And can give suprise big Ang Pao?

I support you. :)

hmm... i think it's better that they give some rebates off the taxes to pay, instead of lowering the tax rate. giving correct amount of rebates will help ease the finances of the lower to middle income group since it's like taking a sum off the amount which they need to pay.

Lower income group already don't pay very little or no tax after reliefs and rebates. It would have more impact to middle and higher income group if tax rates are cut.

rebates will help lower to middle income group. tax rate cut will benefit middle to higher income group. depends on which group is more in need for help right?
i would guess the lower and middle income group will need more quick help compared to the other group.
2 more days... and we won't have to guess anymore! can't wait for the news to be out.

KPMG wishlist for 2009

Individual
7 Provide a 10 percent (uncapped) tax rebate to individual tax payers.
8 Reduce the top marginal personal tax rate, bringing it in line with the corporate tax rate.
9 Increase the Earned Income Relief (EIR) and Handicapped EIR by $1,000 for all age groups.
10 Allow mortgage interest deduction for owner-occupied homes.
11 Allow individuals to claim relief for the premiums paid for insurance policies.
12 Expand the zero percent tax bracket from $20,000 to a higher level to help those at the lowest income level.
13 Maintain the current seven percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate but provide targeted GST assistance instead.

1727 i can understand your situation. my hubby also supporting his $0 income parents. apart from basics like utilites, allowances, he gotta support his dad smoking habit, hefty handphone bill (cos he nothing to do like to call people to chat on hp), medical etc....it is a big but unavoidable expense.

perhaps, it's a good time to help him kick the smoking habit?

WHen is deadline for filing tax returns?

in end Mar / early Apr.

Do you still pay taxes now that u r working overseas?

I worked partially in SG until May 2008.

agree !

wow lieblingsg is eager to pay taxes.
hya, its not so easy to get old & stubborn people (& i dont mean to be disrespectful) to change their habits.

There are only a few things which are certain in life. Birth, death and taxes.

Key focus on SINGAPORE today is all about BUDGET and our ECONOMY :o
• PM Lee says Singapore will not have an ordinary Budget
• Singapore's trade to decline by 17% to 19% in 2009
• S'pore inflation up 6.5% in 2008; expected to ease 0% to 1% in 2009

Key extracts of what PM said in the CNA article above:

... special schemes to help businesses reduce costs and gain access to urgently-needed financing.

... measures to help households, especially needy families.

Mr Lee said: "The Budget will not turn around our situation overnight. No government package can do that. But it will help us to see through this difficult period and emerge stronger.

"But even under the best scenario, we have to be prepared for a long recession and probably several years of slow growth thereafter."

... measures to prepare Singapore for the long term, like improving the country's competitive edge and building new capabilities.

... continue to invest steadily in education, research and development.

Singapore will not have an ordinary Budget sounds exciting... seems tat we'll alot of things to look 4ward to other than the norms.

hopefully, the live telecast this afternoon is not slow... expecting high traffic tuning in... :p