Scope and source transition
This FAQ explains electronic refunds for Stamp Duty, starting progressively from September 2025; this source describes cessation of cheque issue from 1 January 2026. Deposits avoid cheque loss, replacement and handling, and credit the bank account directly. The dates describe this PDF edition rather than a new future rollout.
GIRO and PayNow priority
If eligible own-name GIRO and PayNow arrangements use different accounts, the refund goes to GIRO. Otherwise PayNow uses the liable party’s NRIC/FIN/UEN; registering with the bank does not require separate notification to IRAS. A mobile-number PayNow proxy is not accepted for these tax refunds.
No setup or a third-party payment account
Set up an eligible own-name GIRO account or the correct PayNow proxy. Without a refund arrangement, credits remain in the tax account; the FAQ does not promise late-refund interest where setup is missing or an account closure causes failure. A third party’s account used to pay tax does not qualify to receive the taxpayer’s refund. The account-holder name must match the taxpayer.
Overseas and foreign-currency accounts
Use a Telegraphic Transfer request under Tax Refunds via Telegraphic Transfer on IRAS’ refunds page for an overseas account or a Singapore foreign-currency account. Taxpayers bear related transfer costs; exchange-rate movements can affect the sum received. GIRO and PayNow avoid cheque-handling costs.
Changing or closing accounts
Changing GIRO requires a new application. Re-register the appropriate PayNow identifier with the new own-name account. Where the FAQ instructs, deregister the old bank’s proxy first. Put the replacement in place before closing the old account; otherwise a refund fails and IRAS sends a letter to apply for electronic refund.
Stamp Duty account exception and joint liable parties
A GIRO arrangement specifically for Property Tax is ineligible for Stamp Duty refunds. If the Stamp Duty GIRO is third-party, use another own-name IRAS GIRO arrangement for a tax other than Property Tax, or correct PayNow. Portal appeal, assessment, refund or revision applications pay the nominated liable party. Duplicate-stamping refunds may go to the person who submitted the stamping records if the application says so. Other cases require a form confirming the recipient liable party; subsequent sharing is settled privately, not apportioned by IRAS. Unsupported foreign references require own-name GIRO or TT. Credits remain and a setup reminder is issued if no account is available; GIRO and PayNow refunds are free.
Official source
This article independently explains the substantive contents of the official PDF, including the relevant conditions, procedures and annexes. The linked document remains the authoritative source for its original wording, and later changes should be checked separately.
Read the official PDF ↗