Last updated: 24 Jan 2012
Taxation
Since the beginning of 2004, the consumption tax levied on most goods and services (GST) has been increased from four per cent to seven per cent. Singapore has low company and personal taxation rates. Other forms of taxes include property, entertainment, customs duties, estate duties, etc.
A goods and services tax (GST) of seven per cent, assessed on the landed duty-paid value, is levied on all imports.
Excise taxes are levied on a few items including alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, petroleum products and motor vehicles.
Within the Ministry of Finance, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) acts as the agent of the government and provides service in administering, assessing, collecting and enforcing payment of taxes. IRAS also advises the government and represents Singapore internationally on matters relating to taxation.
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APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
Managed by the Department of Immigration, the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme was developed to make travelling within the 21 APEC member countries much simpler and more efficient.
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
IP Passport fact sheets
These fact sheets outline foreign Intellectual Property (IP) regimes and some of the issues and challenges which may be faced by Australian exporters.
The current fact sheets are available on the IP Australia website.