Tax

As one of the top full service tax practices in the Singapore legal industry, we have in-depth expertise in all aspects of the Singapore tax regime, whether it is income tax, goods and services tax, stamp duty or property tax, which means that we are able to assist our clients across the full spectrum of taxation issues. Our tax services range from tax advisory and transaction tax to tax disputes resolution and tax litigation.

We are a full service practice covering all areas of taxation, but with particular strengths in the following areas:

  • country and cross-border tax advisory;
  • transaction tax;
  • resolution of tax controversies;
  • goods and services tax; and
  • stamp duty and property tax.
Country and Cross-Border Tax Advisory

Led by tax partner Vikna Rajah, our team of dedicated tax lawyers and advisors draw on their diverse experiences, including work experience with the Singapore tax authorities, to provide a comprehensive range of tax advisory services to businesses and individuals, both in and outside of Singapore. We also work closely with leading tax counsels in a large number of jurisdictions, which enables us to provide cogent and integrated advice to our clients on matters involving cross-border issues.

Our clients come from diverse industries, including banking and finance. shipping, insurance, fund management, healthcare, property development, education and the media. We frequently advise our clients on the tax-efficient structuring and planning of their operations and investments in Singapore, the application of tax incentives in Singapore and tax compliance issues (such as exchange of information requests and FATCA compliance). We also routinely help our clients to obtain advance tax rulings from the Singapore tax authority, in order to obtain clarity on the tax treatment applicable to specific transactions or factual scenarios.

Transaction Tax

We frequently assist clients in understanding and planning for tax implications relating to commercial transactions. Our cross-border transaction experience and local tax knowledge, coupled with our familiarity with the legal and commercial realities of different types of transactions, enable us to provide sound and practical advice to our clients in addressing the tax implications of their transactions.

Resolution of Tax Controversies

Our clients rely on us to guide them through compliance requirements as well as negotiations and dispute resolution with the Singapore tax authorities. We also represent clients in the tax tribunals and in the Supreme Court of Singapore for tax disputes. Our comprehensive service to our clients is supported by our experience in handling tax challenges at any stage of the assessment process.

Our partners have acted as lead counsel in a number of tax disputes and litigation matters at the Board of Review level all the way to the Singapore Court of Appeal, Singapore’s apex court.

Goods & Services Tax (“GST”)

We provide commercial and pragmatic GST advice to our clients either on a standalone basis or in relation to a wide range of transactions (including sale of business, supply of services, zero-rating of international services, sponsorships and gifts, research grants, applicability of special GST schemes etc.).

Stamp Duty and Property Tax

Our wide experience enables us to provide our clients with comprehensive advice on the full spectrum of issues concerning the Singapore stamp duty regime, such as providing stamp duty advice in relation to various types of commercial and real estate transactions and the exemptions applicable. We also have experience in dealing with the full range of issues relating to property tax.