By Karun Reji, Chartered Accountant, BI-Outsource. General information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change: check the current position before you act.
Short answer: pay CPF for Singapore citizen and PR employees by the 14th of the following month, along with the Skills Development Levy for all employees. Submit employees' income to IRAS by 1 March each year, through the Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS) if you have 5 or more employees or have been told to join.
Employer payroll calendar
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Monthly, by the 14th | CPF contributions (citizens and PRs) and SDL (all employees) |
| Monthly | Itemised payslips and key employment terms kept |
| By 1 March | IR8A, Appendix 8A/8B, IR8S for the previous year |
| When a foreign employee leaves | Tax clearance (IR21) at least one month before cessation |
CPF essentials
- Rates depend on age and residency status; the employer and employee shares are set by CPF Board.
- Contributions are capped by the monthly Ordinary Wage ceiling and the annual additional wage ceiling.
- Late payment attracts interest charged by CPF Board.
Common mistakes
- Using last year's CPF rates or wage ceiling after a change.
- Missing CPF on bonuses (additional wages).
- Not reporting benefits in kind on Appendix 8A.
- Paying a departing foreign employee before IR21 clearance.
Need help? We run payroll and CPF for Singapore companies. See outsourced accounting in Singapore.
Frequently asked questions
No, CPF is for Singapore citizens and PRs. SDL is payable for all employees.
Yes, for employers with 5 or more employees, or those notified by IRAS. Others may join voluntarily.
CPF Board charges late payment interest and can take enforcement action.
Yes, itemised payslips are required under the Employment Act.
