Companies can check to see if they have any outstanding taxes and other tax issues through the following:

• IRAS website myTax Portal

• 24-hour toll-free telephone self-service​

If the company has been dormant since the date of incorporation or since the filing of the final income tax return (Form C-S or Form C), and the company has received outstanding income tax returns during its dormant period, the corporation may complete an application for exemption from filing income tax returns as a dormant corporation.

Before applying to ACRA to cancel the company, the company is required to file all forms with ACRA along with a letter explaining the company’s decision to apply for cancellation. If the application for exemption from filing income tax returns is successful, the company will not be required to file an outstanding income tax return.

Companies should note that the Inland Revenue Department will not produce any tax clearance letters for companies applying for cancellation.

Companies can rely on the following documents from the Inland Revenue Department to confirm that there are no outstanding or unfulfilled tax matters and liabilities: – Tax Matters – Latest Notice of Assessment; and – Tax Liabilities – Latest Statement of Accounts.

As required by the Companies Act (Cap 377(1)), the Singapore branch of a foreign company is required to file a notice with ACRA within 7 days of its cessation of operations. The Singapore branch shall also notify ACRA in writing at the same time as it notifies the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) so that the tax matters and tax liabilities of the Singapore branch can be resolved.

The written notice to ACRA shall include;

• the subject heading “Cessation of Business in Singapore”;

• the date of cessation of business in Singapore;

• the name and contact details of the responsible person(s) with whom ACRA will contact the company regarding tax matters; and

• all outstanding income tax returns, financial statements and tax computations up to the last day of business.

Generally, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) aims to complete all assessments within one month from the receipt of complete information. However, it may take up to six months to review the assessment if the Inland Revenue Authority requires further information from a branch with complex issues, or which has not submitted complete information.