Before 1 January 2020, for zero-rating under certain provisions of sections 21(3) of the GST Act to apply, a supply of services had to directly benefit a person belonging outside Singapore (in other words, an overseas person). A supply of services is standard-rated (currently at 7%) if there are local persons who derive direct benefits from the services supplied. With the implementation of the reverse charge mechanism on 1 January 2020, where the services directly benefit GST-registered persons belonging in Singapore, the supply may be zero-rated subject to any other conditions that may be imposed under the relevant “international services” provisions under section 21(3) of the GST Act.
Source: BDO
