Iras recovers $10m from high-earning tax avoiders; returns of 145 doctors, dentists under scrutiny

They include over 20 doctors and dentists; some formed firms just to get tax breaks

Meanwhile, more than 100 doctors, including 30 to 40 anaesthetists in private practice, have received letters from Iras telling them their returns are being reviewed. PHOTO: ST FILE
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Mr Seah said that while Iras will not dictate the form of business that doctors want to use, it will look at whether it has commercial substance or was created for tax purposes.

If the company has no assets, staff or premises; or if the income is derived from the personal efforts of the owners, with the company not contributing to it, Iras is empowered to remove the tax advantage and adjust the tax payable.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 15, 2018, with the headline Iras recovers $10m from high-earning tax avoiders; returns of 145 doctors, dentists under scrutiny. Subscribe