Does Singapore have inheritance tax?

The short and definitive answer is no. Singapore does not currently impose an inheritance tax.

Inheritance tax, also known in some jurisdictions as estate duty, death tax, or succession tax, is a common feature of tax regimes in many countries.

It typically applies to the estate or beneficiaries of a deceased person, based on the value of assets transferred at death.

While Singapore is not one of these countries, there are still tax implications to keep in mind for those planning their estate for the long-term.

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This article provides a comprehensive background of the long-abolished Singapore estate duty and outlines what tax obligations if any still apply to inherited assets under Singaporean law.

Inheritance Tax in Singapore Explained

Singapore, known for its efficient legal system and investor-friendly policies, has long been viewed as a favorable jurisdiction for wealth accumulation and intergenerational financial planning.

The Singapore government officially abolished its estate duty regime on February 15, 2008.

Why was estate duty abolished in Singapore?

The decision to eliminate inheritance tax was part of a broader policy initiative aimed at enhancing Singapore’s competitiveness as a wealth management and financial services hub.

Policymakers concluded that estate duty generated limited revenue and imposed unnecessary administrative burdens, especially in an environment where global capital mobility was increasing.

Since then, Singapore has maintained its zero inheritance tax policy, allowing residents and non-residents to transfer wealth without tax penalties at the point of death.

As a result, Singapore remains one of the few developed jurisdictions in the world with no form of inheritance, estate, or gift tax, giving it a major advantage for individuals engaging in succession planning or establishing long-term family trusts.

What was the Singapore estate tax?

Prior to its abolition, Singapore operated an estate duty system modeled after the British framework. Estate duty was levied on the total market value of a deceased person’s assets, including:

• Immovable property in Singapore (such as land and real estate)
• Movable property in Singapore (such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, jewelry, and other personal effects)
• Certain foreign assets, including shares in companies registered in Singapore even if held by a foreigner

Deductions were allowed for debts, funeral expenses, and certain exemptions, but the system was often seen as cumbersome and relatively inefficient.

By the mid-2000s, estate duty was contributing less than 0.5% of government tax revenue. At the same time, it was creating complexity for cross-border families and deterring asset relocation into Singapore.

Recognizing these limitations, the Singapore government announced in 2007 that estate duty would be abolished for all deaths occurring on or after 15 February 2008.

The repeal applied to both residents and non-residents, solidifying Singapore’s position as a tax-efficient jurisdiction for wealth preservation and inter-generational planning.

Singapore Taxes for Inherited Assets

While Singapore does not impose inheritance tax or estate duty, the transfer and management of inherited assets may still trigger other tax obligations depending on the nature of the assets and how they are used.

It’s important for beneficiaries and estate planners to understand these secondary tax exposures to avoid unintended liabilities.

SG Property Tax

All real estate in Singapore is subject to annual property tax, and inherited property is no exception.

Property tax is calculated based on the property’s Annual Value (AV) or the estimated annual rent it could fetch on the open market regardless of whether it is actually rented out.

The applicable tax rates depend on the property’s use:

• Owner-occupied residential properties: Progressive rates from 0% to 32%
• Non-owner-occupied residential properties: Progressive rates from 12% to 36%
• Commercial and industrial properties: Flat 10% tax rate

Once the legal title is transferred, the new owner is responsible for paying property tax from that point forward, even if the property was inherited through a will or intestate succession. Failure to do so can lead to penalties.

Stamp Duties on Inherited Property

Singapore generally exempts inherited property from Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) and Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD).

These duties are normally payable on the purchase or acquisition of residential property, but do not apply when ownership is transferred via:

• A valid will
• The Intestate Succession Act (for those who die without a will)
• The Muslim Inheritance Law (Faraid) for Muslim individuals governed by Syariah law

However, Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) may still apply if the beneficiary later sells the inherited property within the holding period.

SSD is imposed if the deceased acquired the property within three years of death. The applicable SSD rate (4% to 12%) depends on how recently the property was purchased before death and when it is resold.

Income Tax on Estate-Generated Income

If the estate continues to generate income after the person’s death such as rental income, dividends, or investment earnings, this income is subject to tax.

The taxation structure depends on how and when the income is distributed:

• If the income is retained within the estate, it is taxed at a flat 17% (corporate tax rate)
• If the income is distributed to beneficiaries in the same year it is earned, it may be taxed at the beneficiary’s personal income tax rate
• Income earned before death is reported in the deceased’s final personal income tax return and taxed accordingly

Estate administrators or trustees must comply with tax reporting rules, and beneficiaries should be aware that passive income is not automatically tax-free, even in the absence of estate duty.

For more thorough guidance, it is recommended to seek the services of a trusted financial advisor or tax attorney.

What to consider when estate planning in Singapore

The absence of inheritance tax makes Singapore particularly attractive for wealth preservation but that does not eliminate the need for careful estate planning, especially for high-net-worth individuals and families with international holdings.

Drafting a Clear Will

Singapore adheres to a probate-based legal system, meaning a legally valid will is essential to ensure that a deceased person’s assets are distributed according to their wishes.

Without a will, the estate is distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act, which may not reflect the deceased’s intended outcomes.

Using Trusts for Asset Protection

Trusts are commonly used in Singapore for:

• Protecting assets from legal claims or creditors
• Managing wealth for minor or financially inexperienced beneficiaries
• Creating intergenerational transfer structures without public probate
• Separating legal ownership from beneficial ownership, which can have tax or legal advantages

Singapore has a well-established trust law framework and is home to many private trust companies and licensed trustees, making it suitable for both domestic and offshore trust structures.

Lifetime Gifting Strategy

Singapore does not impose gift tax, allowing individuals to transfer assets during their lifetime without incurring tax liabilities.

However, gifts of property or shares may still involve stamp duties, so these should be considered in planning.

International Asset Exposure

Even if Singapore itself does not tax inherited wealth, other jurisdictions may still apply estate or inheritance taxes on foreign assets. For example:

• US citizens and green card holders may be subject to US estate tax on worldwide assets
• The UK imposes inheritance tax on worldwide estates for domiciled individuals
• Countries like Japan, France, and South Korea also impose inheritance taxes with global reach

Individuals with cross-border assets or beneficiaries abroad should consult legal and tax professionals familiar with international estate planning to avoid double taxation or legal complications.

Are there plans to reintroduce the Singapore inheritance tax?

As income and wealth inequality continue to draw scrutiny worldwide, some local economists and policymakers in Singapore have raised the possibility of reintroducing a targeted inheritance or wealth transfer tax.

Proposals floated in media and policy circles have included:

• A tiered inheritance tax on estates or properties above S$5 million
• A progressive tax on inherited real estate, particularly in land-scarce areas
• Broader discussions about wealth taxes or capital gains taxes to ensure fiscal equity

However, as of 2025, no concrete proposals or legislative actions have been taken by the Singapore government to revive inheritance tax. Authorities have consistently emphasized other means of maintaining equity, such as:

• Raising property taxes on higher-value residential properties
• Adjusting buyer’s and seller’s stamp duties to discourage speculative or excessive accumulation
• Supporting targeted subsidies and redistribution through the annual Budget process

Singapore’s focus remains on maintaining a simple, efficient, and business-friendly tax system, with minimal distortions and a strong emphasis on self-reliance.

Nonetheless, wealth transfer taxation remains a policy lever that could be revisited if socioeconomic pressures increase in the years ahead.

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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.