GST and Selling Online from Singapore

Selling online from Singapore is well supported, but a store brings tax and operational duties a simple site does not. Before your first order, understand the GST position and choose hosting that can handle transactions. This is a practical overview, not tax advice, so confirm details with an accountant or IRAS.

Do you need to register for GST?

GST registration is generally compulsory once your taxable turnover exceeds 1 million dollars in a year, or you expect it to. The GST rate rose to 9 percent from 2024. Registration and returns are handled through the IRAS. Below the threshold you can register voluntarily, with conditions.

Check the current rate and threshold with IRAS, since these have changed in recent years.

Getting paid

You will need to take card and digital payments. Providers such as Stripe and others integrate with most platforms and handle secure processing, and local methods like PayNow are popular with Singapore customers. Compare fees, payout timing and supported methods.

Show prices clearly and make GST treatment obvious at checkout.

The hosting a shop needs

An online store runs a database, processes payments, and must stay up during peak periods such as regional sale events. Look for strong regional performance, daily backups, SSL as standard, and headroom for traffic spikes. A slow checkout costs sales.

Pre-launch checklist

• Confirm your GST position with an accountant or IRAS.
• Set up payment methods, including a local option, and test a live transaction.
• Show pricing and GST clearly at checkout.
• Publish delivery, returns and privacy policies.
• Enable SSL everywhere and switch on daily backups.
• Load-test before a major sale event.