Over S$200m in rent support to be doled out to 35,800 tenants, owner-occupiers

MORE than 35,800 tenants and owner-occupiers will receive their second Rental Support Scheme (RSS) payouts a month early, starting from Sept 22.

The latest round of payouts total more than S$200 million, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Iras) and Ministry of Finance (MOF) said in a joint press statement on Friday.

Eligible tenants and owner-occupiers with PayNow or existing GIRO arrangements with Iras can expect to receive the RSS cash payouts from Sept 22. Those without will receive their cheques by Oct 6.

Under the RSS, the government pays out rent support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and eligible non-profit organisations (NPOs) directly, without going through their landlords.

With the latest round of payouts, the total amount of government support for businesses' rental costs comes to more than S$400 million. The first round of payouts were disbursed on Aug 6.

SMEs and eligible NPOs with annual revenue not exceeding S$100 million, and are tenants or owner-occupiers of qualifying commercial properties are able to receive a payout equivalent to half a month's rent for the July 22 to Aug 18 period.

Those who submitted an application to Iras for the first payout do not need to do so for the second. They will receive the payout automatically if eligible.

MOF and Iras said eligible tenants and owner-occupiers will be notified by post about the RSS cash payout. They are also able to log into the myTax Portal from Sept 22 to view the electronic copy of the letter.

Eligible SMEs and NPOs who do not receive the payout notification should submit an application to Iras. Applications will open from Sept 29 to Nov 12.

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