If your business is winding down, shifting direction, or no longer crossing the S$1 million mark, you might be due for GST deregistration. But like many IRAS processes, it’s not always crystal clear how to deregister for GST and what’s still expected of you after you cancel.
This guide walks you through it step by step, so you can deregister with confidence and avoid any hidden surprises down the road.
Inside, you’ll learn:
- When GST no longer applies to your business
- How to stop charging and reporting GST
- What to submit to IRAS and when
- What you still owe after cancelling
- What to keep in case of an audit
What is GST deregistration?
GST deregistration means cancelling your GST registration with IRAS. You’ll stop charging GST and filing GST returns.
When must you deregister for GST?
In Singapore, you must deregister for GST within 30 days if your business no longer qualifies for registration under IRAS rules.
You’re required to cancel your GST registration if:
- Your business has stopped operating
- You’re no longer making taxable supplies
- You sold or transferred your entire business to someone else
- You changed your business structure (e.g., from sole proprietorship to Pte Ltd)
For example, if Jane’s Design Studio (sole proprietorship) transitions to JD Creative Pte Ltd (private limited), and all operations shift to the new entity, IRAS would treat the original business as ceased. Jane would then need to cancel the GST registration.
Important note: If you close your business on ACRA’s Bizfile, you must still cancel your GST registration separately via IRAS.
Remember, failing to cancel on time may lead to penalties from IRAS.
Why do some businesses miss this step?
- They assume IRAS will cancel it automatically
- They aren’t aware of the 30-day deadline
- They’re still handling other closure tasks or restructuring paperwork
Contact us for GST deregistration help
Can you choose to deregister for GST?
Yes, you can deregister for GST voluntarily in Singapore if your business no longer needs to be registered.
You’re eligible for voluntary deregistration if:
- Your taxable turnover in the past 12 months is below S$1 million, and you do not expect to cross that threshold in the next 12 months
- You have been GST-registered for at least 2 years
(This applies if your original registration was voluntary, not compulsory.)
For example, a freelance designer winding down their side hustle may no longer need to charge GST.
Why do businesses choose to cancel
- To cut costs (no more GST-related accounting fees)
- To reduce paperwork (no monthly or quarterly returns)
- To simplify operations (especially for small or side businesses)
After deregistering, you still need to:
- File a final GST return (Form F8)
- Pay any outstanding GST
- Keep your records for 5 years
What to consider before you deregister for GST
- Loss of input tax credits: You can no longer claim GST on business expenses like rent, software, supplies, or professional fees. This could increase costs by 9%.
- Reduced credibility with B2B clients: B2B clients may view GST deregistration as a sign of worsening business and reduced credibility.
- Need to adjust pricing and contracts: If you previously quoted GST-inclusive prices, you’ll need to revise invoices and possibly renegotiate contracts. This may confuse regular customers if not clearly communicated.
- One-time output tax on assets: You may have to account for GST on business assets such as inventory or equipment if input tax was previously claimed. This could create a one-time GST liability.
- Risk of mandatory re-registration: If your revenue exceeds S$1 million again, you must re-register for GST.
Only deregister if your revenue will likely stay below the threshold, not just during a slower season like Q1 or post-festive months.
Compulsory vs Voluntary GST deregistration
Different business situations trigger either mandatory or optional GST deregistration. Use the table below to check what applies to your case and how soon you need to act.
Criteria | Mandatory Deregistration | Voluntary Deregistration |
Taxable Supplies | Stopped completely | Still ongoing |
Turnover | Doesn’t matter | Below S$1 million |
GST-registered Period | Any duration | Must be ≥ 2 years (if voluntary registration) |
Example | Ceased business or transferred to another entity | Downsized business, voluntary registrant no longer benefitting |
Need a quick reference?
Download this side-by-side comparison of mandatory vs voluntary GST deregistration as an image for easy access or sharing.
GST deregistration process in Singapore
The process to deregister for GST may seem straightforward, but many business owners in Singapore get stuck on IRAS forms, deadlines, or don’t know what happens after applying. Here’s what to do.
- Log in to myTax Portal
- Go to “GST” > “Apply for Cancellation of GST Registration”
- Fill in your reason (e.g., ceased business, turnover drop) and proposed effective date
- Upload any required supporting documents (e.g., profit & loss statements if cancelling voluntarily)
- Submit your application online
- Wait for IRAS to process and confirm your deregistration
Tip: Check the “Notices/Letters” section in myTax Portal regularly, that’s where IRAS will send your official GST cancellation confirmation. Don’t rely on email or physical mail.
How long does it take?
- IRAS usually processes the application within 10 working days
- You’ll receive an official notice confirming your effective cancellation date
- Until then, you must continue to charge GST and file returns
If you can't access myTax Portal, use the official IRAS GST cancellation form as an alternative.
What happens after GST deregistration is approved?
Once IRAS approves your cancellation, your business is no longer GST-registered, but you’re not done yet. There are a few final steps to complete to stay compliant.
1. Stop charging GST immediately
- Remove GST from your invoices, receipts, website, and product listings
- You must not issue tax invoices with GST after the effective cancellation date
- Update your accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, etc.) to reflect non-GST status
Note: Charging GST after cancellation can lead to penalties or corrective filings.
2. File your final GST return (Form F8)
Once IRAS approves your cancellation, you must file a final GST return (Form F8) via the myTax Portal.
Timeline: You’ll need to submit this return within 1 month after the end of your final GST accounting period. For instance, if your effective cancellation date is 1 Jan 2026, your final GST return will cover the period up to 31 Dec 2025, i.e., the last day your business was GST-registered.
What to include in your final return:
- GST on business assets (e.g., unsold inventory, fixed assets, or goods held for business use on the date of cancellation), but only if you previously claimed input tax on them (or are deemed to have under schemes like MES). This only applies if the total value exceeds S$10,000.
Remember: These assets must be valued at their open market value on the last day of registration, not their original purchase price. - Any outstanding GST on supplies made before cancellation that haven’t yet been invoiced or paid.
- Adjustments for past GST filings, if needed.
3. Settle any outstanding GST
- Make sure any GST you still owe is paid on time
- IRAS may apply late payment penalties if payment is delayed
Even if you haven’t traded recently, your final return and payments are still required.
Do you still need to keep records after GST deregistration?
Yes, even after you deregister for GST, IRAS requires you to keep all GST-related records for 5 years from the date of the last transaction.
This applies even if:
- Your company is no longer operating
- You’ve deregistered with ACRA
- You’re a freelancer, sole prop, or side business winding down
Helpful guide – GST Tips for Freelancers
What records must you keep?
- Filed GST returns, including your final Form F8
- Tax invoices and receipts issued before deregistration
- Records of sales, purchases, imports, and exports
- Valuation of business assets and stock declared to the IRAS
What counts as acceptable records in Singapore?
- Hard copies (printed invoices, receipts)
- Digital files (PDFs, spreadsheets, cloud backups)
- Exports from tools like Xero or Google Drive
Tip: As long as records are accurate, complete, and easily retrievable, IRAS accepts both physical and digital formats.
Why does this matter?
- IRAS may audit past filings even after you’ve cancelled your GST registration
- You’ll need documentation to support any claims, corrections, or investigations
- Missing records can lead to penalties or rejections if discrepancies are found
Create a clearly labelled folder in your cloud storage (e.g., “GST Records 2025–2030”) to store tax invoices, returns, and supporting documents. This makes retrieval easy in case of future audits.
How Sleek can help with GST deregistration
GST deregistration may look like a simple checkbox. But missing a step can lead to IRAS penalties, rejected applications, or even getting billed for GST you shouldn’t be collecting.
Let’s face it, most business owners don’t have time to dive into IRAS guidelines during peak month-end. Especially not while juggling clients, cash flow, and daily ops.
Whether you’re unsure if you qualify, struggling with Corppass access, or just want to be sure it’s all done by the book, Sleek can help.
We can support you through every stage:
- Check if your business is eligible to deregister (e.g., sole prop, side hustle, or newly closed Pte Ltd)
- Prepare and submit your IRAS application; no second-guessing GST forms
- File your final GST return (Form F8) accurately, with assets and stock correctly accounted for, including using their open market value if GST is due on them
- Guide you on what to do post-deregistration, so you don’t run into trouble during IRAS checks later on
We work with agencies, small business owners, startup founders, and freelancers across Singapore. So, whether you’re closing your café in Joo Chiat, wrapping up freelance projects in Q4, or rebranding your business structure, we’ve probably handled a case like yours.
Need clarity or a second set of eyes? Just reach out and our GST experts will provide you the guidance you seek.
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FAQs on GST deregistration in Singapore
How do I know if I need to deregister for GST in Singapore?
You must deregister for GST if your business has stopped operating, no longer makes taxable supplies, has been sold or transferred, or undergone a structural change (e.g., from sole prop to Pte Ltd). IRAS requires cancellation within 30 days. Missing this deadline may result in penalties or continued tax obligations, so review your business status as soon as it changes.
Can I cancel GST registration if my revenue is under S$1 million?
Yes, if you’re no longer liable. If you were compulsorily registered, you must cancel within 30 days of falling below the threshold. If you registered voluntarily, you can apply after being GST-registered for at least two years, provided your expected turnover stays under S$1 million for the next 12 months. IRAS may request financial documents to support your application.
What’s the fastest way to deregister for GST?
The fastest method is applying online via the IRAS myTax Portal using your Corppass. You’ll need to provide your reason for cancellation and may be asked to submit supporting documents. IRAS usually processes the application in 10 working days. If you’re unsure how to proceed, a service provider like Sleek can handle the process accurately and on time.
Do I need to file anything after IRAS approves deregistration?
Yes. After deregistration, you must file a final GST return (Form F8) within one month. This includes GST on unsold inventory, fixed assets, and unpaid invoices, but only if you previously claimed input tax and the total value exceeds S$10,000. These assets must be valued at their open market value on the last day of registration.
Even if there are no outstanding transactions, filing is still required. Failure to do so could result in penalties or delays in closing your GST account.
Can I stop charging GST once I apply for deregistration?
No. You must continue to charge GST and submit GST returns until IRAS sends you a formal confirmation of deregistration. Many assume the process ends with submission, but IRAS still considers you registered until that notice is issued. Stopping too soon may lead to compliance issues or penalties.
Do I need to deregister if I’m changing from sole proprietor to Pte Ltd?
Yes. Even if you’re continuing the same business operations, a structural change, such as moving from a sole proprietorship to a private limited company, means your GST registration must be cancelled. A new registration will be needed under the new entity if it meets IRAS requirements. This is often missed during restructuring.
What happens to input tax claims after I cancel GST registration?
Once your GST registration is cancelled, you can no longer claim input tax on purchases or business expenses. Any eligible input tax must be claimed before the effective date of cancellation, not during the filing of your final return.
Timing is important. So, if you still have stock or ongoing contracts, make sure all input tax is accounted for in your GST returns before deregistration. After that, those expenses will no longer be GST-deductible.
Can I deregister for GST if I still owe GST to IRAS?
Yes, but IRAS won’t complete your deregistration until all outstanding GST, penalties, and your final return are submitted. You can still apply, but you must clear your dues promptly. If needed, a compliance advisor or filing agent can help ensure your GST account is fully reconciled before closure.
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