WE WANT TO VISIT

[former_expat]

Hi,

Hope this forum might be able to help. We used to be former expats and we want to come back for a visit in SG.

However, we are concerned re my partner’s IRAS issues back in late 2019. I left SG with a clean record, my ex employer was kind enough to clear my taxes for me before I left. But my partner left without an official resignation tendered (i know, fault is his own) and our old landlord mentioned he received ‘demand letters’ from IRAS re tax clearance in 2019. Pandemic happened and all, we forgot the IRAS issue and only remembered now that we want to visit again.

Our question now is, how do we know how much his dues are and how to pay? We are willing to pay as we know that it was his fault but we just want to clear his dues before flying in to avoid detainment.

Are you guys able to advise?
Thank you.

[Mad Scientist]

You will not have problem entering SG
Go to Inland Revenue and sort it. Money talks and they like people that wants to pay and will accommodate
Remember do not show all your cards to them or else you will pay in full
Plead ignorance, Covid , leniency whatever you can think off
My best line is "Look I am prepared to pay but given my predicament right now, is there anyway you can reduce my liabilities?" After that asked for monthly deduction. As long as you have auto debit set up or able to pay monthly promptly , you will get a discount.
Do not accept word for word on your liabilities, bargain is the key

[former_expat]

Do you mean contact Inland Revenue before flying in?

We were also thinking of contacting them through email/call to inquire re his tax clearance to sort it out prior to booking flights.

Some acquaintances in SG even suggested just to fly in cos employers typically pay the IR21 on behalf of the employee as it’s their ‘duty’. But we want to play safe because of the demand letters we received. Unfortunately, our previous landlord got scared of the ‘threats’ in the letter and threw it without taking photos to share with us.

[Mad Scientist]

OK, you have to understand how IRD works.
You left without sorting your taxes. There is no way IRD able to trace you overseas since you scoot immediately with no overseas contact address. So the closest will be your landlord. Last place of contact address in SG. Landlord denies liabilities. So he gave you an earful but that it is. The onus is on you
Demand means nothing if they cannot get hold of you
To me you can either play both ways depending on how much you owe the taxman
1. Play dumb. Since they cannot trace you , you do not have to pay. The catch is if get employment offers again in SG. Then you are stuff big time. If you think you are not going to gain employment again here in the near future then play dumb. They do not know what they do not know.
2. Pro-active. Contact them via email and sort it as per my suggestion above. Clear your conscience and die in peace