High Court Ruling on 99:1 Property Decoupling and Illegality Defence
A recent Singapore High Court decision, Ngor Shing Rong Jake v Wong Mei Lee Millie [2025] SGHC 119, provides critical guidance on the enforcement of beneficial interests in property held under a "99:1" legal ownership structure, particularly where an intention to...
IRAS Clarifies Enhancements to Tax Deduction for Employee Equity-Based Remuneration
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has issued definitive guidance on the upcoming legislative enhancements to the tax deduction scheme for Employee Equity-Based Remuneration (EEBR). Effective from the Year of Assessment (YA) 2026, these changes aim to...
Clarifications and Amendments to Singapore’s Enterprise Innovation Scheme
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has issued clarifications and amendments to the guidance for the Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS), effective 30 September 2025. These updates impact the qualification criteria for the cash payout option and the...
Clarifications on Tax Treatment for Variable Capital Companies (VCCs)
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has issued significant updates to its tax guidance for Variable Capital Companies (VCCs) and their sub-funds. These clarifications are critical for fund managers, tax advisors, and accountants to ensure compliance and...
IRAS Guidance on Section 13W Reforms: Key Changes for Corporate Disposal Gains
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has released a detailed e-Tax Guide outlining proposed legislative changes to Section 13W of the Income Tax Act 1947. The amendments, effective for disposals on or after 1 January 2026, are designed to provide companies...
Singapore Appellate Court Rules Airport Runways, Taxiways and Aprons are “Structures”
In Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd v Comptroller of Income Tax [2025] SGHC(A) 20, the Appellate Division of the High Court has affirmed that airport runways, taxiways, and aprons (RTA) are to be classified as "structures" under the Singapore Income Tax Act....
Evolving Tax Audit Landscapes in Japan and Korea
Recent developments in Japan and Korea indicate a significant intensification of tax enforcement, driven by digital tools and a focus on cross-border transactions. Professionals must note critical shifts in audit procedures, the application of economic substance...
Update on Singapore’s Listing Corporate Income Tax Rebate
Enterprise Singapore has officially communicated that the specific eligibility criteria and application mechanics for the newly announced Listing Corporate Income Tax Rebate will not be finalized until Q4 2025 or Q1 2026. This update creates a period of uncertainty...
IRAS Updates Interest Rates for Taxable Benefit Computation on Employee Loans
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has revised its published guidance on the tax treatment of interest-free or subsidised loans granted to company directors and employees who hold substantial shareholdings, or who exercise control or significant...
IRAS Highlights Enhanced Audit Focus and Expanding International Tax Compliance
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has published its Annual Report for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025. The data indicates a continued emphasis on enforcement and the maturation of international tax transparency frameworks, presenting several key operational...