Posted on

China’s Income Tax Policy in Relation to Overseas Income

On 17 January 2020, China’s Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration jointly issued the “Announcement on Individual Income Tax Policy in relation to Overseas Income” (Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration Announcement 3 of 2020). This announcement applies from the 2019 tax year. This means that income earned overseas by China tax residents will be taxed. 

Announcement 3 sets out the relevant policies regarding this new income tax policy. The key contents include:

  • Classification of overseas income
  • Calculation of taxable income
  • Foreign tax credit (“FTC”)

Residence rules

An individual is domiciled in China if:

(a) They habitually reside in China by reason of permanent registered address, family ties, or economic interests; or

(b) holds a Chinese passport or a hukou (household registration).

Classification of Overseas Income

The following categories of income are considered as overseas income:

Income categoriesBasis of income sourcing
(1) Income from provision of labour services outside China (including employment income and independent personal service income)The overseas location where the labour or employment activities are carried out.
(2) Authors’ remuneration paid and borne by enterprises and other organisations outside China;The overseas location of the enterprise or organisation which pays and bears the remuneration.
(3) Royalties received from the grant of concessions outside China;The overseas location where the concessions are utilised.
(4) Income from business operations and productions outside China;The overseas location where business operation or production is carried out.
(5) Interest and dividend income obtained from enterprises, other organisations and non-resident individuals outside China;The overseas location where the interest and/or dividend paying parties are based.
(6) Income from lease of overseas properties;The overseas location where the leased property is used.
(7) Capital gains from the transfer of real estate, transfer of equity stocks, stock options, or other financial assets (hereinafter referred to as financial assets) of overseas enterprises or other organisations, or from the transfer of other assets outside China;Real estate: the overseas location where the asset is located;
Financial assets: the overseas location where the invested enterprise or other organisation is based.
It is worth noting that if more than 50% of the fair value of the assets of the invested enterprise or other organisation comes directly or indirectly from real estate located in China at any time during the three years (36 consecutive months) prior to the transfer, the gains from the transfer of the assets would be deemed as China sourced.
(8) Incidental income obtained from enterprises, other organisations and non-resident individuals outside China;The overseas location where the incidental income paying parties are based.
(9) Separate rules may apply if otherwise determined by the Ministry of Finance or the State Taxation Administration.N/A

Personal Income Tax Rate

The following table shows the latest Income Tax Rate for residents in China.

Annual taxable income (CNY) Tax rate (%)Quick deduction (CNY)
0 to 36,00030
Over 36,000 to 144,000102,520
Over 144,000 to 300,0002016,920
Over 300,000 to 420,0002531,920
Over 420,000 to 660,0003052,920
Over 660,000 to 960,0003585,920
Over 960,00045181,920

How to calculate Taxable Income?

Domestic and foreign income subject to consolidated tax calculation

Comprehensive income

Annual comprehensive income = comprehensive income within China + comprehensive income from overseas

Income from business operations

Annual operating income = income from domestic operations + income from overseas operations

Losses from business operations in a particular overseas jurisdiction cannot be offset against income from operations in China or other overseas locations. However, the losses may be used to offset business operating income at the same location in future tax years, based on the relevant tax law in China.

Domestic and foreign income subject to separate tax calculation

Income derived from interest, dividends, property lease, property transfer, and incidental income cannot be consolidated with China-sourced income and shall be subject to tax calculation separately.

Foreign Tax credit ("FTC")

Announcement 3 makes it clear that where resident taxpayers receive overseas income during a tax year, FTC will be granted where foreign income tax has been paid in the overseas location in accordance with the tax law in that jurisdiction, subject to limits. The formula is as follows:

Tax / refund due for the tax year = total tax liability for the tax year – overseas tax liability allowable as credit (not exceeding the tax credit limit)

The amount of overseas tax exceeding the tax credit limit can be utilised in the following five tax years.

Overseas income not allowed for FTC

The following are the circumstances that are not allowed and shall be excluded from the FTC claim:

  1. Overseas tax paid or collected by mistake;
  2. Tax which should not be levied in the overseas jurisdiction under the Double Tax Treaty between China and the foreign country (or under the Double Tax Arrangement between Mainland China and Hong Kong and Macao);
  3. Late payment interest and/or penalties imposed by overseas tax authorities for underpayment or late payment of overseas income tax;
  4. Overseas income tax which is due for refund or compensation from the overseas tax authorities;
  5. Overseas income which is tax-exempt under the China IIT Law and Implementation Rules.

Singapore’s Tax Treaty with China

As there is an agreement between The Government of The Republic of Singapore and The Government of The People’s Republic of China, China residents receiving an income from Singapore or vice-versa, will be eligible for double tax relief if conditions are met. However, this is not an exemption of tax, but rather a reduction of tax.
According to Article 22 of the treaty, elimination of double taxation in China shall be eliminated as follows:

(a) Where a resident of China derives income from Singapore the amount of tax on that income payable in Singapore in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, may be credited against the Chinese tax imposed on that resident. The amount of the credit, however, shall not exceed the amount of the Chinese tax on that income computed in accordance with the taxation laws and regulations of China.

(b) Where the income derived from Singapore is a dividend paid by a company which is a resident of Singapore to a company which is a resident of China and which owns not less than 10 per cent of the shares of the company paying the dividend, the credit shall take into account the tax paid to Singapore by the company paying the dividend in respect of its income.

In Singapore, double taxation shall be avoided as follows:

(a) Where a resident of Singapore derives income from China which, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, may be taxed in China, Singapore shall, subject to its laws regarding the allowance as a credit against Singapore tax of tax payable in any country other than Singapore, allow the Chinese tax paid, whether directly or by deduction, as a credit against the Singapore tax payable on the income of that resident.

(b) Where such income is a dividend paid by a company which is a resident of China to a resident of Singapore which is a company owning directly or indirectly not less than 10 per cent of the share capital of the first-mentioned company, the credit shall take into account the Chinese tax paid by that company on the portion of its profits out of which the dividend is paid.

Note:

Singapore employment income is not taxed in China according to the provisions of Articles 16, 18 and 19 of the treaty, salaries, wages and other similar remuneration derived by a resident of a Singapore State in respect of an employment shall be taxable only in Singapore unless the employment is exercised in the China. If the employment is so exercised, such remuneration as is derived therefrom may be taxed in China.

When it comes to profits earned from interest, royalties and dividend payments, special reduced rates apply, as follows:

Dividends

Dividends paid by a company which is a resident of China to a resident of Singapore may be taxed in Singapore.

However, such dividends may also be taxed in China of which the company paying the dividends is a resident and according to the laws of that State, but if the beneficial owner of the dividends is a resident of Singapore, the tax so charged shall not exceed:

(a) 5 per cent of the gross amount of the dividends if the beneficial owner is a company (other than a partnership) which holds directly at least 25 per cent of the capital in the enterprise paying the dividends;

(b) in all other cases, dividend payments are taxed at a rate of 10%.

Interest

Income arising from interest issued by a bank or financial institution which is a resident of China to a resident of Singapore, may be taxed in Singapore.

However, such interest may also be taxed in China of which the bank or financial institution paying the interest is a resident and according to the laws of that State, but if the beneficial owner of the interest is a resident of Singapore, the tax so charged shall not exceed:

(a) 7 per cent of the gross amount of the interest if it is received by any bank or financial institution

(b) 10 per cent of the gross amount of the interest in all other cases.

Royalties

Royalties in this treaty means payments of any kind received as consideration for the use of, or the right to use, any copyright of literacy, artistic or scientific work including cinematograph films, or films or tapes for radio or television broadcasting, any computer software, patent, trade mark, design or model, plan, secret formula or process, or for the use of, or the right to use, industrial, commercial or scientific equipment or for information concerning industrial, commercial or scientific experience.

These royalties derived from China and paid to a resident of Singapore, may be taxed in Singapore, and vice-versa.

However, if the beneficial owner of the royalties is a resident of Singapore, the tax charged shall not exceed 10 per cent of the gross amount of the royalties.  

Posted on

Different Business Structures in Singapore

There are a lot of factors needed to be considered when it comes to choosing a business structure as there are various types of it and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are five different types of business entities in Singapore which are:

1) Sole Proprietorship
2) Partnership
3) Limited Partnership
4) Limited Liability Partnership
5) Company

This guide will cater an overview of the numerous types of business entities in Singapore and the differences among them. 

1) Sole Proprietorship

A Sole Proprietorship, also known as a Sole Trader, is a business owned by one person.

Requirements:

He/She has to be either:

  • a Singapore Citizen
  • Singapore Permanent Resident
  • EntrePass Holder,
  • age 18 and above and
  • is not an undischarged bankrupt.
    •  

If a foreigner wishes to set up a business, he/she must designate a local representative.

The local representative must be:

  • A natural person
  • At least 18 years old
  • Of full legal capacity
  • Ordinarily resident in Singapore (i.e. has a Singapore residential address)
  •  

Closing a sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship business will cease when the proprietor passes away or wishes to end the business. The Business Registration Act requires any person registered under it who has ceased to carry on business to notify the Registrar of this. Failing to do so is an offence and may result in the imposition of a fine.

If the sole-proprietorship is GST registered, the business owner has to apply for cancellation of GST registration with IRAS first.

Things to note

Sole proprietorship is ideal for those who are planning to start a one-person business and don’t expect the business to grow beyond yourself. It is the easiest and simplest to manage, yet the riskiest compared to the other business entities. Otherwise, one should consider this as a serious drawback and it is not recommended to inspiring entrepreneurs.

Profits are taxed at personal income tax rates ranges from 0% to 22%.

It is not a separate legal entity from the business owner and as such, the business owner is personally liable for all the debts and losses of the sole proprietorship, and the business owner can sue or be sued in his or her own name.

2) Partnership

Business partnerships are formed by the agreement between 2 or more individuals (maximum 20)  to carry on a business as co-owners.

Requirements

They has to be either:

  • a Singapore Citizen
  • Singapore Permanent Resident
  • EntrePass Holder
  • age 18 and above and
  • is not an undischarged bankrupt
  •  

 A local manager has to be appointed and is at least 18 years old and is not an undischarged bankrupt.

Closing a partnership

A partnership business will cease when one of the partners dies or when one of the partners wishes to terminate the business with the agreement of the other partners.

If the partnership is GST registered, the partners has to apply for cancellation of GST registration with IRAS first.

Tax Rates

Likewise, the tax rate imposed will be that of the partner, example; if the partner is an individual, the personal income tax rates will apply, if the partner is a company, corporate tax rates would apply. Personal tax rate ranges from 0% to 22%. The partnership income tax is paid by the partnership, but the profits and losses are divided among the partners, and paid by the partners, based on their agreement.

The risk of a partnership are similar to the Sole Proprietorship, thus it is not recommended for high-risk businesses and businesses with enthusiastic growth plans.

A partnership does not have its own separate legal identity from the partners. Therefore, unless otherwise agreed, the partnership will come to an end each time a partner leaves.

3) Limited Liability Partnership

Limited Liability Partnership is the most recent and most advanced business incorporation structure, as it combines the features of both partnerships and companies. It is a separate legal entity from their owners, which means that owners are not responsible for any debts or losses the business incurs.

Requirements

LLP have to have at least two partners who can be individuals (at least 18 years old) or body corporate (company or LLP) .

Every LLP must have at least one manager. He/She has to be who is an ordinary resident in Singapore and age 18 years and above.

Closing a LLP

An LLP will continue to exist until it is dissolved. Dissolution usually occurs after a process called “winding-up” has been completed.

Winding up begins after dissolution, where all partnership affairs will be settled. This includes the completion of unfinished transactions, payments to creditors, liquidation of assets and the distribution of proceeds to various partners.

Then will the partnership be terminated when all the partnership matters have been fully wrapped up.

Things to note

An LLP is capable of:

    • Suing and being sued in its name;
    • Acquiring and holding property in its name;
    • Having a common seal in its name and
    • Doing such other acts and things in its name, as bodies corporate may lawfully do and suffer.

The key features of a limited liability partnership are as follows:

Limitation of liabilities

The partners of the LLP will not be held personally liable for any business debts incurred by the LLP. A partner may, however, be held personally liable for claims from losses resulting from his own wrongful act or omission, but will not be held personally liable for such wrongful acts or omissions of any other partner of the LLP.

Declaration of solvency

LLP must submit to the Registrar an annual declaration of solvency or insolvency (i.e. being able or unable to pay its debts respectively) which will be made available to the public.

LLP gives owners the flexibility of operating as a partnership while having a separate legal identity like a private limited company.  It is mainly meant for carrying a profession (e.g. accountants, law firms, architects, etc.) where two or more professionals would like to build a joint practice in a common field, and is not suited for businesses that carry a trade. The owners must enter into detailed agreements about how the profits and management responsibilities are divided.

Perpetual Succession

The LLP has perpetual succession, which means that any change in the partners of a LLP will not affect its existence, rights or liabilities.

3) Company

A company is a separate legal entity and can incur debt, sue and be sued. A company’s business line depends on its structure, which can range from a partnership to a proprietorship, or even a corporation. 

Companies may be either be:

  • public; having 50 members or less, or
  • private; can have more than 50 members. 
  •  

Requirements

Likewise, a company must designate a local director that is at least 18 years old and is an undischarged bankrupt. 

Things to note:

A private limited company is the most common form of the company chosen by entrepreneurs and investors, mainly due to the tax incentives that can be applied for.

A company is considered as a separate legal entity which means that the members of the company will not be held personally liable for the debts or losses of the company. 

Unlike all the other business entities, a private limited company can qualify for tax exemption schemes and is taxed at the effective corporate tax rate of 17%.

Perpetual Succession

Members in a company may come and go but the company will still remain and proceed to continue its business forever or until it is closed down. This means that a company has the characteristics of perpetual succession, thus giving the company a safer and a more stable area for investors to invest their money on and enhance the chances of their investment being a success. 

Closing a Company

A company can cease to exist in one of the two options, either by;

  • winding up or,
  • striking off

Comparison

Sole Proprietorship

Partnership

Limited Liability Partnership

Company

  • It is easy to set up and the cost is minimal.
  • Owner has full control of the business.
  • All the profits generated by the business will belong to the sole-proprietor.
  • Profits are taxed at personal income tax rates
  • No separate legal entity.
  • Has unlimited liability.
  • It can sue or be sued in the owner’s name.
  • No perpetual succession.
  • No corporate tax incentives and benefits.
  • It is easy to set up and the cost is minimal.
  • Easier administration and management of the business.
  • Reduced compliance obligations.
  • No separate legal entity.
  • Has unlimited liability.
  • Flexibility of succession is variable.

  •  

  • It is easy to set up and the cost is minimal.
  • Easier administration and management of the business.
  • Reduced compliance obligations.
  • Separate legal entity.
  • Perpetual succession.
  • Flexibility of succession is variable.
  • Difficult to transfer ownership of business.
  • Higher registration cost and its costly to maintain due to more compliance obligations.
  • Limited liability.
  • Excellent tax benefits.
  • Perpetual Succession.
  • Separate legal entity.
  • Annual General Meeting has to be conducted.
  • Annual Return filing with the Authority.
  • Estimated Chargeable Income and Corporate Tax to be filed.

     

Posted on

Rental Relief for SME Tenants in Private Non-Residential Properties

For SME tenants (i.e. with not more than $100 million in annual turnover) with qualifying leases or licences commencing before 25 March 2020, the Government will provide a new cash grant to offset their rental costs as stated in Table 1.

SME property owners who run a trade or business on their own property will also be eligible for the new cash grant. Vacant property and land under development will not be eligible.

Implementation of the New Government Cash Grant

The new government cash grant will be disbursed automatically by IRAS to the qualifying property owners.

The amount of grant will be calculated based on the Annual Values of properties for 2020, as determined by IRAS at 13 April 2020.

For property owners whose properties are only partially let out, or whose properties are let out to both SME and non-SME tenants under a single property tax account, they will not automatically receive the government cash grant.

In such instances, the property owner should submit an application to IRAS, and provide supporting documents, including proof of SME tenants within its property. IRAS will pro-rate the government cash grant accordingly.

Posted on

Fortitude Budget 2020

Job Support Scheme ("JSS")

Current Treatment

The temporary enhancement to  the JSS for the month of April 2020 will raise the wage support to 75% in that month. This will apply to the first S$4,600 of gross monthly wages paid to local workers (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) in all sectors.

The first JSS payout (“Payout 1”) has been brought forward to  April 2020.

For April 2020 payment, the government will give an Cash Grant of up to 75% of Oct 2019 wages. Subsequently, the Cash Grant in July 2020 will be adjusted downwards by 50% of Oct 2019 wages.

New Treatment

Extended for 1 more month to cover wages paid in August 2020, bringing a total coverage to 10 months of wages. The support for August 2020 wages will be paid out in October 2020 (see Table 1 for an overview of the JSS payment schedule).

  • 25% to 75% of the first $4,600 of wages for each local employee

Only employers who are not  allowed to resume operations will continue to receive 75% support for wages paid to local employees, during the period for which they are not allowed to resume operations, or until August 2020, whichever is earlier. Pro-ration will be applied if operations resume in the middle of the month.

Increased support for some affected sectors (e.g. aerospace, retail, marine and offshore) from 25% to 50% or 75%

SGUnited Jobs

Current Treatment

10,000 jobs will start with the public sector recruiting for long-term roles in essential services such as social services, early childhood education and infocomm technology.

Temporary jobs to handle the increase in Covid-19-related operations will also be available in roles such as health declaration assistants and temporary management support officers.

Private sector job opportunities will also be identified together with the Singapore Business Federation and other trade associations and chambers. 

There will be a series of SGUnited Jobs Virtual Career Fair (VCFs) upcoming up.Details of the VCF is available here: mycareersfuture.sg

New Treatment

40,000 jobs aimed to be created in 2020 of which about 15,000 openings will be in the public sector. These consist of a variety of long-term and short-term roles, to meet future and immediate needs. 

The public sector is bringing forward agencies’ hiring plans, creating jobs in new capabilities and functions, and creating short-term jobs arising from COVID-19 operations. The public sector will also provide two-year positions to local jobseekers and train them in key capability areas, to eventually place them in relevant private sector jobs.

The relevant Government agencies will work with businesses to create about 25,000 jobs. To help jobseekers continue to access good longer-term job opportunities, agencies will also work with programme partners to scale up the capacity of career conversion programmes, including the Adapt and Grow programmes, to more than 14,000 places this year, especially in growth sectors such as Infocomm & Technology and Financial Services.

SGUnited Traineeships and Mid-Career Traineeships

Current Treatment

Workforce Singapore (WSG) will co-share manpower costs with enterprises that offer up to 8,000 traineeships targeted at local first-time jobseekers this year.

Firms that offer traineeships targeted at local first-time job seekers this year can receive funding from government agency Workforce Singapore (WSG) under this SGUnited Traineeships programme.

These will include science and technology stints in research and development labs, deep-tech start-ups, accelerators and incubators, said DPM Heng.

Participants will receive an allowance co-funded by the Government and firm they are attached to.

New Treatment

Given the strong interest from businesses and public agencies, the Government aims to more than double the number of traineeships available for our young locals this year, from 8,000 to 21,000. Of these, there will be new traineeship positions in our R&D sector, including our universities, A*STAR research institutes, AI Singapore, and local deep-tech startups through SG Innovate. Recent and new graduates can apply for these opportunities on MyCareersFuture.sg from 1 June 2020 onwards.

To cater to the needs of mid-career individuals, we will create a new SGUnited Mid-Career Traineeships programme, to facilitate about 4,000 more traineeships for unemployed midcareer jobseekers looking to gain meaningful industry-relevant work experience and boost employability for future job opportunities. This will be on top of the 21,000 opportunities under the SGUnited Traineeships. More details will be provided in due course.

Overall, both programmes aim to facilitate about 25,000 traineeship opportunities for our young locals and experienced professionals.

SGUnited Skills

Current Treatment

Not applicable.

New Treatment

The SGUnited Skills (SGUS) programme is a full-time training programme ranging from 6 to 12 months. The programme will comprise certifiable courses delivered by companies and the Continuing Education Training (CET) Centres, including Institutes of Higher Learning. The training courses are designed in partnership with the industry, and can include companies co-delivering and co-designing the programme with training providers. Trainees will also have the chance to apply the skills learnt during the programme, through opportunities like workplace immersions and industry projects.

Trainees will also benefit from employment facilitation efforts offered by training providers. To facilitate transition to employment as and when job opportunities are present, the SGUS programme will be conducted in a modular format.

Trainees will also receive a training allowance of $1,200 per month for the duration of the programme, to cover basic subsistence expenses. Course fees will be highly subsidised, to keep SGUS affordable. Individuals can use their SkillsFuture Credit to offset the course fees.

More details on the SGUS programme will be provided by the Ministry of Education. 

Hiring Incentive

Current Treatment

Employers who hire local workers aged 40 and above through eligible reskilling programmes. For each eligible worker hired, the employer would receive 20% salary support for six months, capped at $6,000 in total. Eligible reskilling programmes were the Professional Conversion Programmes (PCPs), Place-and-Train (PnT) programmes for rank-and-file workers, and career transition programmes by Continuing Education and Training (CET) centres.

New Treatment

the Hiring Incentive will be enhanced to cover local workers of all ages, with increased support for those aged 40 and above. We will also expand the list of eligible reskilling and training programmes. The enhanced Hiring Incentive will be applicable to any hire from eligible reskilling programmes from 27 May onwards. A summary of the enhancements to the Hiring Incentive is in Table 2. 

Foreign Worker Levy Waiver & Rebate

Current Treatment

  • Waiver of monthly Foreign Worker Levy (FWL) due in April 2020 to help firms with cash flow
  • FWL rebate of $750 in April 2020 from levies paid this year, for each Work Permit or S Pass holder

New Treatment

Extended by up to 2 months for businesses that are not allowed to resume operations after the circuit breaker.

  • 100% waiver and $750 rebate in June 2020
  • 50% waiver and $375 rebate in July 2020 

As at 27 June 2020, construction firms will also be eligible for Foreign Worker Levy rebates of $90 per month for each work permit holder, from August 2020 to December 2021.

Deferment of Higher CPF Contribution Rates

Current Treatment

Not applicable.

New Treatment

To help businesses manage costs in these challenging times, the Government will defer the planned increase in CPF contribution rates for senior workers by one year, from 1 January 2021 to 1 January 2022. The CPF Transition Offset scheme will similarly be deferred until after the higher contribution rates take effect.

Expanding Rental Relief for SMEs

Current Treatment

  • 1-month rental waiver for office, industrial, and agriculture tenants of Government agencies.
  • Laws to ensure property owners pass on Property Tax rebate to tenants.

New Treatment

$2 billion in cash grants to help SME tenants with rental costs

Including the Property Tax Rebate for 2020, Government will:

  • Offset 2 months’ rental for qualifying SME tenants of commercial properties
  • Offset 1 month’s rental for qualifying SME tenants of industrial and office properties

Rental Relief for Government Tenants

Current Treatment

Stallholders at hawker centres and markets managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) will be given three months’ worth of rental waiver, with a minimum waiver of $200.

Commercial tenants in other government-owned or managed facilities will be provided with two months’ worth of rental waivers. 

Other Non-Residential Tenants. Government agencies such as JTC, SLA, HDB, URA, BCA, NParks, and PA will provide half a month’s worth of rental waiver to eligible tenants of other non-residential premises who do not pay Property Tax. Eligible tenants/lessees may include those in premises used for
industrial or agricultural purpose, or as an office, a business or science park, or a petrol station.

New Treatment

Additional 2 months of rental waivers for commercial tenants and hawkers. The total rental waiver will now be four months for commercial tenants. Stallholders in hawker centres and markets managed by Government
agencies will get a total of five months of rental waivers. 

For industrial, office, and agricultural tenants of Government agencies, one more month of rental waiver will be provided. A total of two months of rental waiver will be received.

Financing Support for Promising Startups

Current Treatment

  • Enterprise Financing Scheme – SME Working Capital Loan
  • Enterprise Financing Scheme – Trade Loan
  • Loan Insurance Scheme
  • Temporary Bridging Loan Programme (TBLP)

New Treatment

$285 million of additional financing support for promising startups by co-investing with the private sector

  • On top of $300 million set aside under the Unity Budget for deep-tech startups

Adopting e-Payments

Current Treatment

Not applicable.

New Treatment

Bonus of $300 per month over 5 months to encourage adoption of e-payments by stallholders in 

  • Hawker centres
  • Wet markets
  • Coffee shops
  • Industrial canteens

Digital Resilience Bonus

Current Treatment

  • E-invoicing Registration Grant
  • Advanced Digital Solutions
  • SMEs Go Digital

New Treatment

Eligible businesses can receive a payout of up to $5,000 if they adopt PayNow Corporate and e-invoicing, as well as business process or e-commerce solutions.

Businesses which already have basic digital capabilities, should deepen their digital transformation. We will help them make use of advanced digital tools in an integrated way. 

  • The Digital Resilience Bonus will have an additional tier of $5,000 for F&B and retail businesses which also incorporate advanced solutions.

National Innovation Challenges

Current Treatment

Not applicable.

New Treatment

Encourage partnership with the private sector for industry-led solutions to reopen Singapore safely

Covid-19 Support Grant (CSG)

Current Treatment

The scheme eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, aged 16 years and above,
  • who are presently unemployed due to retrenchment or contract termination as a result of the economic impact of the COVID-19 situation, and meet all of the following:
  • Had a monthly household income of not more than $10,000, or per capita household income not more than $3,100 per month prior to unemployment;
  • Lives in a property with an annual value of not more than $21,000; and
  • Not currently receiving ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance(SMTA) or ComCare Interim Assistance.
  • The applicant must have been employed as a full-time, or part-time permanent, or contract staff prior to unemployment.

Successful applicants will receive a monthly cash grant of S$800, for three months.

The scheme will be open for application from May 2020 to September 2020.

Individuals who are eligible may submit their application at their nearest Social Service Office,

New Treatment

Support for Singaporeans and PRs who:

  • Have lost their jobs;
  • Are placed on no-pay leave; or,
  • Face significantly reduced salaries

Up to $800 per month for 3 months for eligible recipients

Solidarity Utilities Credit

Current Treatment

New Treatment

  • One-off $100 Solidarity Utilities Credit for each household with at least one Singapore Citizen
  • Covers all property types
  • Will be credited in households’ July or August 2020 utilities bills with SP Group
  • Larger households with five or more members get more, and can receive up to $1,000 in U-Save rebates this year

For Students and Seniors - Fostering Digital Inclusion

Current Treatment

Not applicable.

New Treatment

For Students

  • Accelerated timeline for all secondary school students to own a digital learning device

For Seniors

  • Seniors Go Digital movement to build digital literacy through one-to-one coaching and small-group learning
  • Financial support for lower-income seniors to own digital devices

Enhanced Fund-Raising (EFR) Programme​​

Current Treatment

Totalisator Board (TB) provides 40% matching on donations raised by charities, capped at $100,000 per fund-raising project. For example, an eligible charity project which raises $10,000 will receive $4,000 in matching grants from TB. This applies to all modes of donations, including those through approved digital platforms such as Giving.sg or the websites of the individual charities.

New Treatment

  • Dollar-for-dollar matching on eligible donations raised between 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021, capped at $250,000 matching per charity
  • Additional $100 million top-up to strengthen support for charities
To be eligible, the charity must be registered with the Commissioner of Charities. Qualifying donations are those raised through approved fund-raising projects commencing from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 (both dates inclusive). In addition, the fund-raising project should not have benefited from other Government matching funds, such as the Cultural Matching Fund or the Bicentennial Community Fund.

Invictus Fund

Current Treatment

Not applicable.

New Treatment

The Invictus Fund was set up by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) to channel donations to SSAs which deliver critical social services to vulnerable groups during COVID19. The Invictus Fund is supported by donations raised through Community Chest, which
receives 20% matching from the Bicentennial Community Fund.

As at 22 May 2020, $6.2 million has been raised for the Invictus Fund. 171 SSAs applied for the Invictus Fund in the first round of applications.


The Government will provide a top-up of $18 million to the Invictus Fund to enhance support for SSAs which continue serving their beneficiaries during this period. 

Construction Support Package

Construction Restart Booster

A $525.8 million construction restart booster will be made available to help construction firms, which have to incur additional compliance costs unique to the sector in order to resume works safely. This funding will co-share contractors’ costs in procuring additional material/equipment to comply with COVID-Safe Worksite requirements (e.g. additional portable toilets, PPEs, masks, barricades). The funding will be given to construction projects regardless of whether they have restarted or are pending restart, as these compliance costs would eventually be incurred.

Co-funding salaries of Safe Management Officers (SMOs)

Contractors are required to deploy SMO(s) to ensure that safe management measures are implemented at construction worksites. Even though the SMO position can be taken up by an existing employee rather than as a new hire, Government will set aside $48 million to co-fund 50% of salaries of SMOs who are Singapore citizens or permanent residents for six months from September 2020 to February 2021, provided that the firms adhere to COVID-Safe Worksite practices.

Co-sharing of prolongation costs for public sector projects

Government Procurement Entities (GPEs) will co-share the prolongation costs for public sector construction contracts and tenders which closed before 1 June 2020. This will add up to $793 million. GPEs will co-share 50% of the prolongation cost, capped at 1.8% of contract sum. Main contractors for public sector construction projects may submit claims for the following prolongation cost for delays which are accompanied by certified Extensions of Time (EOTs) due to COVID-19:

a)    Rental of plant and equipment by main contractors and the sub-contractors;
b)    Other project-related costs such as vector control, insurance, etc.

In these challenging times, developers undertaking private sector projects should also likewise adopt similar practices to co-share prolongation costs with contractors for private sector projects.

Extension of Advance Payment for public sector projects

As some construction projects have not fully resumed work yet, the Government will extend advance payment to firms working on public sector projects. Main contractors of public sector projects were earlier granted advance payments for the months of April and May 2020. GPEs will now extend advance payment up to the point when the projects have obtained approval to restart, subject to a total advance payment cap of 5% of the project’s awarded contract sum or $10M, whichever is lower. Main contractors will be required to pass on a portion of the advance payment to their sub-contractors within two weeks of receiving the payment certificate from GPEs.

Extension of Government subsidies for COVID-19 tests

As part of BCA’s COVID-Safe Workforce criteria, employers should ensure that their employees undergo periodic swab tests to safeguard the health and safety of their employees as required. This includes all construction work permit holders and S Pass holders (except for those working in company office premises) and Singapore Citizens/ Permanent Residents/ Employment Pass holders working on construction sites. The Government had earlier announced that it would pay for the periodic swab test for construction work permit holders and S-pass holders, up to August 2020. The Government will now continue to bear the costs of COVID-19 testing for the construction sector until 31 March 2021, to help ensure a safe restart of the construction sector.

Posted on

How to pass property tax rebate from property owner to tenant

Resilience Budget on property tax

As part of the Resilience Budget announced on 26 Mar 2020, qualifying nonresidential properties (“qualifying properties”) will be granted up to 100% of property tax rebate for the period of 1 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2020.

For most properties that are eligible for 100% property tax rebate, this is equivalent to slightly more than one month’s rental.

Owners of qualifying properties are required to unconditionally and fully pass on to their tenant(s) the rebate for the property tax account that is attributable to the rented property, by either reducing or offsetting current or future rentals or through a payment to their tenant(s), within the prescribed time frame.

Prescribed Amount of Rebate for Passing on – Where the Whole Property is Leased or Licensed to Single Tenant

There are two options for the property owner to fulfil his obligation in passing on the prescribed amount of rebate to his tenant(s), Option 1A and Option 2A.

Option 1A

The owner must pass on to a tenant the total of the sums calculated for each month of the year 2020 in which the tenant rents the property.

PTR / 12 X D/D(Month)

“PTR” is:
(a) the rebate amount for the property before any change in circumstances occurs;
(b) Zero, if there is no rebate amount mentioned in (a); 

“D” is the number of days in the month for which the tenant is a prescribed lessee or prescribed licensee of the property;

“D(Month)” is the number of days in the month

Option 2A

The property owner may choose to pass on the whole of the rebate amount of the property to:
(a) The tenant of the property on 3 April 2020;
(b) If there is no tenant as mentioned in (a) for the property, the first tenant  of the property in the period between 4 April 2020 and 31 July 2020 (both dates inclusive); or
(c) If there is no tenant of the property, in paragraphs (a) or (b), then only Option 1A applies.

Prescribed Amount of Rebate for Passing on – Where Part of Property is Leased or Licensed to Tenant or Different Parts of the Property are Leased or Licensed to Different Tenants

There are two options for the property owner to fulfil his obligation in passing on the prescribed amount of rebate to his tenant(s), Option 1B and Option2B.

The property owner has to adopt the same option, either Option 1B or Option 2B, in respect of the different parts of the property.

Option 1B

The owner must pass on to a tenant the total of the sums calculated for each month of the year 2020 in which the tenant is such a lessee or licensee.

𝑁𝑅 × 10% × 𝑃𝑇𝑅(%) × 𝐷/𝐷(𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ)

“D” is the number of days in the month for which the tenant is a prescribed lessee or prescribed licensee of the part of the property;
“D(Month)” is the number of days in the month;
“NR” is the net rent* payable by the tenant for the part of the property for the month;
“PTR(%)” is the rate of the property tax rebate granted for the part of the property

*This net rent is the rent, licence fee or similar payment payable by the prescribed lessee or prescribed licensee of the property or part of the property to the owner of the property under the lease or licence agreement between the prescribed lessee or prescribed licensee and the owner which (a) Includes the following amounts payable under the agreement:
(i) any amount determined by the gross turnover (GTO)** of any business carried on by the lessee or licensee at the property or part of the property;
(ii) fees for repair, insurance, maintenance and upkeep of the property or part of the property, and property tax payable by the owner; but
(b) Excludes the following amounts payable under the agreement:
(i) any amount in respect of the provision of services (e.g. cleaning,
refuse disposal and advertising and promotion) by the owner to the lessee or licensee; and (ii)any goods and services tax.

Where for any month, the month amount plus previous months cumulative amount determined using Option 1B for every tenant  would together exceed the rebate amount for the property, the amount of that rebate amount less the previous months cumulative amount is to be passed on to each tenant on a proportionate basis if there is more than one subject tenant; or the tenant in whole, if there is only one tenant

Option 2B

The property owner may choose to pass on the rebate for each part of the property as follows:
(a) Where the part of the property is granted a property tax rebate of 100% or 60%, an amount of at least 1.2 x AR
(b) Where the part of the property is granted a property tax rebate of 30%, an amount of at least 0.36 x AR
to the tenant as follows:

(i) The tenant of the part of the property on 3 Apr 2020;
(ii) If there is no tenant as mentioned in paragraph 9.17(i) for the part of the property, the first tenant of that part in the period between 4 Apr 2020 and 31 Jul 2020 (both dates inclusive); or
(iii) If there is no tenant of the property, in paragraphs 9.17(i) or (ii), then only Option 1B applies. 

“AR”’ is the average net rent* per month payable by the tenant for the part of the tenant’s lease or licence that falls in the period starting on 1 Jan 2020 and the last day of the month immediately before the month in which the owner passes on or begins to pass on the benefit (both days inclusive). If the duration of the lease or licence in the period 1 Jan 2020 and the last day of the month in which the owner passes on or begins to pass on the rebate (both days inclusive) is less than one month, the net rent payable for that part of the month must be used to determine a proportionate amount for the whole month, which is then to be treated as the average net rent per month for the period.

Where the sum total of the amounts determined for all such tenants of the property would exceed the rebate amount for the property, then the amount of rebate must be passed to those tenants on a proportionate basis.

 

 

Posted on

IRAS – Extended Filing Deadline [Updated]

Due to the extended Circuit Breaker to 1 June 2020, IRAS is providing an automatic extension of deadlines for tax filing for individuals and businesses.

Tax TypeOriginal Filing DeadlineExtended Filing Deadline
[New]
Income Tax for Individuals (including sole
proprietors and partnerships)		18 Apr 202031 May 2020
Income Tax for Trusts, Clubs and
Associations		15 Apr 202030 Jun 2020
[Updated]
Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) for
companies with Financial Year ending
Jan 2020		30 Apr 202030 Jun 2020
[Updated]
Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) for
companies with Financial Year ending
Feb 2020		31 May 202030 Jun 2020
[Updated]
GST Returns for accounting period ending
Mar 2020		30 Apr 202011 May 2020
S45 Withholding Tax Forms due in Apr 202015 Apr 202015 May 2020
Tax Clearances for foreign employee in
Apr 2020		–30 Jun 2020
[Updated]
Tax Clearance for foreign employees
due in May 2020		–30 Jun 2020
[Updated]

Posted on

Support Measures during extended Circuit Breaker period until 1 June 2020

On 21 April 2020, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced that it would extend the circuit breaker period until 1 Jun 2020 (inclusive).

Supporting Workers and Businesses

The Government will extend the 75% JSS on the first $4600 of gross monthly wages for local employees across all sectors for another month, i.e. in the month of May 2020. This enhanced payout for May 2020 will be disbursed by end-May 2020 via PayNow or having existing GIRO arrangements with IRAS. Other employers will start receiving their cheques in early-June. The Government encourage all employers to sign up for PayNow to receive payouts faster.

Similar to the arrangement for April, the 75% subsidy for May 2020 will first be computed and disbursed based on November 2019 wages, thereby ensuring speedy disbursement. Subsequently, we will adjust future JSS payouts to account for actual wages paid in May 2020, relative to November 2019. 

Employers who put local employees on mandatory no-pay-leave or retrench them will not be entitled to the enhanced JSS payout for those employees.

Jobs Support Scheme ("JSS") to cover Shareholder-Directors

The Government has extended the Jobs Support Scheme, to cover wagers of employees of a company who are also shareholders and directors of the company. 

This support is only applied to companies that were registered on or before 20 April 2020, and for the wages of shareholder-directors with Assessable Income of $100,000 or less for Year of Assessment 2019. The May 2020 and subsequent JSS payouts will include support for qualifying shareholder-directors. The May 2020 payout will also include back-payment for companies with qualifying shareholder-directors whose wages were excluded from the first JSS payout in April 2020.

Foreign Worker Levy Waiver and Rebate extended by 1 month

The Government will extend the Foreign Worker Levy (FWL) waiver and FWL rebate by one month, to ease labour costs of firms that employ foreign workers in this period. 

As with the initial introduction of the waiver and rebate, this assistance will support firms with workers who are unable to work due to the circuit breaker and/or Stay Home Notice (SHN) measures. Firms should use the assistance for their workers’ wages and subsistence needs. MOM will provide further details. 

Posted on

Budget Summary 2020

A summary of Unity, Resilience and Solidarity Budget 2020.

Jobs Support Scheme ("JSS")

The temporary enhancement to  the JSS for the month of April 2020 will raise the wage support to 75% in that month. This will apply to the first S$4,600 of gross monthly wages paid to local workers (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) in all sectors.

The first JSS payout (“Payout 1”) has been brought forward to  April 2020.Employers, who are on PayNow or have a Giro account with IRAS, will receive their payment in mid-April. Other employers will start to receive their cheques
the following week.

Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme ("SIRS")

As part of the Solidarity Budget, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will enhance the Self-Employed Person (SEP) Income Relief Scheme (SIRS) to  broaden support for SEPs affected by Covid-19 and tide them through this period of economic uncertainty. Eligible SEPs will receive three quarterly cash payouts of $3,000 each in May, July and October. 

1. WIth the two key enhancements, Singaporean SEPs who meet all of the following criteria will be eligible for SIRs:

    • Started work as an SEP on or before 25 March 2020
    • Currently earn a Net Trade Income (NTI) of not more than $100,000.;
    • If SEP also has employment (i.e. dual status worker), the income earned as an employee must be not more than $2,300/month;
    • Live in a property with an AV not more than $21,000; and
    • Do not own two or more properties.

2. For married Singaporean SEPs, the following additional criteria apply::

    • The individual and spouse together do not own two or more properties; and
    • The Assessable Income of his/her spouse does not exceed $70,000.

Care and Support Package

All Singaporeans aged 21 and above this year will receive a one-off Solidarity Payment of S$600 in cash. This will be done by bringing forward S$300 from the earlier announced enhanced Care and Support – Cash, and the Government topping up an additional S$300.

Most eligible citizens will receive their Solidarity Payment by 14 April 2020.

Eligible citizens will be notified of their payment via SMS, from 15 April 2020.

The other cash payouts that were earlier announced in the Resilience Budget under the enhanced Care and Support Package will be paid out in June 2020 (brought forward from August and September 2020).

These include:

  1. Remaining enhanced Care and Support – Cash of S$300 and S$600, for lower- and middle-income adult Singaporeans;
  2. Additional enhanced Care and Support – Cash of $300 for Singaporean parents with at least one Singaporean child aged 20 and below this year; and
  3. PAssion Card Top-up of S$100 for all Singaporeans aged 50 and above this year.
    This will be paid out in cash instead of through physical redemption, in consideration of safe distancing.

Cash Flow & Credit Support for Employers

To support enterprises, the Government will be helping employers with cash flow and credit:

  • Waiver of monthly Foreign Worker Levy (FWL) due in April 2020 to help firms with cash flow
  • FWL rebate of $750 in April 2020 from levies paid this year, for each Work Permit or S Pass holder
  • Laws to ensure property owners pass on Property Tax rebate to tenants.
  • 1-month rental waiver for office, industrial, and agriculture tenants of Government agencies
  • Government’s risk share raised from 80% to 90% for EFS-Trade Loan, EFS-SME Working Capital Loan, and Temporary Bridging Loan Programme (applies to loans initiated from 8 April 2020 till 31 March 2021)

Self-Employed Person Training Support Scheme

The training allowance is increased to S$10.00 an hour with effect from 1 May 2020.

Workfare Income Supplement Scheme ("WIS")

The Workfare Special Payment is increased to S$3,000, which will be paid over two equal payments of S$1,500 each, in July and October 2020.

COVID-19 Support Grant

The scheme eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, aged 16 years and above,
  • who are presently unemployed due to retrenchment or contract termination as a result of the economic impact of the COVID-19 situation, and meet all of the following:
  • Had a monthly household income of not more than $10,000, or per capita household income not more than $3,100 per month prior to unemployment;
  • Lives in a property with an annual value of not more than $21,000; and
  • Not currently receiving ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance(SMTA) or ComCare Interim Assistance.
  • The applicant must have been employed as a full-time, or part-time permanent, or contract staff prior to unemployment.

Successful applicants will receive a monthly cash grant of S$800, for three months.

The scheme will be open for application from May 2020 to September 2020.

Individuals who are eligible may submit their application at their nearest Social Service Office,

Deferment of Income Tax Payments for Companies

All companies with Corporate Income Tax (CIT) payments due in the months of April, May and June 2020 will be granted an automatic three-month deferment of these payments. 

The CIT payments deferred from April, May, and June 2020 will instead be collected in July, August, and September 2020 respectively.

No application is required.

Deferment of Personal Income Tax (PIT) Payments for Self-Employed Persons (SEPs)

All SEPs are to file their personal income tax (PIT) returns for YA 2020 by 18 April 2020. SEPs will be granted an automatic three-month deferment of their PIT payments due in the months of May, June and July 2020. The PIT payments deferred from May, June, and July 2020 will instead be collected in August, September, and October 2020 respectively.

Rental Waivers for Tenants in Government-Owned / Managed Non-Residential Facilities

Stallholders at hawker centres and markets managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) will be given three months’ worth of rental waiver, with a minimum waiver of $200.

Commercial tenants in other government-owned or managed facilities will be provided with two months’ worth of rental waivers. 

Other Non-Residential Tenants. Government agencies such as JTC, SLA, HDB, URA, BCA, NParks, and PA will provide half a month’s worth of rental waiver to eligible tenants of other non-residential premises who do not pay Property Tax. Eligible tenants/lessees may include those in premises used for
industrial or agricultural purpose, or as an office, a business or science park, or a petrol station.

Enhanced Property Tax Rebate for Non-Residential Properties

For the tourism sector:

  • Property Tax Rebate of 100% for the year 2020, for the accommodation and function room components of licensed hotels and serviced apartments, and prescribed Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) venues.
  • International cruise and regional ferry terminals will receive a 100% Property Tax Rebate, and
  • the Integrated Resorts will receive a 60% Property Tax Rebate.

For the aviation sector:

  • 100% Property Tax Rebate for Changi Airport

For other non-residential properties:

  • 30% Property Tax Rebate

Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) provides supports projects under 3 categories:

Core Capabilities

Projects under Core Capabilities help businesses prepare for growth and transformation by strengthening their business foundations.

Productivity

Projects under Innovation and Productivity support companies that explore new areas of growth, or look for ways to enhance efficiency.

Market Access

Projects under Market Access support Singapore companies that are willing and ready to venture overseas.

From 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2020, the support level will be raised from up to 70% to up to 80%. For enterprises that are most severely impacted by COVID19, the maximum support level will be further raised to 90% on a case-by-case basis.

Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)

From 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2020, the maximum support level will be raised from 70% to 80%.

SMEs Go Digital

The SMEs Go Digital programme aims to help SMEs use digital technologies and build stronger digital capabilities to seize growth opportunities in the digital economy. 

From 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2020, the scope of pre-approved digital solutions will be expanded to cover:

  1. Online collaboration tools;
  2. Virtual meeting and telephony tools;
  3. Queue management systems; and
  4. Temperature screening solutions.

The list of digital solutions fro PSG can be found on the Tech Depot

(www.smeportal.sg/content/tech-depot/en/home.html).

SMEs that are looking for visitor registration and contact tracing tools can access free trials provided by the tech industry 

(https://www.imda.gov.sg/bizgodigital).

Stabilisation and Support Package (SSP) - Course fee subsidy

Under the Stabilisation and Support Package (SSP), SSG is providing 90% course fee subsidies and absentee payroll (AP) rates for employers in sectors directly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak (i.e. air transport, tourism, retail, and food services), when they sponsor their workers for eligible courses. 

These enhancements will last for three months.

SG Together Enhancing Enterprise Resilience (STEER)

STEER supports funds set up by the Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) or industry groupings, with the aim of helping businesses tide over the challenges arising from COVID-19, and to push on with transformation efforts in preparation for economic recovery. 

From 1 April 2020, Enterprise Singapore will match S$1 for every S$2 raised by such industry-led funds, up to S$1 million per fund.

E-invoicing Registration Grant

Businesses registered on the nationwide e-invoicing network on or before 31 December 2020 will receive a one-time grant of S$200. Businesses can register through more than 50 Peppol-ready accounting and ERP solutions. Once registered on the nationwide e-invoicing network, businesses will be able to send and receive e-invoices through the network.

Businesses incorporated on or before 25 March 2020 and registered on the network on or before 31 December 2020 will automatically receive their grant via PayNow Corporate.

There is no need to apply for the grant.

Advanced Digital Solutions

IMDA and Enterprise Singapore will provide up to 80% funding support for enterprises to adopt advanced digital solutions from 1 May 2020 to 31 December 2020.

Examples include:

  1. Advanced security and facilities management systems for buildings – cluster guarding, digital concierges, sensors and analytics for energy management and predictive maintenance, smart toilet systems, and mobile robots for security and/or cleaning. These solutions will help enterprises balance the need to minimise physical contact among staff, with the increased demand for security, cleaning and maintenance. It will also help to integrate security,
    cleaning and maintenance for more seamless facilities management.
  2. Integrated Business-to-Business (B2B) systems to facilitate end-to-end
    transactions between buyers and sellers.     These would help enterprises transit from  manual/paper transactions to electronic transactions by covering interlinked transactions such as e-procurement, e-invoicing, e-payments, and inventory management.

Enterprise Financing Scheme – SME Working Capital Loan

Maximum loan quantum: S$1,000,000

Maximum repayment
period: 5 years

Government’s risk-share: 80%.

Interest rate: Subject to assessment by Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs)

Principal Payment Deferment: SMEs may request for deferment of principal repayment for 1 year, subject to assessment by PFIs

Enterprise Financing Scheme – Trade Loan

The Enterprise Financing Scheme – Trade Loan supports Singapore-based enterprises’ trade financing needs, which include the financing of short-term import, export, and guarantee needs.

Maximum loan quantum: $10,000,000 per borrower group,

Maximum repayment
period: 1 year

Government’s risk-share: 80%.

Interest rate: Subject to assessment by Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs)

Loan Insurance Scheme (LIS)

The Loan Insurance Scheme helps SMEs secure short-term trade loans by having commercial insurers co-share loan default with Participating Financial Institutions. A portion of the insurance premium paid by SMEs to insurers is supported by the Government.

Maximum loan quantum insured: Subject to assessment by Commercial Insurers and Participating Financial Institutions

Maximum insured period: 1 year

Government’s subsidy on
insurance premium: 80%

Temporary Bridging Loan Programme (TBLP)

The Loan Insurance Scheme helps SMEs secure short-term trade loans by having commercial insurers co-share loan default with Participating Financial Institutions. A portion of the insurance premium paid by SMEs to insurers is supported by the Government.

Sector Coverage: All sectors

Maximum loan quantum: S$5,000,000 per borrower group

Maximum repayment
period: 5 years

Government’s risk-share: 80%

Interest rate: Capped at 5% per annum

Principal Payment Deferment: Enterprises may request for deferment of principal repayment for 1 year, subject to assessment by PFIs

Government fees and charges

All government fees and charges are freeze. i.e. No incremental of fees and charges.

All agencies will continue to collect fees and charges.

Temporary Relief Fund

Some families may require help urgently may apply for Temporary Relief Fund in the month of April, to provide them with immediate financial assistance.

This will be available at Social Service Offices and Community Centres.

SGUnited Traineeships programme

Workforce Singapore (WSG) will co-share manpower costs with enterprises that offer up to 8,000 traineeships targeted at local first-time jobseekers this year.

Firms that offer traineeships targeted at local first-time job seekers this year can receive funding from government agency Workforce Singapore (WSG) under this SGUnited Traineeships programme.

These will include science and technology stints in research and development labs, deep-tech start-ups, accelerators and incubators, said DPM Heng.

Participants will receive an allowance co-funded by the Government and firm they are attached to.

SGUnited Jobs Initiative

10,000 jobs will start with the public sector recruiting for long-term roles in essential services such as social services, early childhood education and infocomm technology.

Temporary jobs to handle the increase in Covid-19-related operations will also be available in roles such as health declaration assistants and temporary management support officers.

Private sector job opportunities will also be identified together with the Singapore Business Federation and other trade associations and chambers. 

There will be a series of SGUnited Jobs Virtual Career Fair (VCFs) upcoming up. More details of subsequent runs of the SGUnited Jobs VCF will be made available at a later date.

https://vcf.mycareersfuture.sg/vcf

Posted on

Extension of Deadline for Holding Annual General Meetings and Filing Annual Returns

In light of the COVID-19 situation, some companies may have difficulties holding their Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and filing their Annual Returns (ARs).

For listed and non-listed companies whose AGMs are due during the period 16 April 2020 to 31 July 2020

ACRA will grant a 60-day extension of time for all listed and non-listed companies whose AGMs are due during the period 16 April 2020 to 31 July 2020. 

Companies that had previously been granted extension of time to hold their AGMs within this period will also be given a further 60 days of extension from the last date of extension. 

The AR filing due dates for the period 1 May 2020 to 31 August 2020 for all listed and non-listed companies will also be extended for 60 days. There is no need for these companies to apply for the extension of time with ACRA.

For listed and non-listed companies whose AGMs are due during the period 1 to 15 April 2020

ACRA will also not impose any penalties on listed and non-listed companies whose AGMs are due during the period 1 April to 15 April 2020 if they hold the AGM within 60 days of the due date. Their AR filing due dates will also be extended for 60 days. There is no need for these companies to apply for the extension of time.

Temporary Measures for Conduct of Meetings

ACRA and MAS are working with other relevant government agencies to propose legislative amendments to provide legal certainty in relation to the conduct of meetings, for companies implementing safe distancing measures. The proposed provisions are scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on or about 7 April 2020. Details of the approved provisions will be updated on this page when available.  

In the interim, ACRA, MAS and SGX RegCo have issued a joint updated guidance to guide companies on the measures they could adopt in the holding of AGMs and general meetings amid the COVID-19 situation until the proposed legislative amendments have been passed in Parliament in April 2020. 

Please click on the following links for more information:

Posted on

Solidarity Budget 2020

Jobs Support Scheme ("JSS")

Current Treatment

Employers will receive a cash grant on the gross monthly wages of each local employee (applicable to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents only) of :

  • 50% for food and service industry, 
  • 75% for the aviation and tourism sectors, and 
  • 25% for rest of the industry for the months of October 2019 to July 2020,

subject to a monthly wage cap of S$4,600 per employee.   

Employers do not need to apply for the JSS. The grant will be computed based on CPF contribution data.   

Employers can expect to receive the JSS payment from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) by May 2020.

Wages paid to business owners will not be eligible for the grant. 

New Treatment

The temporary enhancement to  the JSS for the month of April 2020 will raise the wage support to 75% in that month. This will apply to the first S$4,600 of gross monthly wages paid to local workers (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) in all sectors.

The first JSS payout (“Payout 1”) has been brought forward to  April 2020.

For April 2020 payment, the government will give an Cash Grant of up to 75% of Oct 2019 wages. Subsequently, the Cash Grant in July 2020 will be adjusted downwards by 50% of Oct 2019 wages.

Care and Support Package

Current Treatment

All Singaporeans aged 21 years and above in 2020 will receive a one-off Care and Support – Cash payout of S$900, S$600 or S$300, depending on their income.

Those who own more than one property will receive S$300, regardless of their income.

Parents, with at least one Singaporean child aged 20 and below in 2020, will each receive an additional S$300 in cash.

New Treatment

All Singaporeans aged 21 and above this year will receive a one-off Solidarity Payment of S$600 in cash. This will be done by bringing forward S$300 from the earlier announced enhanced Care and Support – Cash, with the Government topping up an additional S$300.

Most eligible citizens will receive their Solidarity Payment by 14 April 2020.

Eligible citizens will be notified of their payment via SMS, from 15 April 2020.

The other cash payouts that were earlier announced in the Resilience Budget under the enhanced Care and Support Package will be paid out in June 2020 (brought forward from August and September 2020).

These include:

  1. Remaining enhanced Care and Support – Cash of S$300 and S$600, for lower- and middle-income adult Singaporeans;
  2. Additional enhanced Care and Support – Cash of $300 for Singaporean parents with at least one Singaporean child aged 20 and below this year; and
  3. PAssion Card Top-up of S$100 for all Singaporeans aged 50 and above this year.
    This will be paid out in cash instead of through physical redemption, in consideration of safe distancing.

Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme ("SIRS")

Current Treatment

Eligible self-employed persons will receive S$1,000 a month for nine months.

New Treatment

More SEPs will qualify for SIRS

  • Automatic inclusion for SEPs who also earn a small income from employment work
  • Enhanced Annual Value of property criterion of $21,000, up from $13,000 previously

Eligible SEPs will receive three quarterly cash payouts of $3,000 each in May, July, and October 2020. Other criteria remain unchanged.

Cash Flow & Credit Support for Employers

Current Treatment

Not applicable.

New Treatment

To support enterprises, the Government will be helping employers with cash flow and credit:

  • Waiver of monthly Foreign Worker Levy (FWL) due in April 2020 to help firms with cash flow
  • FWL rebate of $750 in April 2020 from levies paid this year, for each Work Permit or S Pass holder
  • Laws to ensure property owners pass on Property Tax rebate to tenants.
  • 1-month rental waiver for office, industrial, and agriculture tenants of Government agencies
  • Government’s risk share raised from 80% to 90% for EFS-Trade Loan, EFS-SME Working Capital Loan, and Temporary Bridging Loan Programme (applies to loans initiated from 8 April 2020 till 31 March 2021)