The implementation of Tax Identification Number ["TIN"] was first announced in the 2022 Budget. Based on the new provision introduced under Section 66A of the Income Tax Act 1967, effective 1st January 2022, the Director General of Inland Revenue is empowered to assign a TIN to any person who is:-
| ● |
assessable and chargeable to tax; |
| ● |
required to furnish a tax return; or |
| ● |
a citizen aged 18 years old and above. |
The Inland Revenue Board ["IRB"] has clarified that TIN is an income tax number as per the existing records with the IRB. The income tax reference number that has been assigned to a taxpayer on or before 1st January 2022 is deemed to be the TIN for the relevant taxpayer.
In the latest development, the IRB has announced that the format of TIN, with effect from 1st January 2023, will be as follows:-
| No. |
Category of Taxpayer |
Old Format |
New Format |
Remarks |
| 1. |
Individual |
SG 50000000XX0
OG 50000000XX0 |
IG 50000000XX0 |
Type of file is changed to "IG" |
| 2. |
Employer |
E 96000000XX |
E 96000000XX |
No change |
| 3. |
Company |
C 50000000XX |
C 50000000XX0 |
Additional digit "0" at the end of the TIN |
| 4. |
Other Than Company/ Individual |
D 20000000XX |
D 20000000XX0 |
Additional digit "0" at the end of the TIN |
For your information, the aforementioned new format of TIN has been reflected in the Employer's Return Form for the Year 2022 and income tax return forms for the year of assessment 2022.
Besides income tax, TIN will be used for the purposes of real property gains tax and stamp duty.
Please take note of the above and be guided accordingly.