Iras introduces new enhancements for filing tax returns

Taxpayers can file tax returns via smartphone from this month. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Iras) has introduced several enhancements for this year's individual income tax filing season, which runs from March 1 to April 18.

This is expected to benefit 2.2 million taxpayers.

Taxpayers can file tax returns via smartphone from this month.

They can check their eligibility for tax reliefs and other key filing matters on the Tax Season 2016 webpage https://www.iras.gov.sg/ irashome/TaxSeason2016/). This is available on smartphone.

Taxpayers who wish to claim rental expenses for their tenanted residential properties will enjoy simplified tax filing.

In their online tax form, an amount of deemed rental expenses calculated based on 15 per cent of the gross rent has been pre-filled for them.

Iras also said that more than 210 organisations are expected to have submitted their commission earners' income records under the e-Submission of Commission Income Scheme.

That would mean that more than 70,000 commission-earners - real estate agents and insurance agents included - will have an easier time filing taxes as they just need to verify or edit the pre-filled income information and claim their expenses.

Iras said that 1.4 million taxpayers who are not required to file can preview their tax bill and request an early assessment from this month. This is provided they have no changes to their pre-filled income and relief claims.

Last year, 14,000 taxpayers requested early assessment.

Iras reminds all taxpayers to file their income tax returns online by April 18 or send in paper returns by April 15.

Jeremy Koh

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 04, 2016, with the headline Iras introduces new enhancements for filing tax returns. Subscribe