Navigating the complexities of GST zero-rating for international services and export goods remains a critical challenge for businesses in Singapore. With evolving regulations and stricter compliance requirements, companies must stay updated to avoid costly penalties. This workshop provides an in-depth exploration of zero-rating rules, including the latest updates on the "belonging" concept, direct vs. indirect exports, and the 60-day rule. Through practical case studies and expert-led discussions, participants will gain clarity on correctly applying zero-rating to crossborder transactions while mitigating compliance risks.
The session by CLA Events will also address common misconceptions and recent changes in GST zero-rating policies, ensuring businesses can optimize tax efficiency without falling into regulatory pitfalls. Whether dealing with international services, export documentation, or determining customer belonging status, this workshop equips attendees with actionable insights to enhance GST compliance. Join industry experts as they break down complex scenarios, share real-world examples, and provide key strategies for accurate GST treatment.
A Highlight of Key Areas:
Fundamentals & Latest Updates
- Place of Supply & the "Belonging" Concept
- Determining supplier/customer belonging status (2025 IRAS guidelines)
- Stricter enforcement trends and common misclassification risks - Impact of GST Rate Increase (9%)
- Higher penalties for errors: Why compliance is critical
Zero-Rating of International Services
- Qualifying Conditions & 2025 Challenges
- Services that can/cannot be zero-rated (new case law examples)
- Clarifying "directly in connection with" and "directly benefit" - Digital Services & Remote Transactions
- IRAS’ latest stance on zero-rating for cloud, SaaS, and cross-border consulting - Documentation & Compliance Traps
- How to prove customer "belonging" status (practical templates)
- Avoiding overclaiming: Services often mistaken as zero-rated
Zero-Rating for Export of Goods
- Direct vs. Indirect Export
- Revised 60-day rule: Tighter documentary requirements
- New IRAS rulings on transshipment and temporary exports - Proof of Export & Audit Risks
- Mandatory documents (e.g., customs permits, airway bills)
- Red flags triggering IRAS audits - Goods Hand-Carried Out of Singapore
- Compliance pitfalls for SMEs and e-commerce
Hot Topics & Interactive Case Studies
- 2025 IRAS Audit Focus Areas
- Top zero-rating errors leading to penalties - Workshop: Solving Real-World Scenarios
- Group exercises on contentious cases (e.g., digital services, partial exports)