Goods & Services Tax (GST) is Singapore’s broad-based consumption tax, charged on the import of goods and on nearly all supplies of goods and services made in Singapore. It is known as Value-Added Tax (VAT) in other countries.
Key takeaways
- The current GST rate is 9%, applying to standard-rated supplies made on or after 1 January 2024.
- GST was introduced in Singapore on 1 April 1994, initially at 3%.
- GST registration is compulsory once a business has taxable turnover of more than SGD 1 million.
- GST is levied on the value added at each stage of the supply chain, so the price the final consumer pays is taxed only once.
- Exports of goods and international services are zero-rated, while financial services, digital payment tokens, residential property sales and leases, and investment precious metals are exempt.
How GST works
A GST-registered business charges GST on its taxable supplies — this is output tax — and claims back the GST it incurs on business purchases and imports as input tax. The difference between output tax and input tax is the net GST payable to IRAS or refundable by IRAS. This input tax credit mechanism means only the value added at each stage of the supply chain is taxed, rather than the full selling price at every stage.
The current rate and how it has changed
The prevailing GST rate is 9%. GST-registered businesses charge and account for GST at 9% on all sales of goods and services in Singapore unless the supply is zero-rated or exempt under the GST law.
- 1 Apr 1994 to 31 Dec 2002 — 3%
- 1 Jan 2003 to 31 Dec 2003 — 4%
- 1 Jan 2004 to 30 Jun 2007 — 5%
- 1 Jul 2007 to 31 Dec 2022 — 7%
- 1 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023 — 8%
- From 1 Jan 2024 — 9%
What GST applies to
Taxable supplies are split into standard-rated supplies, charged at 9%, and zero-rated supplies, charged at 0% — mainly exports of goods and international services. Non-taxable supplies are split into exempt supplies, where GST is not charged, and out-of-scope supplies such as a sale where goods are delivered from overseas to another place overseas.
Who charges and pays GST
Only GST-registered businesses can charge GST and claim input tax. Registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds SGD 1 million, and businesses below that level can apply to register voluntarily. Registered businesses file a GST return and pay any net GST within one month from the end of each accounting period, which is usually a quarter.
Key GST figures
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Current GST rate (from 1 Jan 2024) | 9% |
| Rate from 1 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023 | 8% |
| Rate from 1 Jul 2007 to 31 Dec 2022 | 7% |
| Compulsory registration threshold | taxable turnover over SGD 1 million |
| GST introduced in Singapore | 1 April 1994, at 3% |
Figures as at 2026. Source: IRAS.
Worked example
On a standard-rated purchase of SGD 100 before tax, GST at 9% adds SGD 9, so the GST-inclusive price is SGD 109. Working the other way, a displayed price of SGD 109 that already includes GST contains SGD 9 of GST and SGD 100 of pre-GST value.
Related terms
All Singapore glossary terms →Related calculator
Add or strip 9% GST from a price using the prevailing IRAS rate.
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.