Tax clearance - when can I get my money back?

[cataluna2k]

I am leaving SG soon due to retrenchment. My last day was mid Feb and my Feb salary plus severance pay is now being withheld by IRAS. The amount withheld is more than the tax balance.

My questions:
1. My IRAS page didnt show any payment made regarding to the tax but my Feb payslip indicated the amount deducted. Is this normal?
2. Usually how long does it take for IRAS to release the balance?
3. How do I know if my company did make the payment to IRAS? There is no info on my IRAS page. They just told me that they are waiting for clearance from IRAS but no info when this can happen.

Thanks.

[sundaymorningstaple]

IRAS doesn't have the balance. You employer does. You employer is required to withhold the final salaries and they will be paying your income taxes. After such tax clearance, they will receive a letter or notice from ICA to release the balance of your salaries to you for your departure. That way you are not allowed to skip out on the Balance Due and the employer is roped in to ensure you don't get tempted once you have your final salary to disappear in the middle of the night.

[sundaymorningstaple]

You need to keep up with the employer or call IRAS to ask if you taxes have been cleared (if so, then your employer is trying to pull a con.)

[feydrautha]

It's normal. The payslip deduction confirms your company withheld the tax, but it takes some time for the transfer to process at IRAS. Once IRAS receives your tax payment and processes your Form IR21, they will typically release any excess amount withheld within 30 days.