Tax tips & deadlines

Common reliefs and dates for employees. Check each item with the tax office, because rules change every budget.

Singapore

Year of Assessment runs on the previous calendar year. File by 18 April (e-filing).

Earned income relief and CPF relief are automatic for employees
Top up CPF (cash top-up relief up to S$8,000 for yourself, plus S$8,000 for family)
SRS contributions reduce tax; cap S$15,300 for citizens and PRs
Total personal reliefs are capped at S$80,000 a year
No-Filing Service: check your pre-filled return anyway

Malaysia

Tax year is the calendar year. e-Filing (Form BE) is due 30 April; 15 May with the e-Filing grace period.

Personal relief RM9,000 is automatic
EPF contributions: relief up to RM4,000 (within the RM7,000 EPF + life insurance cap)
Lifestyle relief up to RM2,500 (books, devices, internet, courses)
PRS contributions up to RM3,000; SSPN savings up to RM8,000
Keep receipts for 7 years

Australia

Tax year runs 1 July to 30 June. Lodge by 31 October, or later through a registered tax agent.

Claim work-related expenses you paid and kept records for
Working from home: fixed rate of 70 cents an hour with a record of hours
Concessional super contributions cap A$30,000 (includes the 12% guarantee)
Unused cap amounts from the past 5 years may be carried forward if your super is under A$500,000
Check your myGov pre-fill before lodging

New Zealand

Tax year runs 1 April to 31 March. Most salary earners are assessed automatically by IRD between May and July.

Check your myIR account for an automatic refund or bill
KiwiSaver: from 1 July 2025 the government adds 25 cents per dollar, up to $260.72 a year (not above $180,000 income)
Charitable donations: claim a one-third tax credit
Check your tax code (M, ME, S, SH) on each job

Philippines

Tax year is the calendar year. Annual return (BIR Form 1700) is due 15 April.

One employer all year? Substituted filing applies: your BIR Form 2316 is enough
13th-month pay and other benefits are tax-free up to ₱90,000
De minimis benefits (e.g. rice subsidy within limits) are not taxed
Two or more employers in a year: you must file your own return