If you’re a British Citizen in Singapore, you may still be required to file a UK tax return as well as a Singapore tax return, even if you’re considered non-resident in the UK for tax purposes.
Filing UK taxes from Singapore can be confusing. In this blog, our Tax Manager, Christian Iles, answers the most common questions we’re asked when British citizens move to Singapore.
This blog is not just relevant to British citizens, but also individuals who may have lived in the UK or simply have tax compliance obligations in the UK.
In what circumstances will I need to file a UK tax return whilst a resident in Singapore?
There are several reasons why a non-resident of the UK is required to file a UK tax return. These include, but are not limited to:
- an individual who is in receipt of UK property income
- an individual who is in receipt of taxable UK dividend income
- company directors of a UK company who receives remuneration for their duties
- an individual who sells property or other assets liable to UK capital gains tax
Will I receive my UK personal allowance as a resident in Singapore?
When non-resident of the UK and resident of Singapore, it is only in certain circumstances that you will get a personal allowance of tax free UK income each year. To receive UK personal allowance, you must:
- hold a British passport,
- be a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) country, or
- have worked for the UK government at any time during that tax year.
If you are British citizen, holding a British passport, you will be entitled to your UK personal allowance.
What if I did not file UK taxes when I should have been?
If you live in Singapore and forgot, or simply didn’t know that you needed to file your UK tax return, you will still need to file the overdue returns and pay any overdue liabilities. It is important to get up-to-date as soon as possible in order to minimise any penalties and interest charged. In certain circumstances, a letter of appeal can be sent to HMRC to minimise penalties due.
Do I need to declare UK sourced income on my Singapore tax return?
As overseas income is not taxable in Singapore, you are not required to declare UK income on your Singapore income tax return.
Are the UK and Singapore tax years the same?
No. The UK tax year runs from 06 April to the following 05 April, whereas the Singapore tax year runs from 01 January to the following 31 December.
How can I file my UK tax return and when will any liability be due?
The same tax return deadlines apply to non-residents as they do to UK residents – 31 January following the tax year end (31 October for paper returns). Automatic late filing penalties will apply after the deadlines have passed. Any liability you may owe upon filing your UK tax return, will also be due by 31 January following the end of the tax year.
As a non-resident you are unable to use HMRC’s online services to file your return. Instead, you need to:
- submit your tax return by post,
- use approved tax software, or
- seek assistance from a tax agent.
When is my Singapore tax return and liability due?
In Singapore, the filing due date for individual tax returns is 15 April following the end of the tax year. If filed electronically, the deadline is 18 April.
Once your individual tax return has been filed, you will receive your Notice of Assessment or tax bill between May and September. Any tax liability is due in full within 30 days of receiving your Notice of Assessment.
Contact Us
At Sheltons Accountants we have extensive experience providing multi-jurisdictional tax advice, advice on tax treaty issues and cross-border tax efficient structuring.
If you need advice or assistance with your UK or Singapore tax obligations, including dual tax return filings, we’re here to help. Simply send us an email at SG@SheltonsGroup.com to arrange a free initial consultation.