GST Price Display Guidelines 2025: Stay Compliant and Avoid Fines in Singapore

Why GST Price Display Compliance Matters

If you’re a GST-registered business in Singapore, it’s mandatory to display GST-inclusive prices to the public. This rule, enforced by IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore), applies to everything from physical menus and price tags to online pricing and quotations.

Over 100 businesses were penalized in recent years for non-compliant GST price displays, with fines up to $5,000. Many were not even aware they were in breach!

What is the IRAS GST Price Display Requirement?

Under Singapore GST regulations, GST-registered businesses must display prices inclusive of GST in any advertisement or quotation targeted at the public.

✅ Applies to:

• Price tags in retail shops
• Printed menus and price lists
• Online e-commerce stores
• Verbal or written quotes
• Brochures and advertisements
• Business websites and landing pages

🚫 Non-compliance may result in:

• IRAS-issued warning letters
• Financial penalties of up to $5,000
• Potential loss of customer trust

✅ Acceptable GST Price Display Formats (IRAS Approved)

Use clear and GST-inclusive pricing to comply with IRAS guidelines. Acceptable examples include:

• $109
• $109 w/GST
• $109 (inclusive of GST)
• $109 w/GST ($100)
• **$109 w/GST ($100)** (GST-inclusive price in bold)

❌ Unacceptable Price Display Formats (Avoid These)

Do not display GST in unclear or misleading ways such as:

• $100 ++
• $100 + GST
• $100 + 9% GST
• $100 + $9 GST
• $109 w/GST (**$100**) ← GST-exclusive price cannot be more prominent

These formats could confuse customers and lead to enforcement action by IRAS.

💡 If You Absorb GST – Use the Right Term!

Promotions where businesses absorb GST are allowed. However:

• ❌ Do not advertise: “No GST”
• ✅ Use: “GST absorbed”

This ensures transparency while staying IRAS-compliant.

Special Cases: Hotels & F&B Outlets with Service Charge

IRAS makes an exception for F&B and hotel businesses that impose a service charge, allowing them to display prices before GST — but only if:

1. A genuine service charge is added to the bill
2. Menus or price lists clearly state: “Prices subject to service charge and GST”

⚠️ Takeaway-only items still require GST-inclusive prices
⚠️ Nominal or token service charges are not valid for this exemption

✅ 3-Step GST Price Display Compliance Checklist (2025)

Stay compliant and build customer trust by following this checklist:

Step 1: Review All Pricing Materials

Audit all public-facing price displays — including physical signage and websites.

Step 2: Ensure GST-Inclusive Format

Prices must reflect the final amount payable, inclusive of GST.

Step 3: Fix Non-Compliant Displays

Update any pricing formats that don’t meet the IRAS guidelines immediately.

Why Transparent Pricing Builds a Better Business

Consumers value honesty. By clearly stating your GST-inclusive prices:

• You build trust with your customers
• You avoid potential penalties from IRAS
• You improve your business’s professional credibility

🎥 Need a Visual Guide?

IRAS has released an educational video explaining these guidelines.

📞 Need Help Ensuring GST Compliance?

At Think SME, we help GST-registered businesses like yours stay compliant and audit-ready. If you need help with price display checks, GST filing, or accounting setup — we’re just a message away.