Tax Avoidance vs Tax Evasion

With the end of the 2014 year approaching, there's a flurry of activities to pay less tax  :)

There's $12,750 for the SRS. Topping up of own $7K CPF Special account. Topping up of loved ones $7K CPF special account, giving to Charity organizations etc. All these have to be completed by end Dec 2014, for tax reliefs to be applicable for Income Tax Year of Assessment 2014

Tax avoidance, is legal and even encouraged by the country, as it helps to offset other family and social costs. For example planning for a comfortable retirement for self & loved ones (family) or contributing to charities (social).

Tax evasions, however is illegal and involve penalties when caught by IRAS. Examples are failure to appropriately declare your property rental income, or under-declaring your other business incomes.

For working mothers with children, the working mother child relief is a big tax relief, to encourage mothers to continue working. 15% of work income for the first child, 20% for the second and 25% for the third child. Hence for a mother with 3 kids, 60% of her income would not be taxed.

For a list of tax reliefs, you can check out
http://www.iras.gov.sg/irasHome/page.aspx?id=110

 

You can also use the tax calculator, to plan your tax reliefs with your spouse
http://iras.gov.sg/irashome/taxcalculators.aspx

Thank you for your part in nation building!  :)