Guide to Filing Your IRAS Tax Return as an EP Holder
了解Guide to Filing Your IRAS Tax Return as an EP Holder - 完整指南与实用信息
Guide to Filing Your IRAS Tax Return as an EP Holder
Employment Pass (EP) holders in Singapore earning more than S$22,000 in a calendar year must file an income tax return with IRAS. As of 2025, the minimum EP salary is S$5,600 per month (S$6,200 in finance), pushing most holders well past the filing threshold. The Year of Assessment (YA) 2026 covers income earned from January to December 2025, with e-filing due by 18 April 2026.
Tax Residency Status
An EP holder who stays or works in Singapore for ≥183 days in 2025 is treated as a tax resident. Residents benefit from progressive tax rates (0%–24%) and a range of personal reliefs. Those with shorter stays are taxed at a flat 15% or the progressive rates, whichever yields higher tax, and cannot claim reliefs.
Key Deadlines for YA2026
- 18 April 2026: E-filing deadline via myTax Portal (Singpass or IRAS PIN).
- 15 April 2026: Paper filing deadline. Late filing incurs a penalty of 5% of the tax unpaid, plus an additional 1% per month capped at 12% total. An estimated tax assessment will be issued if you miss the deadline.
Documents to Prepare
- IR8A form from your employer – auto-included in your tax return if submitted by your company.
- IR8S (if applicable) – for stock options or other employment benefits.
- Bank interest statements if annual interest exceeds S$500.
- Rental property records (tenancy agreement, expenses) if you have local rental income.
- Donation receipts (2.5x deduction) or course fee receipts for relief claims.
Step-by-Step E-Filing via myTax Portal
- Log in to myTax Portal with your Singpass.
- Select “Individual” > “File Income Tax Return”.
- Review pre-filled employment income from your IR8A. Edit or add missing income (e.g., freelance, rental).
- Claim reliefs: Earned Income Relief is automatically granted (up to S$1,000 for age <55, higher for older workers). Add Course Fees Relief (up to S$5,500), Life Insurance Relief, or SRS Relief if applicable.
- Check your total assessable income and the tax computed.
- Submit. You’ll receive an acknowledgement notice instantly.
Understanding Your Tax Bill
Resident rates for YA2026 (chargeable income after reliefs):
| Chargeable Income (S$) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| First 20,000 | 0% |
| Next 10,000 | 2% |
| Next 10,000 | 3.5% |
| Next 40,000 | 7% |
| Next 40,000 | 11.5% |
| Next 40,000 | 15% |
| Next 40,000 | 18% |
| Next 40,000 | 19% |
| Next 40,000 | 19.5% |
| Next 40,000 | 20% |
| Above 320,000 | 22% |
| Above 500,000 | 23% |
| Above 1,000,000 | 24% |
Sample calculation: An EP holder, age 35, with S$60,000 annual salary and no reliefs beyond automatic Earned Income Relief (S$1,000). Chargeable income = S$59,000. Tax = 0% on first 20k + 2% on next 10k + 3.5% on next 10k + 7% on remaining 19k = 0 + 200 + 350 + 1,330 = S$1,880.
Common Mistakes EP Holders Make
- Not declaring side income (freelance work, consulting). IRAS cross-checks with banks and payment processors.
- Missing the course fee relief for job-related courses attended in 2025.
- Forgetting to update a change in tax residency if you left Singapore before 183 days – you may be reclassified as non-resident.
- Ignoring the IRAS bill until notice of assessment arrives; pay via GIRO or PayNow within 30 days.
FAQ
Q: I have an EP and earn only S$5,600/month. Do I still need to file? A: Yes. Annual income is S$67,200, which exceeds the S$22,000 filing threshold.
Q: My employer submits my IR8A. Do I still have to do anything? A: You still need to log in to myTax Portal, verify pre-filled data, claim reliefs, and submit the return.
Q: What if I have no reliefs to claim? A: Simply verify the auto-included income and submit – the system will compute your tax automatically.
Q: Can a non-resident EP holder claim reliefs? A: No. Non-residents are taxed at 15% flat or progressive rates, without reliefs, and cannot offset personal expenses.
References
- Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), Individual Income Tax Rates, 2025
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Employment Pass Eligibility, 2025
- IRAS, Filing for Individuals: Overview, 2025
- IRAS, Resident Individual Reliefs, 2025
- Singapore Statutes, Income Tax Act (Chapter 134), latest amendment
This guide reflects rules and rates for YA2026 (income year 2025). Always check IRAS for the latest updates before filing.