Singapore Tax Error Affects 15,000 National Servicemen

The Ministry of Defence and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore announced on September 3, 2026, that a system error resulted in incorrect tax relief amounts for approximately 15,000 taxpayers. The error affected operationally ready national servicemen, as well as eligible spouses and parents, for the 2025 and 2026 years of assessment.

The inaccuracies stemmed from incorrect national service activity records used to calculate reliefs. Approximately 8,000 taxpayers will receive refunds totaling about S$995,000, while roughly 7,000 taxpayers will face increased bills, with the government expecting to recover about S$930,000. Most adjustments are under S$200, though some range from under S$10 to S$900.

Ministry officials identified the errors in May 2026 and have since rectified the records. Revised notices of assessments will be issued by September 2026, and refunds or GIRO payments will be adjusted automatically. Both agencies stated they will continue to work closely to ensure all NSmen receive the correct tax reliefs in recognition of their contributions to National Service.