GST refunds: 98% within 30 days

WE refer to the letter "Resolve cash-flow conundrum faced by GST-registered exporting SMEs" by Mr Manmohan Singh (BT, Aug 16).

We would like to assure businesses and members of the public that IRAS works expeditiously to make GST refunds. Of the GST refund claims processed annually, more than 98 per cent are refunded within 30 days of receipt of the GST returns.

IRAS carries out selective audits of GST refund claims to safeguard against mistakes and fraud. In our audits, we will deploy field audit teams as appropriate. The total number of audits completed every year is available on the IRAS website.