Singapore requires Upwork to collect goods and services tax, or GST, and remit the tax to the government of Singapore if we do not have a valid GST ID on file for you. GST is a tax on goods or services, including our services to you, and remit means to send money for a payment.
Examples of services that GST applies to in Singapore
- Marketplace fee, Contract Initiation Fee, conversion fee, and recruiter fee
When we charge tax, it’s because your government requires us to, which means this tax may change or apply to additional services in the future.
Tax rate
In Singapore, the GST rate is 8% of the cost of the service being taxed. For example, if you pay $100 USD in client marketplace fees, you will pay $8 in tax, for a total of $108.
You’ll see the estimated amount of tax when you check out and on your invoices and Transaction History.
GST ID
If you provide a valid GST ID to Upwork, we will not have to collect this tax from you. You can enter or edit your GST ID in your account’s Tax Information.
We’ll check whether the GST ID you provide is valid and email you when we have confirmed it is valid, which usually happens right away. We’ll also email you to let you know if we are unable to validate your ID or if there is a delay.
We will display the GST ID you provide to us on your invoices, even if the ID is not validated. You will need to update your GST ID to change what displays on your invoice.
Your Singapore GST ID number is different from your tax identification number. It is a unique ID that you may request from your government by registering for GST in Singapore.
It has 10 alphanumeric characters and can start and end with a letter or a number. It might look like this, for example, M2-1234567-8, MR-1234567-8, or 19-9012345-X. If you are a nonresident with a GST ID, it may look like this, for example, F2-1234567-D.
To learn more, visit the Singapore tax authority’s website.
Exemption
Singapore does not offer any applicable exemptions from GST, but you can avoid GST charges by providing a valid GST ID.
Location and information changes
If you change locations and update your tax residence in your Tax Information, we'll automatically adjust your VAT to correspond with the rates in your new country of residence or stop collecting if there is no VAT, or a similar tax, in your new country.
However, you may have to revalidate your VAT ID when you change locations.
You may also have to revalidate your VAT ID if you make other changes to your information, such as changing your legal name.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
We’re required to comply with the tax laws of the countries where we operate to continue to do business in those countries. Singapore requires that we collect GST on Upwork services and remit them to your government unless we have a valid GST ID on file for you.
No, if you provide a valid GST ID, we will not have to collect and remit GST for you. To enter your GST ID, go to your account’s Tax Information.
Yes, we are required to have a GST on file for you. If you do not provide a valid GST, we are required to charge you GST and remit it to the Singapore government.
If you provide a valid GST ID, we will not be required to collect the tax. To enter your GST ID, go to your account’s Tax Information.
We are still required to collect GST even if you are only residing in Singapore temporarily. If you move to another country, you can update your tax residence in your Tax Information. We'll automatically adjust your GST to correspond with the rates in your new country of residence or stop collecting if there is no GST or a similar tax, in your new country.
No, we remit that money directly to the Singapore government and will not be able to 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.
