Ultimate Guide to Checking Singapore Company Tax Number Quick and Effective Tips!

How to Quickly and Accurately Check a Singapore Company's Tax Reference Number

In today’s increasingly globalized business environment, more and more companies are choosing to establish entities or conduct operations overseas. Singapore has become a top choice for many international businesses due to its stable environment, strategic geographical location, and highly competitive tax system. However, for those unfamiliar with Singapore’s business framework, quickly and accurately checking a company's tax reference number can often be a challenging task.

What is a Singapore Company's Tax Reference Number?

In Singapore, each company is assigned a unique tax identification number by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore IRAS, commonly referred to as the tax reference number. This number is primarily used for communication with government agencies, filing taxes, and conducting various financial transactions. For foreign businesses collaborating with local Singaporean companies, verifying the counterparty's tax number is essential to ensure legitimacy and regulatory compliance.

Methods to Check a Singapore Company's Tax Reference Number

1. Search via the ACRA Official Website

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA is the main body responsible for company registration and regulation in Singapore. Through its official website www.acra.gov.sghttps//www.acra.gov.sg, users can utilize the Business Entity Search function to look up company information. Although this platform does not directly display the tax reference number, it provides key details such as the company name, Unique Entity Number UEN, and incorporation date. These details can then be used to contact the company directly or follow up through official channels for further verification.

2. Review Invoices or Contract Documents

Under Singapore law, businesses are required to include their UEN Unique Entity Number-sometimes also referred to as the tax number-on formal invoices and contracts. If you have previously conducted business with the target company, the simplest way is to check invoices, contracts, or quotation documents they have provided.

3. Contact the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore IRAS

If the above methods fail to yield results, you may consider submitting an inquiry via the IRAS official website. However, please note that due to privacy regulations, IRAS will not disclose corporate tax numbers to third parties casually. Access to such information typically requires a legitimate reason and successful identity verification.

4. Engage Professional Service Providers

For foreign companies unfamiliar with Singapore’s legal framework, hiring a professional accounting firm or business agency to assist with the search is an efficient and secure option. These organizations typically possess extensive local resources and experience, enabling them to quickly retrieve necessary information while ensuring full compliance with local laws and regulations.

Practical Tips Secrets to Enhancing Search Efficiency

Prepare Complete Information Include the full company name, UEN, and date of incorporation. The more detailed the data, the easier it is to narrow down your search.

Cross-Verify Through Multiple Channels Don’t rely solely on one source. Combine online searches, document checks, and professional assistance to ensure comprehensive accuracy.

Stay Updated on Regulatory Changes Singapore frequently updates its regulations. For example, in 2025, Singapore launched the new PEPPOL e-Invoicing system, requiring all businesses to gradually transition to standardized electronic invoice formats, which explicitly mandate the inclusion of the UEN. Staying informed about these changes enhances both efficiency and compliance.

Conclusion

Checking a Singapore company's tax reference number doesn't have to be complicated. With the right approach and techniques, you can efficiently complete this step. Whether relying on official channels or seeking professional support, the key lies in thorough preparation and proper process planning. As Singapore continues to strengthen its role in global trade, understanding and mastering these fundamental pieces of information will pave the way for smoother cross-border business operations.