Know Your Obligations as an Employer under the CPF Act - Singapore - CPF
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- Mar 7
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Employer CPF Act Obligations
Know Your Obligations as an Employer under the CPF Act - Singapore - CPF
As an employer in Singapore, you have several key obligations under the CPF Act. Here's a breakdown of the essential points:
Key Obligations:
CPF Contributions:
You are required to make CPF contributions for your employees who are Singapore Citizens (SCs) or Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs).
This involves paying both the employer's share and the employee's share of CPF contributions.
You can recover the employee's share by deducting it from their wages.
Timely Payment:
Ensuring that CPF contributions are paid on time is crucial.
The due date for CPF contributions is the last day of the calendar month.
Enforcement action is taken if payment is not received by the 14th of the following month.
Accurate Wage Declaration:
You must accurately declare your employees' wages.
This includes correctly classifying wages as Ordinary Wages (OW) and Additional Wages (AW).
Accurate wage declaration is essential for calculating the correct CPF contribution amounts.
Who is included:
CPF contributions are required for employees working under a contract of service. This includes full-time, part-time, and casual employees.
Company directors are also included.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Failure to pay CPF contributions on time can result in penalties, including:
Late payment interest.
Fines.
Potential imprisonment.
What Payments Attract CPF Contributions
When considering which payments attract CPF contributions in Singapore, it's crucial to understand the distinction between "wages" and other forms of payment. Here's a breakdown based on information from the CPF Board:
Payments That Attract CPF Contributions (Wages):
Basic Wage:
This is the fundamental salary paid to an employee for their work.
Overtime Pay:
Compensation for work performed beyond regular working hours.
Bonuses:
Includes performance bonuses, annual bonuses, and other similar payments.
Allowances:
Certain allowances, particularly those that form part of the employee's regular earnings, can be considered wages.
Commissions:
Earnings based on sales or other performance-related metrics.
Cash Incentives:
Payments designed to incentivize specific behaviors or achievements.
Key Concepts:
Ordinary Wages (OW):
These are wages due or granted wholly and exclusively for employment in that particular month and payable by the 14th of the following month.
Additional Wages (AW):
These are wages that are not classified as Ordinary Wages, such as annual bonuses.
Payments That Typically Do Not Attract CPF Contributions:
Termination Benefits:
Such as retrenchment benefits, which are compensation for the termination of employment.
Reimbursements:
For expenses incurred on behalf of the employer, provided they do not exceed the actual expenditure.
Benefits in Kind:
Non-cash benefits or gifts given to employees.
How Much CPF Contributions to Pay
Determining the correct CPF contribution amounts involves several factors, primarily the employee's age and wage. Here's a breakdown of the key considerations:
Key Factors:
Employee's Age:
CPF contribution rates vary significantly depending on the employee's age. Older employees generally have different contribution rates compared to younger employees.
Wage Amount:
The amount of wages earned also determines the contribution amount. There are different contribution rates for different wage bands.
Citizenship Status:
Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs) have different contribution rules. SPRs, especially in their first and second years, have a graduated contribution schedule.
Wage types:
Ordinary Wages (OW) and Additional Wages (AW) are treated slightly differently.
General Guidance:
Using CPF contribution calculators available on the CPF Board website can help you accurately compute monthly CPF contributions.
When to Make CPF Contributions
When it comes to making CPF contributions in Singapore, it's crucial to adhere to the established deadlines to avoid penalties. Here's a concise breakdown:
Due Date:
The official due date for CPF contributions is the last day of the calendar month.
Grace Period:
However, employers are granted a grace period until the 14th of the following month to make their payments.
If the 14th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, the deadline is extended to the next working day.
Consequences of Late Payment:
Failure to make CPF contributions by the 14th of the following month will result in enforcement actions.
This includes the imposition of late payment interest, which is charged at 1.5% per month, calculated from the first day after the due date.
Therefore, while the technical due date is the end of the month, employers must ensure that CPF contributions are paid by the 14th of the following month to avoid penalties.
To ensure smooth and timely CPF submissions, the CPF Board provides convenient digital services like CPF EZPay and CPF EZPay Mobile.
How to Submit CPF Contributions
Submitting CPF contributions in Singapore is primarily facilitated through digital services provided by the CPF Board. Here's a breakdown of the common methods:
Key Methods:
CPF EZPay:
This is a widely used online platform that allows employers to easily submit CPF contributions.
Key features include:
Saving and loading employee details.
Auto-computation of CPF contributions.
Payment via Direct Debit or PayNow QR.
Electronic Standing Instruction (ESI) is also an option for those with consistent monthly wage amounts.
File transfer Protocol (FTP) for those who wish to upload files.
CPF EZPay Mobile:
This mobile application allows for on-the-go submission of CPF contributions.
It offers a convenient way to manage CPF contributions using mobile devices.
Payment mode is PayNow QR.
One-Stop Payroll:
Some payroll software integrates with the CPF system, allowing employers to submit CPF contributions directly through their payroll software.
Payment modes are Direct Debit and PayNow QR.
Essential Prerequisites:
CPF Submission Number (CSN):
Employers must have a CSN to submit CPF contributions.
This unique identifier is essential for transactions with the CPF Board.
Singpass:
Singpass is required for accessing CPF online services.
Corppass:
For UEN registered entities, Corppass is needed to set up and assign "CPF EZPay" e-Service to authorized officers.
Key Points:
The CPF Board encourages the use of digital services for efficient and accurate submissions.
It is crucial to ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
Other Payments which the CPF Board Collects as an Agent
It's important to know that the CPF Board acts as a collecting agent for several other payments besides CPF contributions. These include:
Skills Development Levy (SDL):
This levy supports skills development programs in Singapore.
Self-Help Group (SHG) Funds:
These funds provide assistance to specific communities. The CPF Board collects contributions for:
Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF)
Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) Fund
Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) Fund
Eurasian Community Fund (ECF)
SHARE Programme Donations:
This program facilitates regular donations to social service agencies.
Here are some key points to remember:
These collections are typically done concurrently with CPF contribution submissions, simplifying the process for employers.
The amounts contributed to the Self-Help Group funds are dependent on the employees race, and or religion.
Skills Development Levy (SDL)
The Skills Development Levy (SDL) is a crucial component of Singapore's workforce development strategy. Here's a breakdown of what it entails:
Purpose:
The SDL is a mandatory levy that employers in Singapore must contribute.
It's designed to support workforce upgrading programs and provide training grants.
The funds collected go into the Skills Development Fund (SDF), which is administered by SkillsFuture Singapore Agency (SSG).
Key Points:
Who Pays:
Employers are required to pay the SDL for all employees working in Singapore, including both local and foreign employees.
This applies to full-time, part-time, temporary, and casual workers.
Calculation:
The SDL rate is 0.25% of the employee's monthly gross salary.
There's a minimum payable of $2 for employees earning less than $800 a month.
There's a maximum payable of $11.25 for employees earning more than $4,500 a month.
Payment:
The SDL is typically paid concurrently with CPF contributions, streamlining the process for employers.
The CPF board collects the SDL on behalf of SSG.
Use of Funds:
The SDF funds are used to support various skills development initiatives, including training grants that employers can utilize to upskill their workforce.
In essence, the SDL plays a vital role in ensuring that Singapore's workforce remains competitive and adaptable in a constantly evolving economy.
Contributions to Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
In Singapore, contributions to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are an important aspect of community support. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:
Purpose of SHG Contributions:
SHGs are established to provide assistance and support to specific ethnic and religious communities in Singapore.
These organizations offer a range of programs and services, including educational support, financial assistance, and community development initiatives.
The contributions help fund these programs, enabling SHGs to uplift and empower their respective communities.
Key SHGs:
Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC):
Supports the Chinese community.
Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA):
Supports the Indian community.
Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF):
Supports the Malay/Muslim community.
Eurasian Community Fund (ECF):
Supports the Eurasian community.
Key Points:
Contribution Collection:
The CPF Board facilitates the collection of SHG contributions, typically done concurrently with CPF contributions. This streamlines the process for employers.
Employers are expected to deduct the SHG contributions from their employees' wages.
Contribution Basis:
Contributions are based on an employee's ethnicity or religion, and their monthly wages.
Opting Out:
Employees have the option to opt out of contributing to SHGs. This requires completing the relevant opt-out forms from the respective SHG.
Contribution Amounts:
Contribution amounts vary depending on the specific SHG and the employee's monthly wages. It is best to check the CPF website, or the individual SHG websites for the most current information.
Employer Obligations:
Employers are responsible for accurately deducting and submitting SHG contributions.
SHG contribution rates
Understanding SHG contribution rates is essential for employers in Singapore. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
General Principles:
Basis of Contribution:
Contributions are based on an employee's race or religion.
Specifically, contributions to the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF) are based on religion, while contributions to the other SHGs (CDAC, SINDA, ECF) are based on race.
Wage-Based:
The actual contribution amount is determined by the employee's monthly total wages.
Collection:
The CPF Board facilitates the collection of these contributions alongside CPF contributions.
Specific SHG Contribution Rates:
It's important to note that the rates vary for each SHG. Here's a general overview, but it is always best to check the official websites.
Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) Fund:
The rates are structured based on tiered wage brackets.
CDAC contribution rates
Monthly Total Wages | Monthly Contribution |
$2,000 or less | $0.50 |
> $2,000 to $3,500 | $1 |
> $3,500 to $5,000 | $1.50 |
> $5,000 to $7,500 | $2 |
> $7,500 | $3 |
Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) Fund:
Similar to CDAC, SINDA has its own set of wage-based contribution rates.
Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF):
Contribution amounts are also determined by wage levels.
Eurasian Community Fund (ECF):
ECF also follows a similar wage related structure.
Key Reminders:
It is vital to maintain accurate employee records for correct SHG contribution calculations.
SHARE Donations
When discussing SHARE donations in Singapore, it's essential to understand their connection to the Community Chest and the broader context of giving in the nation. Here's a breakdown:
Key Aspects of SHARE Donations:
Community Chest's Initiative:
The SHARE program is a long-standing initiative by the Community Chest, the philanthropy and engagement arm of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS).
It encourages individuals to make regular, monthly donations to support social service programs.
Purpose:
These donations fund crucial programs that assist vulnerable populations in Singapore, including:
Children with special needs and youth-at-risk.
Adults with disabilities.
Persons with mental health conditions.
Seniors in need of support.
Families in need of assistance.
How it Works:
Employees can choose to donate a portion of their monthly salary.
The CPF Board facilitates the collection of these SHARE donations, often done concurrently with CPF contributions, streamlining the process.
Recently the SGShare program has been launched, to further promote regular giving.
SGShare:
The SGShare program was launched to commemorate SG60, the 60th anniversary of Singapore's independence.
It builds upon the previous SHARE program, and aims to make regular giving more accessible.
The SG Gives matching grant, will match donations made through Community Chest's SGSHARE programme.
Employer's Role:
Employers play a vital role in facilitating these donations by deducting them from employees' wages and submitting them to the CPF Board.
In essence, SHARE donations provide a valuable and consistent source of funding for essential social service programs in Singapore, helping to build a more caring and inclusive society.
Where to Find More Information:
For detailed information, refer to the official:
CPF Board Website:
CPF Board's Employers' Guide to CPF: This is a comprehensive resource for employers.
The official CPF Board website is the source for detailed information on CPF contribution requirements.
The official CPF Board website (cpf.gov.sg) is the most reliable source for up-to-date and accurate CPF contribution rate tables. They provide detailed tables that outline the specific contribution rates for various age groups and wage bands.
It is very important to consult the official CPF website, as the rates change.
The CPF Board handles the collection of the SDL, so their website provides relevant information.
Provides information on the collection of SHG contributions.
The CPF Board's official website is the primary source for the most current information.
Provides information on how SHARE donations are collected.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Website
SkillsFuture Singapore Agency (SSG):
This is the primary agency responsible for administering the SDL and SDF.
GoBusiness Singapore:
This website provides very useful information regarding the SDL.
Individual SHG Websites:
Offer detailed information about their programs and contribution guidelines.
The websites of CDAC, SINDA, MBMF, and ECF provide detailed information on their respective contribution rates.
Community Chest Website:
This is the primary source for detailed information about the SHARE program and the impact of these donations.
This is a website that allows for online donations to many different charities, including Community Chest.
How Bestar can Help
Know Your Obligations as an Employer under the CPF Act - Singapore - CPF
Bestar can be a valuable asset to businesses in Singapore seeking to navigate the complexities of employer obligations under the CPF Act. Here's how we can assist:
How Bestar Can Help:
CPF Contribution Management:
Bestar can help ensure accurate and timely CPF contribution calculations and submissions, minimizing the risk of penalties.
We can assist with understanding the different wage types (Ordinary Wages, Additional Wages) and their impact on CPF contributions.
We can help businesses to stay up to date with any changes to the CPF contribution rates.
Payroll Processing:
Our payroll services include managing CPF deductions, ensuring compliance with CPF regulations.
This helps businesses avoid errors and streamline their payroll processes.
Compliance Assurance:
Bestar can provide guidance on CPF regulations and ensure that businesses are compliant with all relevant requirements.
This includes staying up-to-date with changes in legislation and providing proactive advice.
Accurate Wage Declaration:
We can help to ensure that all wage declarations are accurate, which is very important for CPF contribution calculations.
Skills Development Levy (SDL) and SHG Contributions:
Bestar can also assist with the calculation and submission of the Skills Development Levy (SDL) and Self-Help Group (SHG) contributions, which are collected alongside CPF contributions.
Advisory Services:
We can provide expert advice on all aspects of employer obligations, including those related to the CPF Act.
In essence, Bestar can help businesses:
Reduce the administrative burden of CPF compliance.
Minimize the risk of errors and penalties.
Ensure that they are meeting all their legal obligations.
By leveraging our expertise, businesses can focus on their core operations while ensuring that their CPF obligations are handled efficiently and accurately.
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