IRAS issues new e-Tax Guide “Corporate Income Tax – Objection and Appeal Process”

On By taxsgIn Corporate Tax

1 March 2013

To expedite the finalisation of taxpayer’s corporate income tax matters, the IRAS has reviewed the objection and appeal process and will be implementing changes to the administrative procedures with effect from 1 January 2014.

In this regard, the IRAS has issued a new e-Tax Guide to set out the administrative changes to the objection and appeal process and provide guidance to taxpayers on filing a valid objection.

The changes to the objection and appeal process that will apply to Notices of Objection filed on or after 1 January 2014 include:

1. Extension of deadline to file a Notice of Objection

As an administrative concession, the deadline to file a Notice of Objection will be extended to 2 months (instead of 30 days) from the date of service of a Notice of Assessment.

2. Objection form to be introduced

An objection form will be made available for filing an objection.

3. Acknowledgement of receipt and validity of objection

An acknowledgement of the receipt and validity of a Notice of Objection will be issued by the Comptroller.

4. Time limit for Comptroller to reach a decision

The Comptroller will review and convey his decision in writing within 6 months from the date of receipt of the taxpayer’s last correspondence with complete information and supporting schedules. The taxpayer will be informed if more time is required for the review.

5.Time limit for taxpayer to respond to a decision

The taxpayer is required to inform the Comptroller in writing whether he/she agrees with the Comptroller’s decision within 3 months from the date of the Comptroller’s letter, failing which the objection will be considered as resolved and closed.

6. Closure of objection

To ensure closure of an objection, a Notice of Refusal to Amend will be issued when
• information requested remains outstanding after 2 years from the date of receipt of the Notice of Objection
• the taxpayer does not reply to the Comptroller’s decision within 3 months from the date of the Comptroller’s letter, or
• the taxpayer’s agreement to Comptroller’s decision is qualified.

More information on the changes to the objection and appeal process can be found on the IRAS website and in the new e-Tax Guide published by the IRAS titled “Corporate Income Tax – Objection and Appeal Process”.

Source: Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)