Tax 101 Series: Tax Administration

"Court dismisses dentist's appeal over tax on earnings"; "The tax authorities said last week that Section 33 had been applied to more than 100 medical professionals" (The Straits Times, 2020).

The line between tax planning and avoidance would be clear only if the law were clear (and it is not). While we are aware that tax planning is allowable under the law, tax avoidance is not. Although tax law is complicated, Singapore's GAAR provisions are relatively straightforward. Yet, they are not always easy to apply in practice, particularly in complex arrangements where the risks hinge on the facts, circumstances and evidence available.

This webinar will address the anti-avoidance provisions in tax legislation and its application in relation to Section 33 vs Section 47 . This session is a mix of practical experience and academic knowledge.

1. Singapore tax system
2. Anti-avoidance provisions in tax legislation
3. Comptroller’s powers under s 33 and 33A
4. Comptroller’s powers under s 47
5. Exploratory case study - Wee Teng Yau v Comptroller of Income Tax and another appeal [2020] SGHC 236
6. Q&A