EIS Claim Checklist: Documents & Deadlines

Get your EIS claim right the first time. This checklist covers all qualifying activities, required documents, and realistic timelines for claiming up to 400% tax deduction.

Eligibility Quick Check

Answer these questions before proceeding:

All boxes checked? Proceed to identify your qualifying activities.

Qualifying Activities and Documents

1. R&D in Singapore

What qualifies:

• Scientific or technological research conducted in Singapore
• Product development and testing
• Process improvement research
• Software development with technical uncertainty

Documents required:

• R&D project plan with clear objectives
• Technical reports showing innovation/uncertainty
• Staff time records allocated to R&D
• Invoices and receipts for R&D materials
• Third-party R&D contracts (if outsourced)
• Evidence R&D was conducted in Singapore

2. IP Registration

What qualifies:

• Patent registration fees
• Trademark registration
• Design registration
• Plant variety protection
• IP application and legal costs

Documents required:

• IP registration certificates or application receipts
• Invoices from IP agents or legal firms
• Proof of payment
• IP ownership documentation

Important: One-year ownership requirement applies. If you sell or transfer the IP within one year, the deduction will be clawed back.

3. IP Acquisition and Licensing

What qualifies:

• Acquiring IP rights from third parties
• Licensing fees for IP used in business
• IP valuation costs

Documents required:

• IP acquisition or licensing agreement
• Valuation report (for acquired IP)
• Proof of payment
• Evidence IP is used in Singapore business operations

4. Training (SSG-Funded or Skills Framework Aligned)

What qualifies:

• Courses funded by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)
• Training aligned with Skills Framework
• External training programs for employees
• In-house training with structured curriculum

Documents required:

• Course registration and completion certificates
• SSG funding letter (if applicable)
• Training provider invoices
• Employee attendance records
• Evidence of Skills Framework alignment

5. Innovation Projects with Polytechnics/ITE

What qualifies:

• Collaborative projects with polytechnics
• Innovation partnerships with ITE
• Joint research and development initiatives

Documents required:

• Project agreement with institution
• Project scope and deliverables
• Milestone reports
• Invoices and payment proof
• Final project outcomes report

Tax Deduction vs Cash Payout

Choose the right option for your situation:

*Assumes 17% corporate tax rate on S$400K deduction.

When to Choose Cash Payout

• Your company has no taxable income this YA
• You need immediate cash flow support
• Your qualifying expenses are under S$100,000
• You are a startup in pre-revenue phase

When to Choose Tax Deduction

• Your company is profitable
• Your qualifying expenses exceed S$100,000
• You want maximum tax benefit
• You can wait until tax assessment for benefit

Note: You can split expenses between both options, but cannot claim both benefits for the same expense.

Claim Process Timeline

Annual Tax Filing Route

Key Deadlines

Realistic Processing Times

• Standard processing: 3-6 months after filing
• With queries: 6-12 months (IRAS may request additional documentation)
• Cash payout disbursement: 1-2 months after assessment

Documents Required

Core Documents (All Claims)

• Company financial statements
• Detailed expense breakdown by qualifying activity
• Invoices and receipts for all claimed expenses
• Proof of payment (bank statements, payment vouchers)
• Declaration of no double-claiming

Activity-Specific Documents

Record Retention

Keep all documents for 5 years after the Year of Assessment. IRAS may audit claims within this period.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Documentation Failures

• Vague R&D descriptions: Document specific technical challenges and how your project addresses them
• Missing time records: Track staff hours allocated to qualifying activities
• Incomplete invoices: Ensure all invoices clearly state the qualifying activity

Eligibility Mistakes

• Double-claiming: Do not claim same expenses under EIS and other schemes (e.g., EDG, PIC)
• Non-qualifying training: Ensure courses are SSG-funded or Skills Framework aligned
• Overseas R&D: Only R&D conducted in Singapore qualifies

Timing Errors

• Late filing: Submit by November 30 of the relevant YA
• Wrong YA: Match expenses to the correct Year of Assessment
• IP disposal: Selling IP within one year triggers claw-back

Cash Payout Limitations

• Exceeding cap: Cash payout limited to S$100K expenses (S$20K cash) per YA
• Partial election: You cannot change your election after filing

Related Tax Filing Guides

• IRAS Tax Incentives Directory — overview of all IRAS incentives
• EIS Budget 2026 AI Changes — new AI qualifying activity with separate S$50K cap
• DTD Mistakes to Avoid — if you also claim overseas deductions
• CIT Rebate & Cash Grant YA 2026 — automatic rebate on top of your EIS claim

Related Guides

• Enterprise Innovation Scheme - Full scheme details and eligibility

• EIS vs DTD Decision Matrix - Compare innovation and overseas expansion incentives

• Grant Pitfalls Guide - Common mistakes to avoid

• Singapore Grants Glossary - Key terms and definitions

• [Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi)](/grants/double-tax-deduction-for-internationalisation/)

Official Links

• IRAS EIS Overview - Official scheme page
• EIS e-Tax Guide (PDF) - Detailed guidelines
• mytax.iras.gov.sg - File EIS claims online
• SkillsFuture Singapore - Verify SSG-funded courses
• Skills Framework - Check training alignment