Do I get taxed for dividend income received in Singapore? 

Typical Approaches for Dividends in Singapore  

What is Dividend income ?

Dividends obtained from a company based in Singapore are not subject to taxation for its shareholders. 

Any foreign income received by individuals remains tax-free, except if a resident individual receives it through a partnership in Singapore.

An important point to highlight is that Singapore does not impose withholding tax on dividends, providing a distinct advantage for foreign investors seeking to venture into Singaporean enterprises. 

Certain other forms of remittances such as royalties, specific types of interest, commissions, and fees could potentially be subject to withholding tax. 

This characteristic positions Singapore as an appealing destination for foreign investors who intend to engage with firms offering dividend payouts. Furthermore, since dividends are categorized as regular taxable income, there exists the potential to leverage tax exemption initiatives to decrease the taxable income attributable to dividends. 

Additionally, dividends in Singapore possess an intriguing feature – corporations are not bound by legal obligation to distribute dividends to their shareholders. 

Companies hold the prerogative to either reinvest their earnings for future expansion or opt to allocate dividends to shareholders as a token of appreciation for their capital infusion. This adaptability grants companies the latitude to make decisions aligning with their business interests, while simultaneously considering the preferences and anticipations of their shareholders. 

Distributing dividends in Singapore 

The process of disbursing dividends within a private limited company in Singapore encompasses several sequential actions. Such companies must adhere to the stipulations set forth by the Companies Act and the Articles of Association to facilitate dividend disbursement. 

Aura Partners Singapore Prepares your Dividends Issuance 

Important Factors Distributing dividends in Singapore 

Ensure the company possesses ample profits for dividend distribution. The company cannot obtain the dividends from the company’s capital funds. 

The board of directors holds the responsibility of endorsing the dividend payout and determining its precise amount. This approval process must also guarantee that the dividend distribution doesn’t impede the company’s financial solidity or impinge upon its potential growth trajectory. 

Summon a general meeting and secure shareholders’ sanction for the dividend disbursement through an appropriate resolution. This could take the form of a Board resolution, an ordinary resolution, or a special resolution. 

Upon obtaining the endorsed dividend payout, communicate this information to shareholders. It may be through a circular or by publishing it on the company’s official website. This communication should comprehensively outline key details of the dividend. Details include the sum, the scheduled payment date, and the pertinent record date. 

Designating the record date and signifying the precise day on which shareholders must be officially registered in the company’s records to qualify for the forthcoming dividend. 

On the stipulated payment date, the company will disperse the dividends to eligible shareholders. Afterwards, it will execute this distribution through electronic transfers or the issuance of dividend cheques.

Additionally, the company is obligated to uphold meticulous records of dividend disbursements. Furthermore, they need to supply essential documentation (such as dividend vouchers) to shareholders. This will help facilitate accurate tax reporting. 

Through adherence to correct protocols, private limited enterprises in Singapore can guarantee the punctual and regular disbursal of dividends. This concurrently upholds their financial equilibrium and fostering sustained expansion.  

Tax on Receiving Dividends 

In Singapore, dividends are liable to taxation as a component of the recipient’s assessable income. These encompass earnings from investments, wages, corporate interest, capital gains (e.g., stocks), foreign-sourced revenue, and more. Consequently, dividends contribute to the overall taxable income framework. The precise tax rate is contingent upon the tax residency status of the recipient. 

For individuals classified as tax residents, the applicable tax rate is determined by the progressive income tax brackets. This spans from 0% to 24%. Conversely, non-residents are subject to a tax rate of 15% on the progressive tax resident rate, selecting the higher of the two options. 

Certain exemptions and allowances are in place for specific categories of dividends. Notably, these encompass dividends sourced from Singapore-resident companies. It includes dividends received by individuals who hold shares under their personal name.  

Responsibilities of Dividend Recipients in Singapore 

Individuals in Singapore who are recipients of dividends hold specific personal responsibilities that necessitate adherence. 

Primarily, they need to declare their dividend earnings within their income tax filing. 

Furthermore, they must fulfill their tax obligations concerning the dividend income. Notwithstanding is the absence of withholding tax on dividends in Singapore. 

Lastly, they must maintain comprehensive records and requisite documentation to substantiate their dividend income and associated tax obligations. Neglecting to fulfill these obligations could lead to potential penalties and fines. 

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Aura Partners Singapore offers an extensive array of business support solutions. We offer tax services, accounting, company incorporation, business consulting, and corporate framework expertise. You can contact us to know more about our professional services.