Dependent's pass and income tax

[lua_de_prata]

Hi all

I tried to look this up online but didn't get much luck! Hopefully you'll be able to help me!

I'm on a dependent's pass since last September but have recently started work in Singapore. As far as i am aware, my employer has not applied for an employment pass but merely acted as a sponsor. Which, if i understand correctly, means i am still a dependent's pass holder but with permission to work (with a letter of consent).

I was just wondering how this works in terms of income tax. Can i file my taxes independently or do i have to file it under my husband's taxes? If this is the case then it sucks as we pay more! Could i then tell my employer to apply for a completely independent employment pass rather than just a letter of consent to work? Is this even possible?

Thanks a bunch!

[sundaymorningstaple]

There is only one way you are taxed here. Each person here is taxed on his/her own income. The fact that you are on a dependents pass has no bearing on your tax rates other than the fact that you have to file. Yes, he loses the wife relief if you work but unless you only make a couple of thousand you came out ahead, net.

Unlike the US and some other countries that lump incomes together into a "Joint" return, here ALL are taxed individually.

[movingtospore]

What is the wife relief?

[sundaymorningstaple]

What is the wife relief?

http://www.iras.gov.sg/irasHome/page04_ektid218.aspx

Basically, if you got a wife who's a processed food couch potato who doesn't work you can get a $2K deduction for having to put up with her lazy arse!

[movingtospore]

Cool! Glad to know I'm contributed something to the bottom line for the moment.

Are there deductions for kids too?

[sundaymorningstaple]

yep. But those two deductions are almost the full extent of it here. But the tax rates are so low you needn't worry too much.

[aster]

I believe you can claim a $2k relief for your wife if her income for the year doesn't exceed $2k.

But as far as kids are concerned, I think it only applies to children who are Singaporean citizens (or will be within 12 mths).

[aster]

My mistake, I believe that both the wife and child reliefs apply to non-citizens ($2k and $4k respectively)... it's the PTR (Parenthood Tax Rebate) that only applies to children that are Singaporean citizens.