18/02/22

SINGAPORE: Tax revenue will be hit by international rule changes, says Finance Minister.

As published on straitstimes.com, Friday 18 February, 2022.

Singapore will lose corporate tax revenue when changes to international tax rules take effect, and will adjust its tax system in response to global tax developments, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday (Feb 18).

These changes may include a top-up tax so the country can align itself with new international standards.

"Our corporate tax system will need to be updated due to global tax developments relating to the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting initiative, or BEPS 2.0," he said in his Budget speech.

Singapore expects BEPS 2.0 to result in greater competition for investments as governments seek to rebuild their countries' economies post-pandemic, Mr Wong added.

The Republic was among 130 countries to sign a landmark agreement in July last year. The deal provides a framework for the reform of international tax rules, and backs a global minimum corporate tax of 15 per cent from 2023.

The tax deal aims to discourage multinational companies from shifting profits - and tax revenues - to low-tax countries regardless of where their sales are made.

There are two pillars in Beps 2.0: the first re-allocates profit of the largest and most profitable multi-national enterprises (MNEs), from where activities are conducted to where consumers are located.

"There are ongoing international discussions on how to determine the jurisdictions which will surrender profits for re-allocation to the markets under Pillar 1 and how much each will surrender," said Mr Wong.

"Given our small domestic market and the extent of activities conducted here by MNEs, Singapore will lose tax revenue under Pillar 1," he said.

The second pillar introduces the 15 per cent global minimum tax rate for MNE groups with annual global revenues of 750 million euros or more, under its Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) Model Rules, among other things.

"What this means is that if such an MNE were to have an effective tax rate of less than 15 per cent in Singapore at the group level, other jurisdictions such as its home jurisdiction can collect the difference up to 15 per cent," said Mr Wong.

Singapore will adjust its tax system in response to Pillar 2 GloBE rules.

It is exploring a top-up tax called the Minimum Effective Tax Rate, or METR, which will top up the MNE group's effective tax rate in Singapore to 15 per cent.

The METR will apply to MNE groups operating in Singapore that have annual revenues of at least 750 million euros as reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the ultimate parent entity.

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore will study the tax rate further and consult industry stakeholders on it.

"We will also continue to closely monitor international developments before making any decisions on the METR," said Mr Wong.

"At this stage, it is premature and difficult to determine the eventual fiscal impact of both pillars. There will be a negative revenue impact under Pillar 1.

"METR might yield some additional tax revenue in the short term, but the eventual impact of Pillar 2 on our revenue will depend on how governments and companies respond," he added.

The net impact of both pillars depends on rules and details that are still being developed by the Inclusive Framework on BEPS.

The framework allows interested countries and jurisdictions to work with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Group of 20 to implement measures to tackle tax avoidance, improve the coherence of international tax rules and ensure a more transparent tax environment.

"While BEPS 2.0 may have reduced the scope for tax competition, it has not reduced global tax competition for investments. In fact, competition is likely to intensify as governments worldwide seek to restore and rebuild their economies after the effects of the pandemic," said Mr Wong.

He said the Government will have to take this into consideration and ensure that Singapore remains one of the best places in the world for business.

"We will therefore need more time to study these issues thoroughly, and will announce changes in the corporate tax system when we are ready."