How to become a GST registered company in Singapore (2026 guide)

Key Takeaways:

• Your business must become a GST registered company once your taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million, but you can also register voluntarily below that threshold if it benefits your operations.

• Being GST registered lets you claim input tax credits on business expenses, which reduces your costs. It also comes with quarterly filing obligations, record-keeping requirements, and, for voluntary registrants from April 2026, an InvoiceNow compliance requirement.

• Airwallex helps GST registered companies keep their finances in order with real-time expense tracking, multi-currency Corporate Cards, and integrations with accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite.

Becoming a GST registered company in Singapore is compulsory once your taxable turnover crosses S$1 million — and it's a decision worth thinking through carefully even if you're below that mark.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) system comes with real financial benefits, but also with ongoing compliance obligations that affect how you invoice, file, and manage your records.

This guide walks you through when registration is required, how to apply, what changes for your business once you're registered, and how to check whether another business is GST registered.

It also covers the 2026 updates to the registration process — including the new InvoiceNow requirement for voluntary registrants — so you know exactly what you're signing up for before you apply.

What is the Goods and Services Tax (GST)?

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a consumption tax applied to most goods and services sold in Singapore, including imported goods. It is collected by GST registered businesses on behalf of the government and paid to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

The current GST rate is 9%.¹ This applies to most standard-rated supplies — the goods and services you sell locally. Not everything is taxed at this rate, though. There are four categories of supply you need to know:

Category 1: Standard-rated supplies (9%)

Most local sales of goods and services fall here. If you sell software to a Singapore customer, provide consulting services, or run a retail shop, you charge 9% GST on those transactions.

Category 2: Zero-rated supplies (0%)

Exports of goods and international services are taxed at 0%. You still charge GST — just at zero — and you can still claim input tax on related business expenses. This makes registration particularly attractive for businesses that export.

Category 3: Exempt supplies

Financial services, the sale and lease of residential properties, and the import and supply of investment precious metals are exempt from GST. No GST is charged, and you cannot claim input tax on costs related to these supplies.

Category 4: Out-of-scope supplies

These are transactions that fall outside the GST system entirely — for example, goods sold from one overseas location to another that never enter Singapore. No GST applies.

How GST works in practice

When you are a GST registered company, you charge GST (output tax) on your sales and collect it from customers. You also pay GST (input tax) on your business purchases. The difference between output tax and input tax is what you pay to IRAS — or claim as a refund if your input tax exceeds your output tax.

You are not paying GST out of your own pocket. You are passing it on from customers to the government, while recovering what you've paid on your own business costs.

When does your business need to become a GST registered company?

GST registration in Singapore is either compulsory or voluntary.

Compulsory registration kicks in once your taxable turnover hits a certain threshold. Voluntary registration is an option below that threshold — and for some businesses, it makes clear financial sense to register early.

Here's how the two compare at a glance:

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 31 March 2026.

Compulsory registration

Situation 1: Your past year's sales crossed S$1 million

If your taxable turnover for the full calendar year (1 January to 31 December) exceeded S$1 million, you must apply for GST registration between 1 January and 30 January of the following year.² Your registration takes effect on 1 March.²

Example: Your sales from January to December 2025 totalled S$1.2 million. You need to apply between 1 and 30 January 2026. IRAS will register you from 1 March 2026.²

Situation 2: You can see your sales crossing S$1 million in the next 12 months

If you sign a contract, receive a large confirmed order, or otherwise have good reason to expect your taxable turnover will exceed S$1 million in the coming year, you must apply within 30 days of that point.² You need supporting documents — a signed contract, an accepted quotation, or confirmed purchase orders — to back this up.²

From 1 July 2025, businesses registering under this situation get a two-month buffer before they need to start charging GST, giving you time to update your invoices and systems.²

Example: You sign a S$1.5 million contract on 1 August 2025. You must apply for GST registration by 31 August 2025. You will start charging GST two months later, from 1 October 2025.²

What counts towards your S$1 million?

Your taxable turnover includes your standard-rated and zero-rated sales made in Singapore. It does not include exempt supplies (like financial services or residential property rental), purely private transactions, or money from selling business assets like machinery or office equipment.²

What happens if you miss the deadline?

IRAS will backdate your registration to when you first should have registered. You will owe GST on all past sales from that date — even sales where you didn't charge your customer GST. You may also face a fine of up to S$10,000 and a penalty of 10% of the GST owed.²

One important note: if you come forward and tell IRAS you registered late when you submit your application, they will generally waive the fine and penalties. You will still need to pay the backdated GST, but voluntary disclosure significantly reduces the financial impact.²

Can you be exempt even if your sales exceed S$1 million?

Yes, in two cases:²

• You mainly sell exports. If almost all of your sales are zero-rated (exports), you can apply to IRAS for an exemption from registration, since you're unlikely to owe any net GST anyway.

• Your high sales were temporary. If you exceeded S$1 million last year but you're confident your sales will stay below that level in the next 12 months — because a major contract ended or you've significantly scaled down — you may not need to register. You'll need documentation to prove it.²

Voluntary registration

If your sales are below S$1 million, you don't have to register. But you can choose to — and for some businesses it makes clear financial sense.

The main benefit is the ability to claim back the 9% GST you pay on your own business expenses — rent, equipment, software, supplier invoices. If these costs are significant, voluntary registration can meaningfully reduce your overheads. It also signals to larger corporate clients that your business is established and compliant, which can help you win B2B contracts.

The trade-off is real though:

• Once you register voluntarily, you must stay registered for at least two years.²

• You'll need to file GST returns every quarter and set up a GIRO arrangement for payments

• From 1 April 2026, you’ll need to comply with the InvoiceNow requirement.²

• You also need to complete a free GST e-learning course before applying.²

Whether voluntary registration makes sense depends on your cost structure, your customers, and how much admin your team can handle.

Pros and cons of voluntary registration

A note for overseas businesses

If you are an overseas business selling into Singapore, different rules may apply to you — even if you have no physical presence here.

If your business buys services from overseas suppliers (like cloud software or digital marketing) and you can't fully claim input tax, you may need to account for GST on those purchases under Singapore's Reverse Charge rules.²

If you are an overseas seller of digital services or low-value goods (items valued at S$400 or below) to customers in Singapore, you may need to register under the Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR) regime once you cross the registration threshold.²

If either of these situations sounds like yours, check with IRAS directly or speak to a tax adviser to confirm what applies.

Benefits of being a GST registered company in Singapore

For many businesses, GST registration is a legal requirement. But even for those who have a choice, there are concrete advantages to registering — especially if you have significant business costs or work primarily with corporate clients.

Benefit 1: Claim back GST on your business expenses

This is the most tangible financial benefit. As a GST registered company, you can claim input tax credits on the GST you pay for business purchases — rent, equipment, software subscriptions, supplier invoices, and more. That 9% you're paying on overheads doesn't have to be a sunk cost. You offset it against the GST you collect from customers, and only pay IRAS the difference.

For businesses with high operating costs, this can add up quickly. The more GST you pay on purchases, the more you stand to recover.

Benefit 2: Win more B2B business

Many larger companies and government-linked entities prefer to work with GST registered suppliers. Why? Because when they buy from you, they can claim back the GST you charge them as input tax. If you're not registered, that option isn't available to them, and some will simply choose a registered competitor instead.

Being a GST registered company can open doors to contracts and tenders that would otherwise be harder to access.

Benefit 3: Look more established to clients and partners

There's a credibility signal that comes with GST registration. It shows that your business is operating at scale, compliant with Singapore's tax regulations, and serious about how it's run. For businesses targeting corporate clients or expanding into new markets, this matters.

Benefit 4: Exporters benefit even more

If you export goods or provide international services, those sales are zero-rated, meaning you charge 0% GST. But you can still claim input tax on the costs you incur to produce or deliver those goods and services. This means you may consistently receive GST refunds from IRAS rather than owing money, which can meaningfully improve your cash flow.

How to register for GST in Singapore

The GST registration process is handled entirely online through the IRAS myTax Portal. The steps are the same whether you're registering on a compulsory or voluntary basis, but voluntary registrants have a few extra requirements to complete before and during the application.

Here's what the process looks like from start to finish.

Step 1: Work out which type of registration applies to you

Before you start your application, confirm whether you are registering on a compulsory or voluntary basis. This affects which steps apply to you and what documents you'll need.

If you're unsure, IRAS has a GST Registration Calculator on their website to help you assess your liability.

Step 2: Complete the GST e-learning course (voluntary registrants only)

If you are registering voluntarily, the company director, sole-proprietor, partner, trustee, or the person who will prepare your GST returns must complete IRAS's free online course — "Overview of GST" — and pass the quiz before submitting your application.

You can skip this step if:

• A director, sole-proprietor, partner, or trustee of the business already has experience managing other existing GST registered business

• The person preparing your GST returns is an Accredited Tax Adviser (ATA) or Accredited Tax Practitioner (ATP)

• You are registering under the Overseas Vendor Simplified Pay-only Registration Regime³

The course is free and available on the IRAS e-learning portal. It covers GST basics, how to file returns, and what your obligations are as a registered business.

Step 3: Prepare your supporting documents

You'll need to upload your supporting documents in PDF format at the end of the online application. IRAS will not process incomplete applications, so it's worth getting these ready before you start.

The documents you need depend on your business type and registration category. The full list is in the IRAS GST registration document checklist. In general, you should prepare:³

• Your latest ACRA business profile (or Certificate of Incorporation in English for overseas businesses)

• Recent sales invoices and purchase records showing your business activity

• Financial records or a business plan showing your turnover (or projected turnover)

• Any relevant licences or permits for your industry

• If registering voluntarily: your completed GIRO application form (more on this below)

• If registering voluntarily: your acknowledgement of completing the "Overview of GST" e-learning course

Step 4: Set up GIRO (voluntary registrants only)

Voluntary registrants must have a GIRO arrangement in place for GST payments and refunds. You have two options:

• eGIRO — Set up digitally through your bank. Faster and processed almost immediately upon approval by your company's authorised approver. IRAS recommends this route.

• Paper GIRO form — Submit a completed form to IRAS, who will forward it to your bank. This can take up to 21 working days to process.³

Your GIRO application must be approved before your GST registration can be processed. If it's rejected by your bank, IRAS will notify you separately.

Step 5: Meet the InvoiceNow requirement (voluntary registrants from April 2026)

From 1 April 2026, all new voluntary GST registrants must comply with the GST InvoiceNow requirement. This means your accounting or invoicing system must be InvoiceNow-ready — it needs to be Peppol-enabled and able to transmit invoice data directly to IRAS through the InvoiceNow network.

This applies to any business applying for voluntary GST registration from 1 April 2026, regardless of when it was incorporated. If you're registering on a compulsory basis, this requirement comes into effect from 1 April 2028.

Manual invoices created only in Word or Excel will not meet this requirement. Check that your accounting software is InvoiceNow-compatible before you apply.

Step 6: Submit your application on myTax Portal

Log in to mytax.iras.gov.sg using your Corppass credentials and complete the GST registration application. Upload all required documents in PDF format at the end of the form.

You can track your application status through the portal after submission.

Step 7: Wait for IRAS to process your application

IRAS processes 60% of applications within 10 working days. The remaining applications are processed within 30 days. Processing may take longer if IRAS needs additional documents or verification from you.

If more than 30 days have passed since you submitted all required documents, you can follow up with IRAS by submitting an enquiry through their website.

Step 8: Receive your GST registration number and start date

Once approved, IRAS will send a letter to your registered address confirming:

• Your GST registration number — print this on all your invoices, credit notes, and receipts

• Your effective date of registration — the date from which you must start charging and collecting GST

You must not charge GST before this date. If you provide a local mobile number or email address in your application, you'll also receive an SMS or email notification.

If you applied on a compulsory basis late, your effective date will be backdated to when you should have registered. If you applied voluntarily, you will be registered within two weeks of the approval letter date.

What are the responsibilities of a GST registered company?

Once you're registered, GST becomes part of how you run your business day to day. Here's what you're required to do from your effective date of registration.

1. Charge and collect GST on your sales

You must charge 9% GST on all standard-rated supplies — goods and services you sell in Singapore. This applies from your effective registration date. You cannot charge GST before that date, and you must not continue charging it after your registration is cancelled.

Your GST registration number must appear on all tax invoices, simplified tax invoices, and receipts. For sales above S$1,000, you must issue a full tax invoice. For sales of S$1,000 or below, a simplified tax invoice with fewer details is acceptable.

All prices displayed to the public — in advertisements, quotations, or on your website — must include GST. Failing to display GST-inclusive prices can result in a fine of up to S$5,000.⁴

2. File GST returns every quarter

You must file your GST return (Form F5) every quarter through the myTax Portal, within one month after the end of each accounting period. Filing and payment fall on the same deadline.

Even if you have no transactions in a quarter, you must still file a NIL return. Missing the deadline is an offence — no extensions are granted.

3. Keep proper records for at least 5 years

You must keep all business and accounting records for a minimum of 5 years. This includes sales invoices, purchase receipts, import and export documents, and any contracts relevant to your GST transactions. This obligation continues even after your GST registration is cancelled.

Good record-keeping is your best protection during an IRAS audit. If you can't produce supporting documents for an input tax claim, that claim will be disallowed.

4. Notify IRAS of any changes within 30 days

If anything changes about your business — your mailing address, business constitution, ownership, or partners — you must notify IRAS within 30 days.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Missing a filing deadline or payment deadline carries real financial consequences. Here's a summary:

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 31 March 2026.

If you repeatedly fail to file, IRAS can issue a court summons. Conviction can result in a further fine of up to S$5,000 per offence.

Additional obligations for voluntary registrants

If you registered voluntarily, you have a few extra requirements on top of the above:⁴

• Use GIRO for all GST payments and refunds

• Remain GST registered for at least 2 years

• Start making taxable supplies within 2 years if you hadn't yet started at the time of registration

• Comply with the GST InvoiceNow requirement (from 1 April 2026 for new voluntary registrants)

IRAS can cancel your voluntary registration if any of these conditions are not met.

How to check if a company is GST registered

You may need to verify another business's GST status before paying a supplier invoice, claiming input tax, or entering a new business relationship. IRAS makes this straightforward through a free public tool.

Use the IRAS GST Registered Business Search

Go to the IRAS GST Registered Business Search on the myTax Portal. No login is required.

You can search using any of the following:

• Business name — enter at least the first five characters of the registered business name

• Unique Entity Number (UEN) — the most reliable way to search; enter up to four tax reference numbers (UEN, GST Reg No, or NRIC) at once

• GST registration number

• NRIC — for individuals who own sole-proprietorships

The results will show you whether the business is currently GST registered, their GST registration number, and the date their registration took effect.

Why this matters

Before you pay a supplier who has charged you 9% GST, it's worth checking that they're actually registered. If you pay GST to an unregistered business, you cannot claim that amount as input tax, and IRAS will not refund it to you.

If you receive an invoice with GST charged but cannot find the supplier on the IRAS register, contact the supplier directly and ask for a corrected invoice without GST. If you suspect fraud, you can report it to IRAS through their tax evasion reporting channel.

What to look for on a valid GST invoice

A proper tax invoice from a GST registered company must show:

• The supplier's GST registration number

• The GST amount charged

• The total price inclusive of GST

If any of these are missing, ask your supplier to reissue the invoice before you process payment or submit an input tax claim.

Manage your finances as a GST registered company with Airwallex

Once you're GST registered, financial accuracy is a compliance requirement. Every transaction needs to be tracked, every quarter needs a return, and your records need to hold up to an IRAS audit. The tools you use to manage your money directly affect how well you meet those obligations.

Airwallex is built for businesses that operate across currencies and markets — and it addresses several of the day-to-day financial challenges that GST registration brings.

Track expenses in real time with Corporate Cards

Managing team spending becomes more complex once you're GST registered. You need to correctly categorise expenses, separate GST-claimable purchases from non-claimable ones, and reconcile everything at quarter end.

With Airwallex Corporate Cards, you can issue multi-currency cards to employees instantly, set individual spending limits and controls, and monitor all transactions in a single dashboard as they happen. Every card transaction is captured in real time, which makes it significantly easier to prepare accurate GST returns.

Collect and manage money across currencies

If your business deals with overseas customers or suppliers, currency management adds another layer of complexity to your GST accounting. Payments coming in at different exchange rates, conversion fees eating into margins, and reconciliation across multiple accounts all create friction.

With Global Accounts, you can open local currency accounts in 20+ countries and receive payments from customers in their preferred currency — without unnecessary conversion. You hold the funds in that currency and spend them when you need to, which eliminates a lot of conversion friction and simplifies your records.

Connect directly to your accounting software

Airwallex integrates with Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite. Transactions flow directly into your accounting system, which reduces manual data entry, keeps your records current, and makes quarterly GST filing considerably less painful.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How long does GST registration take for a company in Singapore?

IRAS processes 60% of GST registration applications within 10 working days. The remaining applications are processed within 30 days. Processing can take longer if IRAS needs additional documents or verification from you. For voluntary registrants, your GIRO application also needs to be approved by your bank before registration can be completed — this can take up to 21 working days if you submit a paper form, or much faster if you use eGIRO.

What is the InvoiceNow requirement for GST registered companies?

InvoiceNow is a government initiative that requires businesses to transmit invoice data directly to IRAS through a Peppol-enabled accounting system. From 1 April 2026, all new voluntary GST registrants must comply with this requirement. For compulsory registrants, the requirement takes effect from 1 April 2028. If you are registering voluntarily from April 2026, make sure your accounting software is InvoiceNow-ready before you apply — manual invoicing in Word or Excel will not meet the requirement.

Do sole proprietors and freelancers need to register for GST?

Yes, if your taxable turnover crosses S$1 million. For sole proprietors, your taxable turnover includes the combined income from all your sole-proprietorship businesses plus any income from your trade, profession, or vocation — such as freelance work, commission income, or self-employed services like taxi driving. If the combined total exceeds S$1 million, you must register. The same registration process and obligations apply to sole proprietors as they do to companies.

Can I cancel my GST registration if my sales drop below S$1 million?

Yes, but with conditions. You can apply to cancel your GST registration if your taxable turnover has fallen below S$1 million and you are certain it will stay below that level in the next 12 months. However, if you originally registered voluntarily, you must remain GST registered for at least two years before you can apply to cancel.

How do I find a company's GST registration number?

You can look up any GST registered company using the IRAS GST Registered Business Search tool — no login required. Search by the company's registered business name, Unique Entity Number (UEN), or GST registration number. The results will show their current registration status and the date their registration took effect. You can also find your own GST registration number in the approval letter IRAS sends when your registration is confirmed.

What resources does IRAS offer to help newly GST registered companies stay compliant?

IRAS offers several free tools to help businesses get their GST right from the start. The Assisted Self-help Kit (ASK) is a self-assessment package designed for businesses that have just registered for GST or are filing for the first time.⁸ It helps you review the accuracy of your GST submissions, identify errors early, and correct them before an audit. IRAS also provides a free "Overview of GST" e-learning course and a GST registration document checklist that lists everything you need to submit when applying.

Sources:

1. https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/basics-of-gst/responsibilities-of-a-gst-registered-business

2. https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/gst-registration-deregistration/do-i-need-to-register-for-gst

3. https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/gst-registration-deregistration/applying-for-gst-registration

4. https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/filing-gst/late-filing-or-non-filing-of-GST-returns-f5-f8

5. https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/gst-payments-refunds/late-payment-or-non-payment-of-gst

6. https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/gst-registration-deregistration/cancelling-gst-registration

7. https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/getting-it-right/voluntary-compliance-initiatives/assisted-self-help-kit-(ask)

This publication does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice from Airwallex, nor does it substitute seeking such advice, and makes no express or implied representations / warranties / guarantees regarding content accuracy, completeness, or currency. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [[email protected]]. Airwallex (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (201626561Z) is licensed as a Major Payment Institution and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.