Electronic refunds and bank preparation
IRAS stopped issuing tax-refund cheques from 1 January 2026. Refunds use applicable GIRO, PayNow or telegraphic-transfer arrangements; withholding-tax refunds to non-residents use telegraphic transfer. Eligible GIRO or NRIC/FIN/UEN-linked PayNow refunds may arrive within seven days after the credit arises. Foreign individuals or companies leaving Singapore should keep the relevant local account active and arrange the correct linkage; the page recommends preparation at least 30 days before departure where an advance refund is sought.
Why a credit may remain in the account
Automatic refunds may not occur for credits below S$15, retained-credit instructions, absent payment details, outstanding liabilities, unfiled GST returns, ongoing reviews or other listed circumstances. Withholding-tax overpayments require a claim under the stated process. For a dissolved company, credits are handed to IPTO rather than paid as an ordinary company refund. Check View Account Summary and contact IRAS for an unsuccessful refund or unclaimed amount. The general 30-day refund and interest rule is subject to the page’s exceptions.
Official source
A concise, independent Apex Gateway guide based on the official English source, not a reproduction of the complete document. Consult the original for full conditions, exceptions and subsequent updates.
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