GST rate Singapore - 9% standard, F5 and OVR
The 9% GST rate, the S$1 million registration threshold, zero-rated exports and overseas vendors, explained briefly.
Singapore's Goods and Services Tax (GST) is charged under the Goods and Services Tax Act 1993. The standard rate rose from 8% to 9% on 1 January 2024, the second step of the increase announced in Budget 2022 (7% to 8% on 1 January 2023). Businesses must register for GST when taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million, and may register voluntarily below that. Registered businesses file GST returns (Form F5) with IRAS. Exports of goods and many international services are zero-rated, while overseas suppliers of certain digital services and low-value goods to Singapore consumers fall under the Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR) regime.
- Standard rate: 9% since 1 January 2024.
- Registration: compulsory above S$1 million taxable turnover.
- Zero-rated: exports of goods and qualifying international services.
- Returns: GST F5, usually quarterly, due one month after the period ends.
How it works
Decide the treatment of each supply: standard-rated at 9%, zero-rated at 0%, exempt (for example some financial services and residential property) or outside the scope of GST. The treatment per line is your decision, based on IRAS guidance.
For supplies that cross the rate change of 1 January 2024, follow the IRAS e-Tax guide on the rate change. The rate depends on the time of supply and, in some cases, when the invoice or payment came first. Check the guide for your case.
Zero-rating exports needs proof, such as shipping documents and customs records. Keep it with the invoice. IRAS explains what evidence is accepted.
File the GST F5 return for each accounting period through myTax Portal by the due date, normally one month after the period ends. Late filing brings penalties.
Overseas Vendor Registration applies to overseas suppliers who meet the thresholds and sell digital services or low-value goods to Singapore consumers. If you are a Singapore business buying from abroad, ask IRAS or an adviser whether reverse charge applies to you.
Legal framework
- Goods and Services Tax Act 1993.
- IRAS e-Tax Guide: GST rate change from 8% to 9% on 1 January 2024.
- IRAS: GST on imported services and low-value goods (Overseas Vendor Registration).
- IRAS: Completing GST returns and due dates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GST rate in Singapore in 2026?
The standard GST rate is 9%. It applied from 1 January 2024. Zero-rated supplies such as qualifying exports are charged at 0%, and exempt supplies carry no GST.
Are exports zero-rated or exempt?
Qualifying exports are zero-rated, not exempt. Zero-rated supplies are taxable at 0%, so the exporter can generally recover input GST. Exempt supplies do not charge GST but usually restrict input tax recovery. Keep export evidence as IRAS requires.
What does the OVR regime mean for me?
It is aimed at overseas suppliers. If a foreign supplier is registered under OVR, it charges Singapore GST on its digital services or low-value goods sold to Singapore consumers. Whether you as a local business owe GST on services bought from abroad depends on your situation, so check with IRAS.
Does 4invoices file my GST return or choose the GST treatment?
No. 4invoices does not connect to IRAS, does not file the F5 return and does not decide the GST treatment for you. You enter the tax rate per invoice line yourself, for example 9% or 0%, and 4invoices calculates the totals and produces the PDF.