1. Outstanding Taxes/Penalties
When the taxpayer has outstanding taxes or penalties the tax credit will be used to offset the outstanding liability.
2. Advance Payment of Tax Assessment
When the taxpayer has made an advance payment in anticipation of a tax assessment.
3. Credit Due to GIRO Deductions
When the tax credit is a result of GIRO deductions for your provisional instalment plan and the tax assessment has not been finalised for that Year of Assessment.
4. GST Returns Not Filed
When the taxpayer has one or more outstanding GST returns not filed.
5. Under Audit or Investigation
When the taxpayer is under audit or investigation by the Comptroller.
6. Prior Refunds Unsuccessful
When prior attempts to refund the credit have been unsuccessful.
7. Failure to Furnish Details for Refund
When the taxpayer has failed to comply with any of the requests by IRAS to furnish necessary information to effect the refund.
8. Insufficient Information
When IRAS lacks sufficient information to effect a refund to you.
9. No Reply to Assessment Enquiries
When the taxpayer has not replied to any outstanding assessment enquiries which may have impact on the tax position.
10. Company Dissolved
When the company has been dissolved and any credit in the company's account with IRAS will be handed over to the Insolvency and Public Trustee's Office (IPTO).
The shareholders of the defunct company can approach IPTO to claim the credit. Charges will be imposed by IPTO for the processing of the claim. For procedures on how to make a claim, see
IPTO's website.
11. Bankruptcy
When an individual has filed for bankruptcy, any credit with IRAS will be handed over to the Insolvency and Public Trustee's Office (IPTO). The individual can approach the Official Assignee for more information.
12. Overpayment of Withholding Tax
When there is overpayment of Withholding Tax under Section 45 of Income Tax Act remitted to the Comptroller of Income Tax.
Refund claims need to be filed by the local payer who remitted the tax or non-resident whose income was liable to tax. Upon agreement by IRAS that a refund is due, IRAS will inform the local payer or non-resident and the credit will be refunded 30 days from the date IRAS agrees that there was an overpayment of tax.
13. Claims Approved After Sale of Property
There will be no automatic refund to ex-owners of a property for credits that arise from claims approved after the sale of a property.
Refunds to the ex-owners will only be processed upon ex-owners' request within the time period stipulated in the letter sent by IRAS to the ex-owner.
14. Other Circumstances
When there are any other circumstances that may not permit the credit to be refunded by IRAS.