Global tax changes are a chance for Singapore to rethink investor incentives

THE upcoming shake-up to global tax rules offers Singapore a chance to creatively update policies to stay top-of-mind as a prime destination for investors.

Governments worldwide are under pressure to find non-tax incentives to continue attracting investments, as efforts to combat base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) take direct aim at low corporate tax rates.

The main responses in Singapore’s policy tool kit may resemble existing incentives: grants, loans and co-funding schemes. But with or without BEPS changes, perhaps the Republic should consider fresh ways to structure business benefits – and what practices to reward.