How to Register for a GST Number for Your Business in Singapore: A Complete Guide

If you're running a business in Singapore, understanding Goods and Services Tax (GST) is crucial for compliance and financial planning. GST registration is a significant milestone that signals your business has reached a certain level of revenue, but it also comes with new responsibilities and administrative requirements.

Many business owners are uncertain about when they need to register for GST, how the registration process works, and what obligations follow once they're registered. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of GST registration in Singapore for 2025, helping you navigate the process with confidence.

 

What is GST and Who Needs to Register

GST is a consumption tax levied on the supply of goods and services in Singapore, as well as on goods imported into the country. Currently set at 9% (effective from January 2024), GST is collected at each stage of the supply chain and ultimately paid by the end consumer.

When you register for GST, you become a GST-registered business. This means you must charge GST on your taxable supplies (known as output tax), but you can also claim back the GST you've paid on your business purchases and expenses (known as input tax). The difference between output tax collected and input tax paid is what you remit to or claim from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

Not every business needs to register for GST. Registration is required when your business meets certain revenue thresholds, but you can also choose to register voluntarily if it benefits your operations. Understanding whether you fall into the compulsory or voluntary category is the first step in determining your GST obligations.

 

Compulsory vs Voluntary GST Registration

Compulsory GST Registration

You must register for GST if your business's taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million at the end of the calendar year. Taxable turnover includes the total value of all taxable supplies (standard-rated and zero-rated) made in Singapore, excluding exempt supplies.

There are two scenarios that trigger compulsory registration:

1. Retrospective basis: If your taxable turnover for the past 12 months exceeds S$1 million, you must register within 30 days from the date you exceed the threshold.

2. Prospective basis: If you have reasonable grounds to believe that your taxable turnover for the next 12 months will exceed S$1 million, you must register within 30 days from the date you form this expectation.

Failing to register when required can result in penalties from IRAS, so monitoring your revenue closely is essential.

Voluntary GST Registration

Even if your taxable turnover is below S$1 million, you can choose to register for GST voluntarily. This makes sense in several situations:

• Most of your customers are GST-registered businesses who can claim back the GST you charge them

• You incur significant GST on business expenses and want to claim input tax credits

• Registering enhances your business credibility with larger corporate clients

• You're planning rapid expansion and expect to exceed the threshold soon

However, voluntary registration isn't always advantageous. If most of your customers are individual consumers (who cannot claim back GST), adding 9% to your prices may make you less competitive. Consider your business model carefully before registering voluntarily.

 

Eligibility Criteria and Thresholds for GST Registration

To register for GST in Singapore, you must meet these basic criteria:

1. Business presence

You must be carrying on a business in Singapore. This includes companies, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and other business entities. Simply having a Singapore address isn't enough; you need to be actively conducting business activities.

2. Taxable supplies

Your business must be making or intending to make taxable supplies. Taxable supplies include goods and services that are standard-rated (9%) or zero-rated (0%). Exempt supplies like residential property sales and most financial services don't count toward the threshold.

3. S$1 million threshold

For compulsory registration, your annual taxable turnover must exceed S$1 million. This is calculated based on either the past 12 months (retrospective) or projected next 12 months (prospective).

Exemptions and special cases:

• If you only make exempt supplies, you cannot and need not register for GST

• Businesses in specific sectors like pay TV services, digital payment tokens, and imported services may have different GST obligations

• If you're part of a group of companies, IRAS may require you to register as a GST group

For businesses that have just started operations, you'll typically register on a prospective basis if you expect to exceed the threshold. Be realistic in your projections and keep documentation that supports your revenue expectations.

 

Step-by-Step GST Registration Process in Singapore

The GST registration process in Singapore is entirely online through the IRAS myTax Portal. Here's how to complete it:

Step 1: Prepare Business Documents

Before you start your application, gather the necessary documents and information:

• Your business registration details (UEN number, business name, registration date)

• Details of business owners, partners, or directors (NRIC/FIN/passport numbers)

• Business address and contact information

• Description of your business activities

• Expected or actual annual taxable turnover

• Accounting period details

• Bank account information for GST refunds

• CorpPass credentials (for companies, LLPs, and other entities)

• SingPass credentials (for sole proprietors)

Having all documents ready beforehand streamlines the application process and reduces the chance of errors or delays.

Step 2: Apply Through IRAS myTax Portal

Log in to the IRAS myTax Portal using your CorpPass (for entities) or SingPass (for sole proprietors). Navigate to the GST section and select "Register for GST."

The online form will ask you to provide:

• Basic business information: Your UEN, business name, nature of business, and business activity codes. Be accurate with your business description as IRAS uses this to understand your operations.

• Registration basis: Specify whether you're registering on a compulsory or voluntary basis. If compulsory, indicate whether it's retrospective or prospective, and provide the relevant dates and turnover figures.

• Effective date of registration: For compulsory registration, IRAS will determine your effective date based on when you exceeded or expect to exceed the threshold. For voluntary registration, you can request a specific effective date, typically the first day of a month at least 30 days from your application date.

• Accounting basis: Choose between cash accounting (recognize transactions when payment is received/made) or accrual accounting (recognize transactions when invoices are issued/received). Most businesses use accrual accounting, but cash accounting is available if your annual taxable turnover is S$1 million or less.

• Accounting period: GST returns are filed quarterly, semi-annually, or annually depending on your turnover. Businesses with annual turnover over S$5 million must file quarterly. Select your preferred accounting period end dates.

• Bank account details: Provide your business bank account information for any GST refunds.

Review all information carefully before submitting. Errors can delay your application or lead to compliance issues later.

Step 3: Receive Your GST Number and Certificate

Once you submit your application, IRAS will review it. If everything is in order and you meet all requirements, IRAS will approve your registration and issue you a GST registration number.

Your GST number is typically your business UEN followed by "-GST" (for example, 202012345A-GST). You'll receive a Certificate of Registration, which confirms your GST-registered status and specifies your effective date of registration.

This certificate should be kept safely as you may need to present it to suppliers, customers, or banks. You're now legally required to charge GST on your taxable supplies from the effective date of registration.

 

GST Application Processing Time and Approval

IRAS typically processes GST registration applications within 10 to 14 working days. However, processing time can be longer if:

• Your application contains errors or incomplete information

• IRAS requires additional documents or clarification

• Your business activities are complex or fall into special categories

• You're applying during peak periods

To avoid delays, ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission. If IRAS requests additional information, respond promptly with the required documents.

For compulsory registration, you must apply within 30 days of exceeding or expecting to exceed the threshold. If you're late in applying, you may face penalties. IRAS will typically backdate your effective date of registration to when you should have registered, and you'll need to account for GST on supplies made from that date.

For voluntary registration, you have more flexibility in choosing your effective date, but it's still best to apply early to allow sufficient processing time.

 

Responsibilities After GST Registration in Singapore

GST registration brings new compliance obligations. Understanding these responsibilities helps you avoid penalties and maintain good standing with IRAS.

Charging GST

From your effective date of registration, you must charge 9% GST on all standard-rated supplies. This includes:

• Issuing proper GST tax invoices with all required details (your GST registration number, customer details, description of goods/services, GST amount)

• Clearly stating the GST amount separately from the base price

• Not charging GST on zero-rated or exempt supplies

• Collecting the correct amount of GST from customers

You cannot charge GST before your effective date of registration. If you issue invoices spanning your registration date, you need to apportion the supplies accordingly.

Filing GST Returns

You must file GST returns (GST F5) with IRAS at the end of each accounting period. The filing frequency depends on your annual turnover:

• Annual turnover over S$5 million: Quarterly filing

• Annual turnover S$5 million or below: Quarterly, semi-annual, or annual filing (as approved)

Your GST return reports:

• Output tax (GST charged on sales)

• Input tax (GST paid on purchases)

• Net GST payable or refundable

GST returns must be filed within one month from the end of your accounting period. Payment of net GST is also due within this timeframe. Late filing or payment attracts penalties and interest charges.

If your input tax exceeds your output tax, you can claim a refund from IRAS. However, frequent refund claims may trigger audits, so ensure your claims are well-documented.

Record Keeping

IRAS requires you to maintain proper records for at least 5 years. This includes:

• Tax invoices, receipts, and credit/debit notes

• Sales and purchase records

• Import/export documentation

• Bank statements and payment vouchers

• GST account reconciliations

• Asset registers for capital goods

Good record keeping not only ensures compliance but also makes GST filing easier and more accurate. Many businesses use accounting software to automatically track GST transactions and generate reports.

Managing GST compliance alongside other business obligations can be challenging. If you need support with GST filing, record keeping, or general tax compliance, Margin Wheeler's GST services and accounting services provide comprehensive assistance to keep your business compliant and efficient.

 

Common Errors to Avoid During GST Application in Singapore

Avoiding these common mistakes helps ensure a smooth registration process:

1. Incorrect turnover calculation

Many applicants miscalculate their taxable turnover by including exempt supplies or excluding zero-rated supplies. Remember, only standard-rated and zero-rated supplies count toward the S$1 million threshold. Exempt supplies like residential property sales don't count.

2. Late registration

Some businesses exceed the threshold but delay registration, thinking they can wait until year-end. If you exceed S$1 million on a retrospective or prospective basis, you have 30 days to register. Late registration can result in penalties and backdated GST obligations.

3. Wrong effective date

Choosing an incorrect effective date causes complications with invoicing and GST collection. For compulsory registration, IRAS determines the effective date based on when you exceeded the threshold. For voluntary registration, plan ahead and choose a date that allows for system updates and customer notification.

4. Incomplete or inaccurate business information

Providing wrong business activity codes, incorrect turnover figures, or outdated business details delays processing. Double-check all information before submitting, and ensure it matches your business registration records and financial statements.

Whether you're incorporating a new business in Singapore or managing an established company, understanding your GST obligations from the start helps you plan better. Professional corporate secretarial services can also ensure all your regulatory filings, including GST matters, are handled correctly and on time.

 

Register Your GST With Margin Wheeler

GST registration is a significant step in your business journey, marking your growth and bringing new compliance responsibilities. While the process is straightforward through the IRAS myTax Portal, understanding when you need to register, preparing the right documents, and knowing your post-registration obligations are crucial for smooth operations.

Monitor your taxable turnover regularly to determine if you've crossed the S$1 million threshold. Register promptly to avoid penalties, and if you're considering voluntary registration, evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the administrative burden. Once registered, maintain proper records, issue compliant tax invoices, file your returns on time, and remit GST payments promptly.

GST compliance doesn't have to be overwhelming. With proper planning, good accounting systems, and professional support when needed, you can manage your GST obligations efficiently while focusing on growing your business.

If you need assistance with GST registration, filing, or any aspect of business taxation and compliance in Singapore, Margin Wheeler offers expert guidance to help you navigate Singapore's tax landscape with confidence. Get in touch to ensure your business meets all regulatory requirements while optimizing your tax position.