface In addition to the printed version of the WWTG, individual country taxation guides are available in PDF format which can be downloaded from the PKF website at PKF INTERNATIONAL LIMITED MAY 2013 PKF INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ALL RIGHTS RESERVED USE APPROVED WITH ATTRIBUTION III

5 About PKF International Limited PKF International Limited (PKFI) administers the PKF network of legally independent member firms. There are around 300 member firms and correspondents in 440 locations in around 125 countries providing accounting and business advisory services. PKFI member firms employ around 2,270 partners and more than 22,000 staff. PKFI is the 11th largest global accountancy network and its member firms have $2.68 billion aggregate fee income (year end June 2012). The network is a member of the Forum of Firms, an organisation dedicated to consistent and high quality standards of financial reporting and auditing practices worldwide. Services provided by member firms include: Introduction Assurance & Advisory Insolvency Corporate & Personal Financial Planning/Wealth management Taxation Corporate Finance Forensic Accounting Management Consultancy Hotel Consultancy IT Consultancy PKF member firms are organised into five geographical regions covering Africa; Latin America; Asia Pacific; Europe, the Middle East & India (EMEI); and North America & the Caribbean. Each region elects representatives to the board of PKF International Limited which administers the network. While the member firms remain separate and independent, international tax, corporate finance, professional standards, audit, hotel consultancy and business development committees work together to improve quality standards, develop initiatives and share knowledge and best practice cross the network. Please visit for more information. IV

6 Structure of Country Descriptions A. TAXES PAYABLE FEDERAL TAXES AND LEVIES COMPANY TAX CAPITAL GAINS TAX BRANCH PROFITS TAX SALES TAX/VALUE ADDED TAX FRINGE BENEFITS TAX LOCAL TAXES OTHER TAXES B. DETERMINATION OF TAXABLE INCOME CAPITAL ALLOWANCES DEPRECIATION STOCK/INVENTORY CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES DIVIDENDS INTEREST DEDUCTIONS LOSSES FOREIGN SOURCED INCOME INCENTIVES Structure C. FOREIGN TAX RELIEF D. CORPORATE GROUPS E. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS F. WITHHOLDING TAX G. EXCHANGE CONTROL H. PERSONAL TAX I. TREATY AND NON-TREATY WITHHOLDING TAX RATES V

7 INTERNATIONAL TIME ZONES Time Zones At 12 noon, Greenwich Mean Time, the standard time elsewhere is: A Algeria pm Angola pm Argentina am Australia - Melbourne pm Sydney pm Adelaide pm Perth pm Austria pm B Bahamas am Bahrain pm Belgium pm Belize am Bermuda am Brazil am British Virgin Islands am Guernsey noon Guyana am H Hong Kong pm Hungary pm I India pm Indonesia pm Ireland noon Isle of Man noon Israel pm Italy pm J Jamaica am Japan pm Jordan pm C Canada - Toronto am Winnipeg am Calgary am Vancouver am Cayman Islands am Chile am China - Beijing pm Colombia am Cyprus pm Czech Republic pm D Denmark pm Dominican Republic am E Ecuador am Egypt pm El Salvador am Estonia pm F Fiji midnight Finland pm France pm G Gambia (The) noon Germany pm Ghana noon Greece pm Grenada am Guatemala am VI K Kenya pm L Latvia pm Lebanon pm Luxembourg pm M Malaysia pm Malta pm Mexico am Morocco noon N Namibia pm Netherlands (The) pm New Zealand midnight Nigeria pm Norway pm O Oman pm P Panama am Papua New Guinea pm Peru am Philippines pm Poland pm Portugal pm Q Qatar am R Romania pm

8 Russia - Moscow pm St Petersburg pm S Singapore pm Slovak Republic pm Slovenia pm South Africa pm Spain pm Sweden pm Switzerland pm T Taiwan pm Thailand pm Tunisia noon Turkey pm Turks and Caicos Islands am U Uganda pm Ukraine pm United Arab Emirates pm United Kingdom (GMT) 12 noon United States of America - New York City am Washington, D.C am Chicago am Houston am Denver am Los Angeles am San Francisco am Uruguay am Time Zones V Venezuela am Z Zimbabwe pm VII

9 Singapore Singapore Currency: (S$) Dial Code To: 65 Dial Code Out: 001, 002 or 008 Member Firm: City: Name: Contact Information: Singapore GOH Bun Hiong A. Taxes payable Federal taxes and levies Company tax Resident and non-resident companies are taxed on income accruing in or derived from Singapore as well as on foreign income remitted (actual or deemed) into Singapore. Remittance of foreign income (dividends, branch profits, services income) may be tax exempt when remitted by a resident company under certain conditions. A company is tax resident in Singapore if the management and control of its business is exercised in Singapore. The standard corporate tax rate is 17% with effect from the 2010 year of assessment. A partial tax exemption is given for the first S$300,000 of chargeable income (CI). Under this scheme, 75% of the first S$10,000 of CI is tax exempt and 50% of the next S$290,000 of CI is tax exempt. This exemption does not apply to income of a non-resident company subject to a final withholding tax rate. Qualifying newlyincorporated Singaporean companies may enjoy a separate tax exemption scheme for its first three consecutive years of assessment. This scheme allows qualifying new companies to enjoy a tax exemption on the first S$100,000 of CI and on 50% of the next S$200,000 of CI. The tax year, referred to as the year of assessment (YA), runs from 1 January to 31 December of each year. Income for the YA is computed based on the income derived in the preceding calendar year (known as the basis year) from all sources. For a trade, business, profession or vocation with a non-31 December accounting year end, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) normally accepts the accounting year as the basis year instead of the calendar year. Under such circumstances,tax is assessed for each YA on the income for the accounting year preceding that YA. A company is required to provide an estimate of its CI within three months after the end of its financial year. The estimated tax payable can be paid via instalments. The number of instalments available depends on when the estimated CI is filed within the three-month window period and on the method of filing. The annual corporate income tax return must be filed by 30 November of the YA. After the submission of the tax return, IRAS will issue a notice of assessment to collect any tax shortfall. The tax shortfall has to be paid within one month after the date of issue of the notice of assessment. Goods and Service Tax (GST) GST is a broad base consumption tax aimed at taxing the final consumer of the goods and services. The supply of goods and services made in the ordinary course of business in Singapore by a GST registered person is subject to GST. The importation of goods into Singapore is also subject to GST. Persons carrying on businesses that make taxable supplies are required to register for GST if their annual turnover (retroactive or prospective) is more than S$1m. A GST registered person (GST taxpayer) has to charge GST on their supplies (Output GST) and pay GST on their purchases (Input GST). The GST taxpayer has to file a monthly or quarterly GST return to declare the Output GST collected and the Input GST incurred. They will pay (or claim) the difference (after netting the Output GST against the Input GST) together with the GST return. The standard GST rate is 7%. The export of goods and the provision of international services are zero-rated. The sale and rental of residential properties and specified financial services are exempt from GST. Stamp duty Stamp duty is levied on legal instruments relating to the sale, mortgage or lease of immovable property and the sale or mortgage of stocks and shares. B. Determination of taxable income Singapore-incorporated companies are required to prepare their financial accounts according to Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (FRSs). The FRSs are closely 1

10 Singapore modelled on the International Accounting Standards (IAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The accounting profits are adjusted in accordance with Singapore tax rules to arrive at the taxable income. Companies are required underfrss to prepare their financial accounts according to their functional currency. Those with non-singapore dollar functional currency accounts are required to furnish their tax computations to the IRAS in that functional currency. Expenses must be incurred wholly and exclusively for the production of income in order to be tax deductible unless specifically disallowed or restricted (e.g. noncommercial motor vehicles, medical expenses, expenses of a capital nature). Special rules apply to expenses incurred by investment holding companies, companies that commence business activities during the financial year and expenses incurred in respect of foreign sourced income. Interest Deductions Interest expenses are tax deductible unless they are incurred in respect of non-taxable income or are regarded to be of a capital nature. There are no thin capitalisation rules in Singapore. Stock/Inventory There are no prescribed valuation methodologies under the domestic income tax law. As such, the IRAS will generally accept the valuation methodology under the FRSs. Capital Gains and Losses There is no separate capital gains tax regime in Singapore. Gains of a capital nature are not subject to income tax. Similarly, expenses of a capital nature are not deductible for income tax purposes. The IRAS will look at the facts and circumstances of the transaction to determine whether the gain is capital in nature or a trading gain which is subject to income tax. Dividends Dividends paid by Singapore companies are exempt from tax in the hands of the shareholder from 1 January Foreign sourced dividends remitted into Singaporemay be tax-exempt under certain circumstances. Capital Allowance Capital allowances, instead of accounting depreciation, are granted for plant and machinery acquired and usedin a trade or business. Most plant and machinery qualify for three-year straight line tax depreciation. Low cost items (costing not more than S$1,000 per item) may be tax depreciated in full, subject to a total claim of S$30,000 for each YA.Certain equipment (such as computers, automation equipment, pollution-control equipmentand energy-saving equipment) may qualify for 100% tax depreciation in the year of acquisition. Capital expenditure incurred prior to 22 February 2010 for the construction or acquisition of an industrial building qualifies for the Industrial Building Allowance (IBA) if the building is used for qualifying purposes. Subject to the transitional provisions, capital expenditureincurred after 22 February 2010 no longer qualifies for IBA. Current year unutilised capital allowances can be carried back (up to a total of S$100,000 for both unutilised capital allowances and unutilised tax losses) to the YA immediately preceding the YA in which the capital allowance arose. The unutilised capital allowances can also be carried forward indefinitely. The utilisation of unutilised capital allowances carried back or carried forward is subject to the business continuity test and the shareholding test. For YA 2009 and YA 2010, unutilised capital allowances (together with unutilised losses) can be carried back to the three YAs immediately preceding YA2009 or YA2010 and up to a limit of S$200,000. The business continuity test requires the business/trade for which the capital allowances were granted to continue. The shareholding test requires that there is no substantial change (no more than 50%) in the ultimate shareholders and their respective shareholdings on certain dates. Tax Losses Current year unutilisedtrade losses can be carried back (up to a total of S$100,000 for both unutilised capital allowances and unutilised tax losses) to the YA immediately preceding the YA in which thetrade losses were incurred. The unutilised tax losses can also be carried forward indefinitely. For YA 2009 and YA 2010, the unutilised losses (together with unutilised capital allowances) can be carried back to the three YAs immediately preceding YA2009 or YA2010, (as the case may be) and up to a limit of S$200,000. 2

11 Singapore The carry back/forward of tax losses is subject to the same shareholding test for the carry back/forward of unutilised capital allowances. Tax incentives Singapore has a comprehensive list of tax incentives and development schemes to attract investments and to assist investors in expanding their businesses. Highlights of key incentives and schemes are summarised below. The Regional and International Headquarters Awards encourages companies to use Singapore as a regional or global base. A customised package of tax incentives (such as Pioneer Incentive, Development and Expansion Incentive and Investment Allowances)and grants will be given to qualifying companies. The Pioneer Incentive encourages the introduction and growth of new industries in Singapore. A pioneer enterprise is granted full income tax exemption on its qualifying profits for up to 15 years. Investors undertaking projects that will generate significant economic benefits for Singapore may apply for the Development and Expansion Incentive. This incentive provides preferential income tax rates on all qualifying profits above a pre-determined base for a set period. Other than the above, Singapore also offers a range of tax incentives with respect to the banking, finance and shipping industries. In addition, companies investing into new equipment that introduces new technology to the industry or contributes to its efficiency can apply for Investment Allowances. This is a capital allowance given to partially offset the costs of acquiring qualifying equipment within a set period and is in addition to the normal tax depreciation. The Approved Royalties Incentive encourages companies to transfer their cutting edge technology and knowhow to Singapore by providing full or partial withholding tax exemptions for royalty payments or technical assistance fees payable to nonresidents. Investors looking into developing or bringing new R&D capabilities can apply for the Research Incentive scheme. The project should result in an increase in hiring and training of research scientists and engineers in Singapore. The scheme provides grants to partially offset the R&D project costs incurred for manpower training, equipment investment, intellectual property management and professional services. The Local Enterprise Finance Scheme (LEFS) is designed to assist and encourage companies (with at least 30% local ownership) to upgrade and expand their operations. LEFS loans are available for factories, machinery and working capital. The Local Enterprise Technical Assistance Scheme (LETAS) encourages and assists companies (with at least 30% local ownership) in seeking external expertise to improve their operations. Generally, assistance provided is up to 50% of the cost of engaging an external expert to implement quality management and IT systems (e.g. ISO certification, upgrading computer systems). C. Foreign tax relief Under Singapore s network of 63 comprehensive double tax treaties, Singapore will grant a tax credit for foreign tax suffered in the treaty country. The tax credit granted is limited to the lower of the foreign tax suffered and the Singapore tax payable on that income. Singapore also grants a unilateral tax credit for certain income derived from countries that have not entered into tax treaties with Singapore. D. Corporate groups A corporate group (comprising of a Singapore-incorporated holding company and its Singapore-incorporated subsidiaries) can transfer current-year unutilised losses, unutilised capital allowances and unutilised donations within companies in the corporate group. There is a 75% ownership requirement that needs to be maintained to remain within the corporate group. E. Related party transactions Under the domestic tax law, related party transactions have to satisfy the arm s length principle. The IRAS can make adjustments if it is of the opinion that the arms length principle is not applied appropriately by the taxpayer. 3

12 Singapore F. Withholding tax 1. Interest, fees, payments in connection with any loan or indebtedness 2. Royalty or other payment for the use of movable property 3. Payment for the use or right to use scientific, technical, industrial or commercial knowledge or information 4. Technical assistance and service fees and management fees 5. Rent or other payments for the use of movable properties 6. Time charter fees and voyage charter fees, bareboat charter fees 15% (final tax) 10% (final tax) 10% (final tax) Prevailing corporate tax rate (20% for individuals) 15% (final tax) Nil to 2% 7 Directors remuneration/directors fees 20% There is no withholding tax on dividends. G. Exchange controls There are no exchange controls in Singapore. H. Personal taxation Resident individuals deriving employment income and rental income is subject to income tax based on the following progressive rates. Various personal reliefs are available to resident individuals. Taxable income ($) (%) Up to 20, ,001 30, ,001 40, ,001 80, , , , , , , , , Over 320, A Singapore citizen is considered tax resident if the individual normally resides in Singapore except for temporary absences that are consistent with the claim to be a resident. A foreigner is considered resident in Singapore for tax purposes if the individual is physically present or exercises a Singapore employment for 183 days or more during the basis year. Non-resident individuals exercising an employment in Singapore are subject to income tax depending on the number of days in Singapore. Employment income derived from short term employment (not more than 60 days) is exempt from Singapore income tax for the non-resident employee. This exemption does not apply to non-resident company directors, non-resident public entertainers or non-resident professionals including foreign experts, foreign speakers, queen s counsels, consultants, trainers, coaches etc. Non-resident employees exercising an employment in Singapore for a period of days willbe taxed at the higher of 15% (without personal tax reliefs) or the progressive resident rates (with personal tax reliefs). Non-residents deriving rental income are taxed at 20%. Dividend income from Singapore companies, interest income from savings, current or fixed deposit accounts with approved banks or finance companies in Singapore and foreign-sourced income are tax- exempt for individuals (regardless of residency). Not ordinarily resident scheme (NOR) The NOR scheme was first introduced to attract global talent to relocate to Singapore. Under the NOR scheme, qualifying individuals are taxed based on the days in Singapore.An individual can apply for NOR status if they have three consecutive 4

13 Singapore non-resident tax years immediately prior to their first year of residency in Singapore. The NOR status would be accorded to the qualifying individual for a five-year period commencing with their first year of residency in Singapore. During this five-year period, the individual may claim for applicable yearly tax concessions under the NOR scheme as long as theyare tax resident for that year. I. Treaty withholding tax rates The chart shows the withholding tax rates applicable under thesingapore tax treaties that are currently in force. The domestic withholding tax rate will apply if it is lower than the treaty rate. Singapore does not levy any withholding taxes on dividend payments. In addition, Singapore has pending treaties with the Isle of Man, Jersey, Morocco and Poland (revised); Transport treaties have also been concluded with Chile, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United States of America and Oman (pending) as well as an Exchange of Information Agreement with Bermuda. Dividends (%) Interest (%) Royalties (%) Treaty Countries: Albania 0 (18) /5 0 (18) /5 5 Australia Austria 0 (4) / Bahrain Bangladesh Belgium 0/5 (4) /15 0 (2) /5 5 Brunei 10 5 (2) /10 10 Bulgaria Canada China 5 (1) /10 7 (2) /10 10 Cyprus 0 7 (2) /10 10 Czech Republic Denmark 0 (1) /5 (9) / Egypt Estonia 5 (1) / Fiji 5 (4) / Finland 5 (4) / France 10 (4) / Georgia Germany 5 (4) / Hungary 5 (1) / India 10 (1) /15 10 (2) /15 10 (10) /15 Indonesia 10 (1) / Ireland Israel 5 (4) / Italy (11) /20 Japan 5 (5) / Kazakhstan 5 (1) / Kuwait Latvia 5 (1) / Libya 0/5 (18) (19) /10 0/5 (18) 5 5

14 Singapore Dividends (%) Interest (%) Royalties (%) Lithuania 5 (1) / Luxembourg 5 (4) / Malaysia 5 (1) / Malta 0 (15) 7 (2) /10 10 Mauritius Mexico 0 5 (2) /15 10 Mongolia 5 (1) /10 5 (2) /10 5 Myanmar 5 (1) /10 8 (2) /10 10 (11) /15 Netherlands 0 (1) / New Zealand 5 (4) / Norway 5 (1) / Oman Pakistan 10 (6) /12.5 (6) / Panama 4/5 (19) 5 5 Papua New Guinea Philippines 15 (12) / (13) /15 (14) /25 Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russian Federation 5 (16) / Saudi Arabia Slovak Republic 5 (4) / Slovenia South Africa 5 (4) / South Korea 10 (1) / Spain 0/5(19) 5 5 Sri Lanka 15 0 (2) /10 15 Sweden 10 (1) /15 10 (2) /15 0 Switzerland 5 (19) / Taiwan (7) (17) 15 Thailand 20 (1) 10 (2) /25 15 Turkey 10 (1) / (2) /10 10 Ukraine 5 (3) / United Arab Emirates United Kingdom 5 (4) / Uzbekistan Vietnam 5 (8) /7 (8) / (11) /15 1 The rate applies to dividends paid to a company which holds directly at least 25% of the capital of the paying company.for the treaty with Demark, the shares must be held for an uninterrupted period of at least one year, and the dividends are declared in that period.for the treaty with Netherlands, the capital can be held indirectly. 6

15 Singapore 2 The rate applies to interest received by a bank or financial institution. For the treaty with Belgium, the payer must be a banking enterprise. For the treaty with Sweden, the payer must be engaging in an industrial undertaking. 3 The rate applies to dividends paid to a company which holds directly at least 20% of the capital of the paying company. 4 The rate of 5% applies to dividends paid to a company which holds directly at least 10% of capital or voting power, as the case may be, of the paying company. In the case of a company holding at least 25% of the capital for an uninterrupted period of at least 12 months, no withholding taxes are applicable. 5 The rate applies to dividends paid to a company which holds directly at least 25% of the voting shares of the paying company during a six month period prior to the year-end for which the distribution of profits occur. 6 10% if the beneficial owner is a company and paid by a company engaged in an industrial undertaking. 12.5% if the beneficial owner is a company and paid by a company not engaged in an industrial undertaking. 7 The aggregate of dividend withholding tax and corporate income tax on the payer s profits cannot exceed 40% of the taxable income from which the dividends are declared. 8 5% for dividends paid to a company which contributed directly or indirectly more than 50% of the capital of the paying company or more than USD10 million. 7% for dividends paid to a company which contributed between 25% to 50% of the capital of the paying company. 9 The rate applies to dividends received by a pension fund or similar institution providing pension schemes in which individuals may participate in order to secure retirement benefits. 10 The rate applies to a royalty paid for any industrial, commercial or scientific equipment and related technical service fees. 11 The rate applies to payments of any kind received as consideration for the use of, or the right to use, any copyright of scientific work, any patent, trade mark, design or model, plan, secret formula or process or for the use of, or the right to use, industrial, commercial or scientific equipment, or for information concerning industrial or scientific experience. 12 The tax rate applies when the recipient is a company (including partnership) and during the part of the paying company s taxable year which precedes the date of payment of the dividend and during the whole of its prior taxable year (if any), at least 15% of the outstanding shares of the voting stock of the paying company was owned by the recipient company. 13 The tax rate applies in the case of Singapore where the royalties are approved under the Economic Expansion Incentives (Relief from Income Tax) Act of Singapore. 14 The tax rate applies in the case of the Philippines where the royalties are paid by an enterprise registered with the Philippine Board of Investments and engaged in preferred areas of activities and also royalties in respect of cinematographic films or tapes for television or broadcasting. 15 The tax on the gross amount of the dividends shall not exceed the tax chargeable on the profits or income of the company out of which the dividends are paid. 16 The lower rate applies if the beneficial owner of the dividends is a company which holds directly 15% of the capital of the company paying the dividends and has invested in it at least USD100,000 or its equivalent in other currencies. 17 The treaty is silent in respect of interest income. As such, the domestic rules will apply. 18 Exempt if paid to certain government/quasi-government institutions. 19 The lower rate applies to dividends paid to a company which holds at least 10% of the capital. 7

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