When you must register, how GST works, quarterly filing deadlines and the penalties for getting it wrong.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a consumption tax levied on the supply of goods and services in Singapore, as well as on the importation of goods. The current GST rate is 9% (effective 1 January 2024). Businesses that are GST-registered collect GST on their sales, remit it to IRAS, and may claim back the GST incurred on their business purchases (input tax).
GST registration is compulsory when your taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million in any 12-month period. You must also register if you reasonably expect your turnover to exceed S$1 million in the next 12 months (prospective basis). Voluntary registration is permitted below the threshold, allowing businesses to recover input tax on expenses. Once registered, you must charge GST on all taxable supplies and file returns quarterly. Note that from 1 April 2026, all new voluntary GST registrants are required to transmit invoice data to IRAS via the InvoiceNow network using an IMDA-accredited InvoiceNow-Ready Solution, as part of Singapore's mandatory e-invoicing initiative.
Late filing or payment attracts a 5% late penalty. Failure to register when required can result in backdated GST liability, fines of up to S$10,000, and a 10% penalty on unpaid GST.