Old tax question

[taxq]

Hello,

I had worked in Singapore for 6 months from July 2004 to Dec 2004. In March 2005, my employer sent me mail asking me to pay tax for the year 2004. However, I did not have such huge amount to pay at that time and I replied explaining my state. I did not receive any reply for my mail. I recently heard that since rules are strict in Singapore, one who does not pay tax will never be allowed to enter Singapore again. Is that true? Can anyone clarify please?

Thanks
taxq

[sundaymorningstaple]

OH, they will let you in okay. But you might get picked up for income tax evasion and given free room & board in Changi for a while.......

But, on the other hand, The employer has to pay it by law. They were supposed to file an IR-21 Tax Clearance before you left the country. They were also supposed to withhold your last month's salary in order to pay your taxes for you. If you left without giving notice, then the employer may also have been fined $1000 for not filing the IR-21 timely (although if you gave short notice they will generally not be fined). However, they still would have had to pay your income taxes. Therefore you probably are clear as far as IRAS is concerned. However, the former employer might be able to go after you in a civil suit.