Summary of Responses - Public Consultation On Draft Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2013

13 suggestions received on the draft Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2013

The Ministry of Finance received 13 suggestions on the draft Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2013 during the public consultation exercise held from 5 to 25 August 2013. Eight suggestions were accepted and will be incorporated into the revised Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2013 or IRAS’ e-Tax guides. The remaining suggestions were not accepted for implementation as they are inconsistent with the policy objectives for the proposed changes or would require further study.

2. The draft Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2013 contains proposed legislation to put into effect changes arising from our periodic review of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system and administration. Most of the suggestions received are on the following changes:

a) Allow GST obligations to be imposed on the new local agent. An overseas person can import and supply goods in Singapore through a local agent. Where there is a change of local agent between the time of import and the subsequent supply of goods, the proposed amendment allows GST obligations to be imposed on the new local agent; and

b) Provide for enforcement powers in relation to fraudulent claims under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). To facilitate investigation and prosecution of TRS fraud, the Comptroller and authorised persons will be allowed to seize goods and arrest persons where TRS fraud is suspected. A summary of the key suggestions received and MOF’s responses are at Annex ↗ (opens in new tab) (93 KB).

3. MOF would like to thank all respondents for their suggestions.

MINISTRY OF FINANCE
21 October 2013