Digital Collaboration for Businesses & Employers: Seamless Tax Filing with #SFFS

Digital Collaboration for Businesses & Employers: Seamless Tax Filing with #SFFS

Introduction

IRAS is enabling a smoother, more accurate tax filing experience through its #SeamlessFilingFromSoftware (#SFFS) initiative. Under this scheme, businesses and employers can submit tax returns and employment data directly from accounting or payroll software — removing manual data entry, cutting errors, and saving time.

In addition, IRAS offers incentives such as extended deadlines 和 penalty waivers during the transition.

What Is #SFFS?

With #SFFS, businesses and employers can:

• File Corporate Income Tax (CIT, e.g. Form C-S) 和 GST returns (F5 / F8) directly via accounting software.

• Submit Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS) data (IR8A, Appendices, etc.) and Tax Clearance (IR21) via payroll software.

• Use One-Stop Payroll-ready software to support regulatory obligations across multiple agencies (e.g. CPF, MOM).

In short, #SFFS lets you integrate tax submission into your existing software workflow.

Benefits of Adopting #SFFS

1. Simpler, more accurate filings

   • You avoid manual data re-entry into myTax Portal

   • Some software pre-populates tax figures, auto-computes benefits-in-kind, and flags blocked input tax items

   • Use of software reduces transcription mistakes

   • IRAS estimates over 95% time savings (from 8 hours → ~15 minutes) for businesses filing Form C-S via #SFFS

2. Lower compliance cost

   • The software automatically generates tax forms

   • You can manage filings without specialist tax intermediaries

3. Digital record keeping & operations

   • All your transaction data can be stored and processed digitally

   • Better internal controls, better audit trails

4. Transition support from IRAS

   • Extended deadlines for filings via #SFFS (CIT, GST) to ease adoption

   • Waiver of penalties for errors made due solely to unfamiliarity with the software (from 1 Jan 2023 to 31 Mar 2028)

Who Should Use #SFFS

• Businesses / companies that file CIT (e.g. Form C-S) or GST returns (F5 / F8)

• Employers who submit AIS data (IR8A etc.) or IR21 tax clearance

• Especially beneficial for micro / small businesses (e.g. revenue ≤ S$5 million) or firms wanting to digitise tax workflows more efficiently

How to Adopt #SFFS

1. Choose software from IRAS’ approved list

   • For accounting needs: pick software listed on the IRAS Accounting Software Register Plus (ASR+) that supports #SFFS features.

   • For payroll: pick software from lists that support AIS or IR21 submissions via #SFFS.

2. Configure your software

   • Set up tax modules, connect to IRAS via APIs

   • Verify data mapping (e.g. employees, income codes, benefits)

3. Submit directly from software

   • After configuring, you can file tax returns and employee data directly through software — no need to re-key into myTax.

4. Request extension or waiver if needed

   • If software issues prevent filing GST returns via #SFFS, you can request a 2-week extension (if requested 3 working days before deadline)

   • Errors due to unfamiliarity may be waived, subject to conditions.

5. Migrate from existing software

   • Many software providers support data migration

   • Training, support, and transitional help are often included

FAQs & Important Notes

• Is it safe?
  Yes — submissions require CorpPass login, and only authorised users can file. You can preview your return before submission.

• Will I see confirmation?
  The software usually generates an acknowledgement upon successful submission. You can also check status in myTax within 3 working days.

• What about making amendments?
  If you need to revise your CIT return or GST return after software filing, you can:

  • Use the software’s built-in amendment functions (if available)

  • Or revert to the myTax Portal (e.g. via “Revise / Object to Assessment”)

• Does IRAS support mistakes during transition?
  IRAS will extend filing deadlines 和 waive penalties for errors made due to unfamiliarity (from 2023 to 2028) but not for negligent or intentional errors.

• Can I use any software?
  Only software listed under ASR+ or approved payroll software that supports #SFFS is eligible. Using unsupported software may disqualify you from reliefs.

• Is there funding support?
  Yes — businesses may tap on the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) to subsidise software costs.

Summary

IRAS’ #SeamlessFilingFromSoftware (#SFFS) initiative is a major push toward digital tax collaboration. By linking your accounting or payroll software directly to IRAS, you enjoy smoother tax compliance, fewer errors, and operational efficiency.

Thanks to transition support (extended deadlines and penalty waivers), now is an ideal time for businesses and employers to adopt #SFFS and future-proof tax workflows.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute any professional advice. Feel free to contact us to consult with our professional advisors team for personalized advice and guidance.

Source: https://www.iras.gov.sg/digital-collaboration/for-businesses-employers