IT'S tax time again. You have until 15 Apr to file your tax form or until 18 Apr if you e-File.

ILLUSTRATION: MAROO

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Iras) expects 90 per cent of the 1.5 million taxpayers will e-File this year.

Most employers are in the auto-inclusion scheme. It means you can view your employment income at mytax.iras.gov.sg. Then check that the information is correct and click 'submit' to file your tax return. It's easy.

If you need tax help, lots is available. Learn about it at www.iras.gov.sg or call Iras at 1800-252-5011.

Here are 10 more tips to help you save money on taxes.

Tip 1: You have no tax to pay

If you earned less than $22,000 last year, you have no tax to pay.

If you receive a tax form or PIN mailer, however, you are required to submit your tax return to Iras regardless of your income. To check if you need to file a tax return, send an SMS with your IC number to 9116 4900 using this format: filetaxNRIC. For example: filetax S1234567Z.

Tip 2: Paying through GIRO

About 60 per cent of taxpayers pay through Giro. It allows you to make up to 12 months of interest-free instalments, from May 2009 to April 2010.

Otherwise, you have to pay within one month of receiving your tax bill. You can download the Giro application form at www.iras.gov.sg.

If you lost your job in 2008 or 2009, you can call 1800-356-8300 to ask Iras to extend your Giro plan for up to 24 months of installments.

Tip 3: Wife relief

If your wife was not working or earned less than $2,000 in 2008, the husband can claim 'wife relief' of $2,000.

There is no corresponding 'husband relief' in the case of a non-working husband.

Tip 4: Qualifying child relief

QCR is $4,000 per child, which is double last year's relief. For handicapped children, it is $5,500.

Either parent may claim the full amount or it may be split between both parents.

Tip 5: Working mother child relief

For first, second and subsequent children, the relief is 15, 20 and 25 per cent of a working mother's wages. Maximum claim allowable QCR/HCR + WMCR is capped at $50,000 per child (i.e. Cumulative WMCR percentages are capped at 100% of mother's earned income).

Both this and the QCR (tip 4) can be claimed for Singaporean children up to 16 years old, or above age 16 if a full-time student with income less than $2,000 in 2008, excluding scholarships.

Tip 6: Parenthood tax rebate

It is $5,000 for your first child, $10,000 for your second child and $20,000 for subsequent children born in 2008. The rebate may be split between the parents in any way they choose.

This one is huge since it is a rebate, which you deduct directly from your taxes. It reduces taxes more than a relief, which is subtracted from your income.

Tip 7: Parent relief

You can claim parent relief of $5,000 if your parent is living with you and $3,500 if not.

The parent must be 55 years or older, live in Singapore and have earned less than $2,000 in 2008. You can claim for up to 2 parents.

Tip 8: Foreign maid levy

A working mother may claim this relief even if the husband paid the levy. It is twice the amount of levy paid. So the maximum you can claim is $4,080 if you qualify for the concessionary levy of $170 per month and $6,360 if you do not.

Tip 9: Grandparent caregiver relief

Are you are a working mother with Singaporean children aged 12 or younger in 2008?

Then you can get a relief of $3,000 for one of your parents or in-laws who help to look after your children. They must be living in Singapore and not working in 2008.

Tip 10: One-off 20 per cent rebate

As announced in this year's budget, resident taxpayers will receive a one-off income tax rebate of 20 per cent, up to a maximum of $2,000.

This rebate is automatically included by Iras, so you need not declare it in your tax form.  Back to Columnists