Striking off a local company can be a complex process, and it is important for companies to understand the tax requirements involved in order to avoid any legal or financial complications. In this article, we will explore the tax requirements for companies applying for strike off and the implications of non-compliance with these requirements.

Companies Applying for Strike Off

When a local company decides to strike off, it is important for them to ensure that all tax obligations have been fulfilled before proceeding with the application. This includes compliance with income tax, corporate tax, value-added tax (VAT), and any other taxes that the company may be subject to.

The first step in meeting these tax requirements is to ensure that all tax returns have been filed and all taxes due have been paid. Companies must also obtain a tax clearance certificate from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) before applying for strike off.

To obtain a tax clearance certificate, companies must ensure that all outstanding tax liabilities have been settled, including any penalties or interest that may have been imposed. This includes income tax, corporate tax, and GST or VAT, where applicable.

In addition to settling all outstanding tax liabilities, companies must also submit all necessary tax returns to IRAS. This includes any outstanding tax returns for the current year, as well as any outstanding tax returns for previous years that have not yet been filed.

Tax Clearance Certificate Requirements

One of the most important tax requirements for companies applying for strike off is the need to obtain a tax clearance certificate from IRAS. This certificate verifies that the company has fulfilled all tax obligations and is in good standing with the tax authorities.

To obtain a tax clearance certificate, companies must complete and submit the necessary forms to IRAS, along with all necessary supporting documentation. This includes proof of payment for all outstanding taxes, as well as all necessary tax returns and other relevant documents.

Once IRAS has received all necessary documentation, they will review the application and issue a tax clearance certificate if all tax obligations have been fulfilled. This certificate must be submitted to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) as part of the strike off application.

Differences in Tax Requirements for Solvent and Insolvent Companies

It is important to note that the tax requirements for companies applying for strike off can vary depending on whether the company is solvent or insolvent. Solvent companies must settle all outstanding tax liabilities and obtain a tax clearance certificate before applying for strike off, whereas insolvent companies may be exempt from certain tax requirements.

In general, insolvent companies are not required to obtain a tax clearance certificate before applying for strike off, as they may not have the funds to settle all outstanding tax liabilities. However, they are still required to file all necessary tax returns and provide any other relevant documentation to IRAS.

Understanding the tax requirements for companies applying for strike off is critical to ensuring a smooth and successful strike off process. Companies must ensure that all tax obligations have been fulfilled and that they have obtained a tax clearance certificate before proceeding with the application. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in legal and financial consequences, including fines, penalties, and potential personal liability for directors and shareholders. It is important for companies to seek professional advice and guidance to ensure that they are meeting all necessary tax obligations before applying for strike off.