If your team is still logging into myTax Portal for every time you need to file a return, you might be spending more time on compliance than you need to.
Filing a single Corporate Income Tax return (Form C-S) manually can take up to 8 hours. With IRAS’ #SeamlessFilingFromSoftware (#SFFS) initiative, that same process takes around 15 minutes – a time saving of over 95%.
And it’s not just finance teams that benefit. HR teams managing employee income reporting through the Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS) – including IR8A submissions and tax clearance for departing employees – can also file directly from payroll software, with no separate portal login required.
Here’s what #SFFS is, who it applies to, and why it matters for your business.
What Is IRAS #SFFS?
#SFFS enables businesses and employers to submit statutory filings directly from their payroll or accounting software, without a separate login to myTax Portal. It works through APIs that connect approved software platforms directly to IRAS systems, with Corppass authentication – the enterprise authentication system managed by GovTech – embedded into the workflow.
Under #SFFS, businesses in Singapore can submit:
- Corporate Income Tax (CIT) – Form C-S
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) – F5 and F8 returns
- Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS) submissions, including IR8A and related forms
- Tax Clearance for Employees – IR21
Who Can Adopt #SFFS?
| User Group |
Filing Type |
Key Applicability |
| Companies |
CIT Form C-S |
- Incorporated in Singapore
- Annual revenue of ≤S$5 million
- Income taxed at 17% CIT rate
- Not claiming group relief, investment allowance, loss carry-back relief, or foreign tax credits
|
| Tax Agents |
CIT Form C-S and/or GST F5 and F8 returns (on behalf of clients) |
Tax agents using IRAS-recognised software or a directly connected in-house system to file on behalf of eligible clients |
| GST-registered Businesses |
GST F5 and F8 returns |
All GST-registered businesses; no revenue size restriction |
| Employers |
AIS (IR8A and related forms); Tax Clearance IR21 |
All employers under the Auto-Inclusion Scheme or processing tax clearance; no company size restriction |
Manual Filing vs. #SFFS Filing
| Traditional Filing Process |
Filing via #SFFS |
| Separate login to myTax Portal required |
Submit directly from payroll or accounting software |
| Manual re-entry of existing HR or finance data |
Data flows automatically between systems |
| Higher risk of transposition errors |
Reduced manual intervention and improved accuracy |
| Time-consuming filing process |
Faster submission turnaround |
| Limited internal audit trail |
Submission records and acknowledgements retained within the platform |
Why #SFFS API Adoption Matters for Your Business
Source: pressfoto on Freepik
Beyond time savings, there are several compelling reasons to prioritise #SFFS adoption now.
1. IRAS Is Actively Incentivising Early Movers
To encourage adoption, IRAS has introduced transitional support measures for qualifying #SFFS users. These include waivers of penalties for errors made in tax returns due to unfamiliarity with the use of the software, as well as extended filing deadlines for selected filings submitted through #SFFS. The applicability of these measures varies depending on the filing type and user group – refer to the IRAS #SFFS page for the latest details.
These measures offer a low-risk runway without the pressure of being penalised during the transition period.
2. Improved Accuracy and Fewer Manual Errors
Manual data entry remains one of the most common causes of filing discrepancies. By enabling payroll and accounting platforms to exchange data directly with IRAS systems, #SFFS reduces repetitive re-entering of critical data across multiple workflows – minimising transposition errors and improving consistency between internal records and statutory submissions.
3. More Time for Strategic Work
Automated submissions free HR and finance teams from manual filing cycles – creating capacity for workforce planning, financial analysis, and strategic initiatives that drive real business impact.
4. Singapore’s Digitalisation Agenda Is Only Accelerating
#SFFS is part of Singapore’s broader Smart Nation and digitalisation agenda, moving compliance from manual portal submissions to integrated, system-to-system workflows.
Through the IRAS API Marketplace, payroll and finance systems increasingly embed statutory filing directly into business software – reducing dependency on standalone portals.
How to Get Started with #SFFS
1. Use IRAS-Recognised Software
The most common approach is to adopt software that is already integrated with IRAS APIs.
In this model, the software provider manages API connectivity and compliance requirements. Businesses simply use the platform to prepare and submit filings directly.
IRAS maintains a list of approved #SFFS Solution Partners – including BIPO – that support API-enabled submissions. This is the fastest route for most SMEs.
2. Connect Your In-House System via API
Larger organisations can connect their internal payroll or finance systems directly to the IRAS API Marketplace using official documentation, sandbox testing, and onboarding support.
How BIPO Supports Seamless Tax Compliance in Singapore
Source: pressfoto on Freepik
At BIPO, we help organisations manage Singapore payroll compliance across CPF, IRAS, MOM, and other statutory requirements – within a single integrated platform.
As an IRAS-recognised One-Stop Payroll (OSP) vendor and Category A AIS Payroll Software Vendor (the highest tier under IRAS AIS listings), BIPO supports API-aligned statutory submissions designed for Singapore’s digital compliance framework.
Our cloud-based payroll solution helps businesses:
- Automate CPF contribution calculations
- Generate compliant digital payslips
- Support IRAS statutory submissions
- Centralise payroll and compliance workflows within a single platform
BIPO HRMS is also a pre-approved solution under the IMDA SMEs Go Digital programme, making it eligible for Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) funding support of up to 50%. That makes #SFFS readiness more accessible for Singapore SMEs looking to modernise their payroll and compliance workflows.
Take the Next Step Towards Smarter Compliance
For organisations preparing for a more connected and digitally integrated compliance environment, adopting an integrated payroll platform is an important step towards future-ready operations.
Ready to simplify your payroll and statutory filings in Singapore? Connect with our team to explore how BIPO’s payroll and HRMS solutions can help your business stay compliant and file smarter – from CPF to IRAS and beyond.
