GST Registration in Singapore: Who Needs It and How to Do It Right

What Is GST and Why It Matters for Your Business

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a consumption tax levied on the supply of goods and services in Singapore. Similar to VAT in other countries, GST is administered by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and currently stands at 9% (as of 2025).

If your business crosses a certain revenue threshold, GST registration is not just an option — it’s a legal requirement. Failing to register on time can lead to penalties and compliance issues.

Who Needs to Register for GST?

There are two types of GST registration in Singapore:

Compulsory Registration
- Businesses with a taxable turnover exceeding S$1 million in the past 12 months (retrospective basis), or
- Businesses expecting to exceed S$1 million in the next 12 months (prospective basis)
Voluntary Registration
- Available for businesses under the threshold that still wish to register to claim input tax or enhance credibility

Businesses making exempt supplies (e.g., financial services) or operating outside Singapore may not qualify or benefit from GST registration.

Benefits of GST Registration

Claim input tax credits on business expenses
Improve corporate image and credibility
Meet requirements when working with government or larger corporate clients
Facilitate tax refunds for export-oriented businesses

However, GST registration also brings responsibilities, such as quarterly reporting and proper invoicing, which need to be managed correctly.

GST Registration Process

Registering for GST with IRAS involves several steps:

Determine Eligibility and Obligation
Assess if your business is required or suited for registration.
Complete the GST Application (Form GST F1)
Include supporting documents such as financial statements, business contracts, and IRAS declarations.
E-Learning Requirement
For voluntary applicants, designated staff or directors must complete a brief IRAS e-learning course to understand obligations.
Submit Application via myTax Portal
Log in with your CorpPass to submit the application electronically.
Receive GST Registration Notification
If approved, IRAS will issue a notification with your effective GST registration date and number.

Ongoing Compliance After Registration

Once registered, businesses must:

Charge GST on taxable goods and services
Submit quarterly GST returns (Form F5)
Keep proper records and issue tax invoices
Pay GST collected to IRAS by the due date

Non-compliance, late filing, or under-reporting can lead to audits and heavy penalties.

How Excellence Singapore Supports Your GST Needs

Handling GST registration internally may sound simple but comes with complex compliance requirements. At Excellence Singapore, we offer complete GST services including:

Evaluation of GST registration obligation and benefits
Preparation and filing of registration documents
Guidance through IRAS requirements
Quarterly GST reporting and submission
Compliance reviews and audit support

We ensure your registration is timely, accurate, and strategically aligned with your business goals.

Beyond GST: Full-Spectrum Compliance Services

We also offer:

Company incorporation
Accounting and tax filing
Corporate secretarial support
Payroll and CPF setup
Virtual office solutions
Trademark registration

This integrated approach helps you stay compliant across all regulatory fronts.

Conclusion: Stay Compliant, Stay Ahead

GST registration is more than a formality — it’s a legal and financial responsibility. Whether you are registering out of obligation or choice, professional guidance ensures that your application is smooth and your ongoing compliance is sound.