Registering for GST is a well-documented process in Singapore. Deregistering is less talked about — but it is just as important to get right. Errors in the deregistration process can result in penalties, a missed deemed supply assessment, or a late final GST return that triggers interest charges.

This guide walks through the complete GST deregistration process for 2026, including recent changes affecting businesses that re-register after 1 April 2026.

Grounds for GST Deregistration in Singapore

Under the Goods and Services Tax Act (Cap. 117A), there are two grounds for deregistration:

Compulsory deregistration

You must apply to cancel your GST registration if you have ceased making taxable supplies, or if taxable supplies never commenced after registration. The application must be submitted to IRAS within 30 days of the date you ceased making taxable supplies. Missing this window is itself a compliance failure.

Voluntary deregistration

You may apply to voluntarily cancel your GST registration if your taxable turnover for the next 12 months is expected to fall below S$1 million. The key condition: you must have been GST-registered for at least 2 years before applying for voluntary deregistration. Businesses registered for less than 2 years cannot voluntarily deregister unless they have ceased taxable supplies.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for GST Deregistration via myTax Portal

The application is made online through IRAS myTax Portal. Here is the process:

Step 1 — Log in to myTax Portal using your Corppass credentials.

Step 2 — Navigate to GST → GST Registration → Apply for Cancellation of GST Registration.

Step 3 — Complete the application form. You will need to provide the reason for cancellation (cessation of supplies or voluntary), the proposed effective date of deregistration, and confirmation of the date taxable supplies ceased (if applicable).

Step 4 — Submit. IRAS will review the application and, if approved, issue a letter confirming the effective date of deregistration.

Processing time is typically 2 to 4 weeks. IRAS may request supporting documents if the reason for cancellation is not clear.

The Effective Date of Deregistration

IRAS determines the effective deregistration date. For voluntary deregistration, this is generally the date IRAS approves the application. For compulsory deregistration, it is the date the business ceased making taxable supplies (which may be retroactive).

You must stop charging GST from the effective deregistration date. Charging GST after that date without being registered is a criminal offence.

Form F8: The Final GST Return

After deregistration, you must file a final GST return known as Form F8. This covers the period from the end of your last GST return to the effective deregistration date. The deadline is one month from the effective deregistration date. Any GST payable under Form F8 must be paid by the same deadline.

Late filing of Form F8 will result in penalties. IRAS does not waive these lightly.

The Deemed Supply Rule: A Common Trap

One of the most frequently overlooked aspects of GST deregistration is the deemed supply rule. Under this rule, all business assets on hand at the date of deregistration — including stock, equipment, and other goods on which GST input tax was previously claimed — are treated as a taxable supply at the date of deregistration, if the total fair market value of those assets exceeds S$10,000.

GST must be accounted for on these assets in Form F8, even though no sale has taken place. The tax base is the open market value of the assets at deregistration. Businesses that have accumulated significant capital assets or inventory need to plan carefully for this.

There is no deemed supply if the total open market value of business assets on hand at deregistration does not exceed S$10,000.

InvoiceNow Requirement for Businesses Re-Registering from 1 April 2026

From 1 April 2026, businesses that re-register for GST are required to use InvoiceNow-compliant accounting software from the date of re-registration. This applies to any business that deregisters and later re-registers — not just new registrants. If your business may need to re-register in the future, factor in the cost and time required to migrate to InvoiceNow-compliant software before you re-register.

Record-Keeping Obligations After Deregistration

Deregistration does not end your GST record-keeping obligations. Under the GST Act, you must retain all GST-related records for 5 years from the date they were made, or from the date of the last transaction to which they relate — whichever is later. This includes tax invoices, receipts, purchase records, and GST returns (including Form F8).

Do not destroy records within 5 years of deregistration. IRAS can audit a business for up to 5 years after the event.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing the 30-day notification window. If you have ceased taxable supplies, you must notify IRAS within 30 days. A late application can result in penalties for the period of non-compliance.

Continuing to issue tax invoices after deregistration. Your GST registration number becomes invalid from the effective deregistration date. Issuing tax invoices after that date exposes you to prosecution.

Forgetting to account for deemed supply on business assets. This is the most common cause of underreported GST on deregistration and often comes to light during an IRAS audit.

Not filing Form F8 on time. The one-month deadline after the effective deregistration date is firm. Late filing triggers late payment penalties and interest.

Destroying records before 5 years. Even if the business has been wound up, records must be preserved for the required period.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

GST deregistration is straightforward in principle but has several compliance traps. Businesses with significant assets, complex supply chains, or partially exempt supplies should engage a professional tax adviser to review the deemed supply calculation and ensure Form F8 is filed correctly. Our team at Singapore Secretary Services can assist with the deregistration application and coordinate with your accountant on the final GST return. See our accounting and bookkeeping services for more information.

For the authoritative legislative provisions, see the Goods and Services Tax Act (Cap. 117A) on the Singapore Statutes Online portal and IRAS’s guidance on cancellation of GST registration.

Singapore Secretary Services provides corporate secretarial, accounting, and compliance support for Singapore businesses. Contact us at our contact page or email [email protected].

This article is for general information only and does not constitute tax or legal advice.