Tax Guideline for Locals & Foreigners

1. What Is Property Tax.
2. What Is Annual Value.
3. How much property tax must I pay.
4. Are there any rebates, reliefs or refunds.
5. Are there any buildings exempt from property tax.
6. Obligations of Owners and Relevant Persons.
7. When and how do I pay property tax.
8. Where can I download property tax guides.
9. Where can I download property tax forms.
10. Where can I get help.

What Is Property Tax?
Property tax is a tax on properties in Singapore. All types of properties including Private Residential Properties, HDB Flats, factories, offices and vacant land are subject to tax. If you or your business owns property, you must pay property tax. Property Tax (PT) is a tax on immovable properties (i.e. land and buildings). It is administered by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)1. It is payable yearly by 31st Jan each year. The amount of PT payable per year is computed based on a percentage (Tax Rate) of the Annual Value (AV) of the property.

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What Is Annual Value?
The Annual Value (AV) of your property is the estimated annual rent of your property, excluding the rent for furniture, fittings and service charge. The basis is the same for let-out, owner-occupied or vacant properties.
see : Annual Value (AV)

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How much Property Tax must I pay?
The amount of property tax you have to pay per year is base on a percentage (Tax Rate) of the Annual Value of the property.

For owner-occupied properties
    Progressive Property Tax Regime (PPTR)
    • First $6,000 is 0% of annual value
    • Next $59,000 is 4% of annual value
    • Above $65,000 is 6% of annual value

For Investment and all other properties is 10% of annual value

see : Tax Rate for Property Tax

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Are there any rebates, reliefs or refunds?
If your property has been continuously vacant for at least 30 days or 1 calendar month because of repairs or the inability to find a tenant, you may apply for Vacancy Refund for that period.

You can apply for Remission of Property Tax if you have demolished your dwelling house for reconstruction. If you qualify for this remission, you will continue to enjoy owner-occupier concession (as before the reconstruction work) during the construction period. If you do not qualify for this remission, after demolition, you would be taxed on the land during the construction period. This tax is generally higher than the amount prior to the reconstruction.

You can apply for exemption of Property Tax if the development project on your land has been granted ‘Approved Building Project (ABP)’ status by the Minister. The exemption will be valid from the date of commencement of foundation works. The exemption is for a maximum period of three years, or up to the date of TOP, whichever is earlier.
see : Property Tax Refund

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Are there any Buildings exempt from Property Tax?
A building is exempt from property tax if it is used exclusively:

• as a public place of worship;
• as a public school;
• for charitable purposes;
• for purposes that promote the social development of Singapore.

Partial exemption may be granted if only parts of the building qualify for exemption. To apply for exemption, you need to write to the Comptroller of Property Tax with supporting information for approval.
see : Property Tax Exemptions

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Obligations of Owners and Relevant Persons.
Property owners and relevant persons are required to supply information to Chief Assessor. A fine not exceeding $5,000 and a 10% interest may be imposed on any additional property tax payable for failure to provide the information.

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When and How do I pay Property Tax?
Property Tax for the year is payable by 31 January each year,
e.g. property tax for 2010 must be paid by 31 January 2010.

There are many convenient ways to pay your tax.

• Sign up for GIRO via Internet Banking, AXS stations or hard copy GIRO
   application form.
• Electronic Payment Modes via Internet Banking or Phone Banking.
• Automated Teller Machines (ATM).
• AXS station
• Singapore Post Self-service Automated Machine (SAM).
• vPOST -online website service offered by Singapore Post.
• Cash/ NETS at any Singapore Post Branch.
• Cheque/ Cashier’s Order
• Telegraphic Transfer

see : How to pay Tax

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Where Can I Download Property Tax Guides?
You can download Property Tax Guides from IRAS website.

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Where Can I Download Property Tax Forms?
You can download Property Tax Forms from IRAS website.

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Where Can I Get Help?
You can visit Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) for more in-depth information on property tax.
    • www.iras.gov.sg
    • Local Toll-Free: 1800 356 8600
    • International: (65) 6356 8600
    • Fax: (65) 6351 4355
To access e-Services, log in to my Tax Portal with your SingPass/IRAS pin.

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