Breakdown of $566.7 Million Tax Arrears by Taxpayer Type, Taxpayers Experiencing Financial Hardship and Payment Arrangements

Parliamentary Question by Ms Diana Pang Li Yen:

To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of the $566.7 million in Income Tax, GST and Property Tax arrears as at 31 March 2026 (a) what proportion is owed by individuals and businesses respectively; (b) how much relates to taxpayers experiencing financial hardship; and (c) how many taxpayers were granted instalment or other payment arrangements.

Parliamentary Reply by Second Minister for Finance, Mr Jeffrey Siow:

Of the $566.7 million, which amounts to less than 1% of total tax collections, 38% of the tax arrears is owed by individuals. IRAS does not track the proportion due to financial hardship, as not all taxpayers disclose why they are in arrears.

As at 31 August 2026, about 90,000 taxpayers were placed on payment arrangements, and thus are no longer considered to be in arrears.

Taxpayers facing difficulties can apply to IRAS for longer instalment plans beyond the standard 12-month interest free GIRO plan.