Chargeable income is the amount of a taxpayer’s income on which income tax is calculated — assessable income after deducting approved personal reliefs.
Key takeaways
- Chargeable income is assessable income minus approved personal reliefs.
- Resident progressive tax rates are applied to chargeable income, not gross income.
- Personal reliefs that reduce chargeable income are capped at SGD 80,000 a Year of Assessment.
- The first SGD 20,000 of chargeable income is taxed at 0% for residents.
- A lower chargeable income generally means a lower tax bill.
How chargeable income is worked out
Assessable income — income after allowable expenses and donations — is reduced by approved personal reliefs to give chargeable income. Resident progressive tax rates are then applied to this amount. Reliefs are subject to the SGD 80,000 personal income tax relief cap.
Why chargeable income matters
Because tax is charged on chargeable income rather than gross income, reliefs such as Earned Income Relief, CPF Relief and Qualifying Child Relief lower the amount taxed. The first SGD 20,000 of chargeable income is taxed at 0% for residents.
Key chargeable income figures
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Tax-free band (residents, YA 2026) | first SGD 20,000 at 0% |
| Personal income tax relief cap (YA 2026) | SGD 80,000 |
| Resident tax rate range (YA 2026) | 0% – 24% |
Figures as at YA 2026. Source: IRAS.
Worked example
A resident with assessable income of SGD 90,000 and SGD 10,000 in approved reliefs has a chargeable income of SGD 80,000, which is taxed at the YA 2026 resident rates rather than on the full SGD 90,000.
Related terms
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Estimate chargeable income and tax after reliefs at YA 2026 resident rates.
This page is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. All figures and worked examples are estimates for illustrative purposes, are subject to change, and do not reflect any individual’s circumstances. Always refer to IRAS and seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions.