UK and Singapore tax filing for British citizens in Singapore
Did you know that British citizens in Singapore may still be required to file a UK tax return as well as a Singapore tax return, even if they are considered non-resident in the UK for tax purposes?
Filing UK taxes from Singapore can be confusing. In this article, Christian Iles from Sheltons Accountants answers questions on the taxation of British citizens living in Singapore, to ensure you have the knowledge you need to file your UK and Singapore taxes correctly.
This article is not just relevant to British citizens, but also to 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 while resident in Singapore?
There are several reasons which require non-residents of the UK to file a UK tax return. These include, but are not limited to:
- being in receipt of UK property income;
- being in receipt of taxable UK dividend income;
- if you’re the company director to a UK company and receive remuneration for your duties; or
- if you sell 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’s only in certain circumstances that you will get a personal allowance of tax-free UK income each year. These include the following:
- you hold a British passport;
- you’re a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) country; or
- you’ve worked for the UK government at any time during that tax year.
If you’re a British citizen holding a British passport, you will be entitled to your UK personal allowance.
What if I didn’t file UK taxes when I should have?
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’s 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. In the UK, the tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year, whereas the Singapore tax year runs from 1 January to 31 December each year.
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 do one of the following:
- Submit your tax return by post
- Use approved tax software
- 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 Sheltons Accountants UK & Singapore
Sheltons Accountants has 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, Sheltons Accountants can help. Email them at SG@SheltonsGroup.com to arrange a free initial consultation.
