Learn how Singapore’s 8% GST applies to Upwork freelancer fees, whether GST IDs are required, how to enter them, and how location changes affect tax collection on Upwork.
In this article
- What's Singapore GST and why does Upwork collect it?
- What services does GST apply to for freelancers on Upwork?
- What's the Singapore GST rate?
- Do I have to provide my Singapore GST ID to Upwork?
- What is the Singapore GST ID format?
- How do I enter my Singapore GST ID on Upwork?
- Does Singapore offer any GST exemptions?
- How does changing my location or information affect Singapore VAT?
- Who does Upwork collect Singapore GST from?
- What if I’m only residing in Singapore temporarily?
- If I pay Singapore GST before I enter a valid GST ID, will you refund that money once I enter it?
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and should not be considered tax advice. It may not be updated in real time and may not reflect recent changes. We strongly encourage you to consult your country’s tax authority or your tax advisor with questions related to your specific situation.
What's Singapore GST and why does Upwork collect it?
Goods and services tax, or GST, is a tax that includes our services to you, and Singapore requires Upwork to collect it and send it to the government of Singapore unless you provide a valid GST ID in your tax information.
We’re required to comply with the tax laws of countries where we do business to operate there.
To learn more, visit the Singapore tax authority’s website.
What services does GST apply to for freelancers on Upwork?
Examples of services that GST applies to:
- Freelancer Service Fee
- Membership fee
- Connects purchases
Since we charge tax when your government requires it, the tax may change or apply to additional services at any time.
What's the Singapore GST rate?
It's 8% of the cost of the service being taxed.
Example: On $100 USD in Freelancer Service Fees, you'll pay $8 in tax, for a total of $108.
You’ll see the estimated amount of tax when you check out and the final charge on your invoices and in your transactions.
Do I have to provide my Singapore GST ID to Upwork?
No, but If you provide a valid GST ID to Upwork in your tax Information, we will not have to collect this tax from you. We'll also display the GST you provide on your invoices.
What is the Singapore GST ID format?
It's a unique ID that you may request from your government by registering for GST in Singapore — not the same as your tax ID.
It has 10 alphanumeric characters and can start and end with a letter or a number. Like this, for example: M2-1234567-8, MR-1234567-8, or 19-9012345-X. Or, if you're a nonresident with a GST ID, like this: F2-1234567-D.
How do I enter my Singapore GST ID on Upwork?
- Go to Manage finances > Tax information
- Click the pencil icon to enter or edit your info
- Select Save
Does Singapore offer any GST exemptions?
Singapore does not offer any applicable exemptions from GST on services that Upwork provides, but you can avoid GST being collected by Upwork by providing a valid GST ID in your tax information.
How does changing my location or information affect Singapore VAT?
If you update your tax residence in your tax information, we'll automatically adjust what we collect to correspond with any taxes that apply in your new country.
You may have to revalidate your GST ID or similar ID when you change locations, or if you make other changes to your information, such as changing your legal name.
Who does Upwork collect Singapore GST from?
Singapore’s GST applies to services we provide to both freelancers and clients if they reside, have a permanent address, or are established in Singapore and have not provided us with a valid GST ID.
What if I’m only residing in Singapore temporarily?
Yes. As long as your tax residence is set to Albania, we’re required to collect this tax. If you move, update your tax information — we’ll adjust accordingly.
If I pay Singapore GST before I enter a valid GST ID, will you refund that money once I enter it?
No, we sent that money directly to the Singapore government and cannot refund it. You may be able to claim a credit with your tax authority for what you paid. We recommend that you consult with your government’s tax authority or your tax advisor for more information.