Businesses in Singapore must register for GST once their annual taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million. However, GST registration is not always permanent. Businesses that cease operations, transfer ownership, undergo restructuring, or no longer meet GST registration requirements may need to deregister with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
Deregistration involves more than simply cancelling a GST number. In certain situations, businesses are required to apply within 30 days of the relevant event. They may also need to complete outstanding GST filings, review the GST treatment of business assets, and meet other IRAS requirements before deregistration can take effect.
In this guide, we explain when GST deregistration is required, who is eligible, and the steps businesses should follow to complete the process in Singapore.
GST deregistration is the process of cancelling a business's GST registration with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Once the deregistration takes effect, the business can no longer charge GST on taxable sales or claim GST on purchases and expenses.
Depending on the circumstances, deregistration may be compulsory or voluntary. However, it is not automatic. Businesses must apply to IRAS and continue meeting their GST obligations until the effective date of deregistration is confirmed.
Businesses must deregister for GST when they no longer meet the requirements for GST registration. In cases of compulsory deregistration, an application should generally be submitted to IRAS within 30 days of the relevant event.
Deregistration may be required when:
Businesses that fail to apply for compulsory deregistration may continue to have GST filing and compliance obligations until their registration is cancelled by IRAS.
Businesses may deregister for GST either compulsorily or voluntarily, depending on their circumstances.
|
Type |
When it Applies |
|
Compulsory Deregistration |
Businesses are required to deregister when they cease operations, transfer ownership, change their legal structure, or no longer make taxable supplies in Singapore. |
|
Voluntary Deregistration |
Businesses may apply for deregistration when taxable turnover falls below the S$1 million registration threshold and is not expected to exceed that amount in the next 12 months. |
Businesses applying for voluntary deregistration must demonstrate that they no longer need to remain GST-registered and satisfy any conditions imposed by IRAS.
Before applying for GST deregistration, businesses should ensure they meet the relevant IRAS requirements.
Depending on the type of deregistration, this may include:
Businesses should review their GST position carefully before submitting an application, as IRAS may request additional information before approving the deregistration.
Start by determining whether your deregistration is compulsory or voluntary. Review your business activities, taxable turnover, and GST registration status to ensure you meet the relevant IRAS requirements.
Before applying, ensure all GST returns have been submitted and any outstanding GST matters have been addressed. This can help prevent delays during the review process.
Review any business assets held on the date of deregistration. Depending on the circumstances, IRAS may require GST to be accounted for on certain taxable assets.
Applications can be submitted online through the myTax Portal. Businesses should provide accurate information and supporting details when completing the application.
IRAS may request additional information or supporting documents while reviewing the application. Responding promptly can help keep the process moving smoothly.
Once the application is approved, IRAS will notify the business of the effective date of GST deregistration. GST obligations remain in place until this date.
After deregistration is approved, businesses still need to submit a final GST return (GST F8) and fulfil any remaining GST obligations required by IRAS. Businesses must submit GST F8 and account for GST within 1 month from the end of the prescribed accounting period stated on the return, file all outstanding GST returns and make any outstanding GST payment.
Once GST deregistration takes effect, the business is no longer treated as a GST-registered entity. This affects how GST is charged, claimed, and reported going forward.
| Area | What changes after DeRegistration |
| GST Collection | GST can no longer be charged on taxable goods and services. |
| GST Claims | GST incurred on business purchases and expenses can no longer be claimed. |
| Tax Invoices | GST tax invoices can no longer be issued to customers. |
| GST Returns | Regular GST returns are no longer required after all final GST obligations have been completed. |
| GST Registration Number | The GST registration is cancelled and can no longer be used for business transactions. |
Businesses should also retain their records and documents for the required retention period, even after GST deregistration has been approved.
Deregistration is usually a straightforward process, but certain oversights can result in delays or additional compliance obligations. Before submitting an application, businesses should avoid the following mistakes:
Reviewing your GST obligations before submitting an application can help ensure a smoother deregistration process and reduce the risk of compliance issues.
GST deregistration is not just an administrative formality. Businesses must ensure they meet the relevant IRAS requirements, address any outstanding compliance obligations, and review the tax treatment of business assets before their registration can be cancelled.
At Ascentium, we help businesses navigate GST deregistration, compliance reviews, and ongoing tax obligations in Singapore. Whether you are closing a business, restructuring operations, or reassessing your registration requirements, our team can help ensure the process is completed accurately and in line with IRAS requirements.