Singapore NRI: India income and IRAS filing — does Singapore tax your India earnings?
NRI Dash Research Team · Last reviewed: 2026-06-28
Singapore NRI dual tax filing refers to the tax obligations of Singapore-resident Indians who must file an Indian Income Tax Return for India-source income while also meeting Singapore's local tax requirements.
Singapore does not tax India income — but India still does via TDS
Singapore's territorial tax system means India-source income (NRO interest, rent, capital gains) is generally not taxable in Singapore. You do not need to declare India income on IRAS. However, India still levies TDS (30% on NRO interest) which you can reclaim via India ITR if your India income is below the basic exemption. The Singapore-India DTAA reduces some India withholding rates but does not create a Singapore tax liability.
Key points
- Singapore territorial tax: India income is generally not taxed in SG — Singapore taxes only Singapore-source income for individuals. Passive India income (NRO interest, rent) is not declared on the IRAS tax form.
- India TDS is still deducted — reclaim via ITR — India's TDS at 30% on NRO income applies regardless of Singapore's territorial system. Reclaim excess TDS via India ITR if your total India income is below ₹3 lakh.
- Singapore-India DTAA reduces India withholding — Article 11 of the Singapore-India DTAA caps NRO interest withholding at 15% (vs 30% standard). Provide TRC and Form 10F to the Indian bank to claim the reduced rate.
IRAS filing for NRIs with India income
Individual IRAS filing: IRAS filing deadline is April 15. Employment income in Singapore is auto-included by employers. You declare other income including overseas income only if it is received in Singapore or is Singapore-source.
India passive income: NRO interest, India rental income, India capital gains — generally not required to be declared in Singapore (not remitted to Singapore and not Singapore-source).
Exception — India income remitted to Singapore: If India income is remitted to a Singapore account, it remains not taxable in Singapore under the territorial system. Singapore removed tax on all foreign-source income remitted by individuals from January 1, 2004.
Employment income earned in India: if you work for an Indian company and perform duties in India, that income is India-source and subject to India TDS. Not taxable in Singapore.
Singapore-India DTAA benefits for NRIs
DTAA reduces India withholding on NRO interest from 30% to 15% (Article 11). Applicable if you provide Singapore TRC to the Indian bank.
Dividends: India stopped withholding dividend TDS at the company level — dividends are now subject to 10% DDT at shareholder level in NRO account. DTAA may reduce this to 10%.
Capital gains: India taxes LTCG on property at 12.5%; STCG on equity at 15%. The Singapore-India DTAA does not eliminate India's right to tax India-situs property gains.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to file IRAS if all my Singapore income comes via employer?
If your only income is employment income auto-included by your employer and you have no other income, IRAS may not require you to file a separate return. IRAS sends a notice — follow the instruction on the notice (file or no-file basis).
If Singapore does not tax my India income, why do I still pay 30% TDS?
India's TDS rules operate independently of Singapore's tax system. India taxes India-source income regardless of where the recipient lives. The DTAA reduces the rate (to 15% for NRO interest) but does not eliminate it. Claim the TDS back via India ITR if your India income is low.
Is CPF income from Singapore taxable in India when I return?
CPF withdrawal is not taxable in Singapore. Under the India-Singapore DTAA, Article 18 covers pensions — CPF is a provident fund, not a pension, so India may tax CPF withdrawals during RNOR / resident status if not properly structured. Get professional advice before withdrawing large CPF amounts on return.