How GST Works in Singapore
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is Singapore's broad-based consumption tax, currently set at a flat 9%. It applies to most goods and services supplied within Singapore, as well as goods imported into the country. GST rose from 7% to 8% on 1 January 2023, then from 8% to 9% on 1 January 2024, completing a two-stage increase announced in Budget 2022. In business-to-consumer contexts, prices shown to consumers must be GST-inclusive, so the price on the shelf is generally what you pay.
🧮 GST Formulas
| Calculation | Formula |
|---|---|
| Add GST (exclusive → inclusive) | Price × 1.09 |
| Remove GST (inclusive → exclusive) | Price ÷ 1.09 |
| Find GST in an inclusive price | Price × 9/109 |
| Find GST on an exclusive price | Price × 0.09 |
📝 Zero-Rated, Exempt & Out-of-Scope Supplies
Zero-rated supplies are taxable supplies charged at 0% GST — this covers most exported goods and international services (like international flights). Because they're technically taxable, sellers can still claim back GST paid on related business expenses.
Exempt supplies have no GST charged at all, and typically include most financial services and the sale or lease of residential property. Unlike zero-rated supplies, sellers generally cannot claim back GST on expenses related to exempt supplies.
Out-of-scope supplies, such as goods sold from outside Singapore to another overseas location without entering Singapore, fall entirely outside the GST system.
Registration Threshold: Businesses must register for GST once taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million in a 12-month period, tested both retrospectively (the past calendar year) and prospectively (the next 12 months). Voluntary registration is available below this threshold but commits the business to staying registered for at least 2 years.
📅 GST Filing in Singapore
GST-registered businesses file the F5 return — by default quarterly — reporting output tax (GST collected on sales) and input tax (GST paid on qualifying purchases), remitting the net difference to IRAS. The return and any GST owed are due one month after the end of each accounting quarter. Some businesses may apply to file monthly or half-yearly instead. Tax invoices must clearly show the words "Tax Invoice," the seller's GST registration number, a description of the supply, the 9% rate, and the GST amount.
💡 Example Calculation
Adding GST: A product priced at S$200 excluding GST → S$200 × 1.09 = S$218 including GST. The GST portion is S$18.
Removing GST: A receipt shows S$218 including GST → S$218 × 9/109 = S$18 GST, meaning the exclusive price was S$218 − S$18 = S$200.
Note: These examples use the standard 9% rate for taxable, non-zero-rated supplies.
⚠️ Important Notes
- This calculator provides estimates only for the standard 9% GST rate.
- It does not determine whether a specific supply is zero-rated, exempt, or out-of-scope — check with IRAS or a tax advisor for your situation.
- It does not model Reverse Charge, Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR), or GST group rules, which can materially affect obligations for some businesses.
- For official guidance, use IRAS – GST.
- GST rates and thresholds are reviewed periodically and may change.