Posted on November 7, 2009 - by Tan Kin Lian

GST is unnecessary for Singapore

Tan Kin Lian

I have always considered GST to be unnecessary and unsuitable for Singapore since its introduction many years ago. Here are my reasons:

a) GST is a wasteful and inefficient method of collecting tax. It requires every transactions to be counted. Each person handles many transactions every day. It cause a lot of work for consumers, business, and tax collectors.

b) It is better to collect adequate tax using the income tax system. Collecting tax by GST adds another layer of administration.

c) Singapore already had an efficient system of collecting tax from income, property, workers levy, vehicle taxes (ERP, COE) and land premiums. There is no need for GST as the government already collected sufficient tax for its needs.

d) Singapore does not spend much on social welfare. There is no need to collect GST to fund the government expenses, unlike other countries that have high welfare benefits. Read more…

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