31 May 2010   

ICPAS, in partnership with Tax Academy of Singapore, has launched the Singapore Institute of Accredited Tax Professionals (SIATP), the first accreditation body for tax professionals in the country.

SIATP aims to promote tax practice standards and raise the capabilities of tax professionals in Singapore. Accredited tax professionals can enjoy greater professional recognition and skills development, thereby enhancing their employability. They will have access to up to date industry knowledge through Continuing Professional Education, and sharpen their technical knowledge and competence. This will help overall standards of client servicing and tax compliance in Singapore, and contribute to Singapore’s position as an efficient and effective business hub. Clients and regulators will benefit from the increased level of technical competency of tax professionals and lower compliance costs.

Guest of honour Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport

Guest of honour Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport, said: “The establishment of SIATP is timely. It also complements the recommendations made by the Committee to Develop the Accountancy Sector (CDAS). This initiative signifies that tax practice and compliance standards will be raised even higher.”

The Asia Pacific accountancy services market is today the fastest-growing region for the global accountancy networks, and is forecasted to reach US$38.8 billion by 2013. One key area of focus for Singapore is to develop deeper professional expertise in tax advisory work, especially to service the increasing cross-border investments and transactions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dr Ernest Kan, Chairman of SIATP and President of ICPAS

Dr Ernest Kan, Chairman of SIATP and President of ICPAS, said: “With more cross-border businesses and an increasingly complex tax environment, demand for highly-skilled tax professionals will increase. SIATP will play a vital role in ensuring tax professionals are equipped with the right skills, which is imperative in an increasingly globalised business environment. SIATP will also serve to position Singapore as the regional centre of excellence in tax education and a leading regional tax hub.”

"Even within income tax is a very big area because in income tax, you've got individual tax, corporate tax, then the broader view if you look at cross-border transaction, international tax. If you want to grow this hub, you must have very dedicated resources to train this group of people," Dr Kan added.

SIATP enjoys strong support from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), as the upgrading of the tax profession is an important component of its tax compliance framework.

Mr Moses Lee, Commissioner of Inland Revenue

Mr Moses Lee, Commissioner of Inland Revenue, said, “Accredited tax practitioners would have the expertise and experience to better manage the tax affairs of their clients and provide value-added services and advice. This will help their clients comply with their tax obligations at the lowest possible cost. I believe the higher standards of service and professionalism of the accredited tax practitioners will give them a strong competitive edge compared to those who are not, and will be preferred by companies and individuals who are in need of tax services. As such, I urge the industry and accounting firms engaged in tax compliance and advisory work to encourage your staff to apply for accreditation.”

Official launch of SIATP

At the launch event on May 7, Mrs Lim, Mr Lee and Dr Kan signaled the launch of SIATP by inserting keys representing the professional designations of Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA), Accredited Tax Practitioner (ATP) and Accredited Tax Practitioner [Provisional] ( ATP-P) into pedestals. The keys symbolised how the specialist designations can unlock the potential of tax professionals and open the door to greater career opportunities.

Presenters (L-R) Mr Leung Yew Kwong, Ms Paula Eastwood and Ms Chiam Yah Fang, with Dr Ernest Kan (second from left)

After the launch ceremony, there was a presentation by Ms Paula Eastwood, Head of Corporate Tax, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Board Member of SIATP, Ms Chiam Yah Fang, Assistant Commissioner, Corporate Tax Division, IRAS and Mr Leung Yew Kwong, Partner, Wong Partnership.

More than 200 guests turned up for the by-invitation-only launch.

SIATP Admission Criteria
Tax professionals with five years’ approved practical experience and completed relevant exams can apply for the title of Accredited Tax Advisor. Tax professionals with three years’ approved practical experience and have completed relevant exams can apply to be an Accredited Tax Practitioner (ATP). Tax professionals with either three years’ approved practical experience or completed relevant exams can apply to be a Accredited Tax Practitioner (Provisional).

Applicants will need to fulfill robust accreditation requirements that centre on having acquired approved practical experience in tax practice and/or having completed relevant examinations. They are also required to fulfill a minimum number of Continuing Professional Education hours annually, to ensure they are kept abreast of the latest tax changes.

For the first six months, tax professionals who sign up may be considered for admission under transitional admission requirements. SIATP members who apply for Tax Academy’s Advance Tax Programme will enjoy a 50 percent subsidy from IRAS.


Visit SIATP’s website at www.siatp.org.sg for more information!

SIATP Launch Photos


Watch the SIATP introduction video


Media Reports
We are appreciative of the support and coverage given to the launch of SIATP by 938Live , Berita Harian, Channel NewsAsia, Hardwarezone.com, Lianhe Zaobao, The Business Times, The Straits Times and Today, among others.