Every year, the arrival of tax season reminds Singapore residents that it’s time to review their finances and submit their income details. For many people, the process may seem confusing at first, especially when navigating online systems like IRAS’ myTax Portal and Singpass authentication. However, once you understand how the system works, filing your income tax in Singapore is usually straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps.

This guide explains how to complete your income tax filing for the Year of Assessment (YA) 2026. Whether you are a full-time employee, self-employed, or earning income from additional sources, understanding the process will help ensure your tax submission is accurate and completed on time.

The first thing taxpayers often wonder is whether they even need to file their taxes this year. Singapore has introduced systems that simplify this process for many residents. One example is the No-Filing Service (NFS), which automatically prepares tax information for eligible taxpayers. If you receive a notification indicating that you are part of the NFS scheme, you usually do not need to submit a tax return manually. Instead, you simply log into the portal and verify that the pre-filled information is correct.

Another initiative is the Direct Notice of Assessment (D-NOA). Under this arrangement, the tax authority calculates your tax bill using income information submitted by your employer along with relief claims from previous years. Even though the calculation is automated, taxpayers are still encouraged to review the details carefully to ensure everything is accurate.

If you notice errors or missing information after receiving your tax bill, the system allows you to submit amendments through the digital services in myTax Portal. These adjustments usually need to be made within a limited period after the Notice of Assessment is issued.

For those who are unsure whether they must file taxes, there are a few common situations that require filing. Individuals generally need to submit a tax return if their total income in the previous year exceeds the required threshold, if they have self-employment income above a certain level, or if they are non-residents who earned income in Singapore. Checking your eligibility early can help prevent last-minute confusion.

The annual tax season in Singapore typically follows a predictable schedule. Notifications from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore are usually sent out between February and March. Taxpayers who are required to submit returns electronically can do so from early March until mid-April through the official online portal. After submission, most taxpayers will receive their Notice of Assessment sometime between April and September, depending on their filing status.

Once the filing period begins, the first step is to log in to the IRAS myTax Portal. Access is completed through Singpass authentication, which allows users to verify their identity securely. Many people find the Singpass mobile app convenient, as it simplifies the login process through QR code scanning or secure verification on their phone.

After logging in, taxpayers will be able to review their Income, Deductions and Reliefs Statement for the previous calendar year. This page displays employment income reported by employers, as well as other financial details that may affect the tax calculation. For salaried employees, the system often already includes salary data submitted through the Auto-Inclusion Scheme.

If you changed employers during the year, you may see income from multiple companies listed. In the event that information appears incomplete, the portal also provides tools to confirm whether your employer has submitted the required data.

Besides employment income, the system also records various reliefs and deductions that may reduce your tax liability. These can include CPF contributions, donations to approved charities, or contributions to retirement schemes. Reviewing this section carefully helps ensure you receive the correct tax reliefs available to you.

For individuals with additional income streams, there is another important step. Singapore’s tax system requires taxpayers to declare income from various activities beyond their regular salary. This can include rental income from property, earnings from freelance or business activities, certain types of investment income, annuity payments, or other financial sources.

Taxpayers can edit their form within the portal if additional income needs to be declared or if any corrections are necessary. The system also allows you to preview your estimated tax amount before submitting the final form.

Another important stage of the process involves checking personal reliefs and deductions. Singapore offers a variety of tax relief schemes designed to lower the overall tax burden for individuals. These may include earned income relief, relief related to national service obligations, CPF contribution reliefs, and retirement savings relief through the Supplementary Retirement Scheme.

There are also specific reliefs available for individuals supporting family members, including elderly parents, grandparents, or dependents with disabilities. Education-related reliefs, insurance premium relief, and other allowances may also apply depending on individual circumstances. The total amount of personal relief that can be claimed is capped under the current tax rules.

After reviewing all income details and relief claims, taxpayers can proceed to submit their tax return. It is important to complete this step before the official filing deadline. Submitting late may lead to penalties, so it is best to ensure everything is completed within the designated filing period.

Once your submission is processed, the tax authority will issue a Notice of Assessment. This document outlines the amount of tax payable and the deadline for payment. Taxpayers usually receive notification by SMS or email when their assessment is ready to view online.

If you notice any discrepancies in the assessment, you can file an objection through the portal within a specified time frame. Supporting documents may be required for review by the tax authority.

The final stage of the process is paying the tax bill. Singapore provides several convenient payment options, including GIRO instalments, PayNow QR payments, AXS services, internet banking, and various digital platforms. Some taxpayers also arrange instalment plans through GIRO, allowing the tax amount to be paid over several months without additional charges.

Although the tax authority does not directly accept credit card payments due to transaction costs, some banks provide tax payment facilities that allow cardholders to settle their tax bills through their credit card accounts. These services may offer reward points or other benefits depending on the bank’s programme.

By understanding how the system works and reviewing your information carefully, the annual tax filing process in Singapore can be completed efficiently. Taking a few minutes to verify your details ensures that your tax obligations are met accurately while helping you benefit from the reliefs and deductions available under the system.