When you are not working but receive any of the following income, you need to pay income tax, unless the income is specifically exempted under the Income Tax Act:
a. Income from investments (such as rent from property or other assets such as vehicles);
b. NSman income (including all awards and allowances such as IPPT monetary incentives);
c. Part-time income;
d. Royalty income;
e. Pension; or
f. Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) withdrawals.
For more details, please refer to what is taxable, what is not.
Earning $22,000 or Less in a Year
You do not need to pay tax if your annual gross income is $22,000 or less.
However, you need to file your tax return if you have received a filing notification from IRAS (SMS, letter or form).
Even if you did not earn any income last year, you are required to declare zero income and e-File your tax return at myTax Portal by 18 Apr 2020 (Extended to 31 May 2020) New or submit a paper return by 15 Apr 2020 (Extended to 31 May 2020) New.
Earning More Than $22,000 in a Year
If your annual gross income exceeds $22,000, your income is subject to tax. The amount of tax you need to pay depends on your income and deductions .
You should e-File your tax return at myTax Portal by 18 Apr 2020 (Extended to 31 May 2020) New or submit a paper return by 15 Apr 2020 (Extended to 31 May 2020) New even if you did not receive any notification from IRAS to file.