Demystifying the GST Treatment of Reimbursements & Disbursements
7 October 2026
Demystifying the GST Treatment of Reimbursements & Disbursements

It is common for many businesses to incur expenses and subsequently recharge or recover these costs from customers or related entities, whether locally or overseas. The key question—and often the source of confusion—is whether such recharges are subject to GST or to be regarded as a no supply.

Although the GST Treatment on Recovery of Expenses is often deemed “simple”, it can be conceptually confusing, and it is an area almost always reviewed by IRAS during any audit process. The incorrect treatment could result in underpayment of GST and possible imposition of penalties.

To provide clarity, this workshop will help you better understand the GST implications of expense recharges. The Trainer also will share practical examples and case studies to help you better examine and understand the conditions that determine when GST can be recovered as a reimbursement or disbursement.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a better understanding on:

  • The differences between reimbursement and disbursement and their GST treatment
  • The basis behind the recovery of expenses as a reimbursement or disbursement
  • How to ensure the accuracy of your GST recovery / claims to minimise the risk of costly penalties

  • Differences between reimbursement and disbursement and the rules for differentiating them
  • Are you acting as a principal or an agent?
  • Indicators for determining the principal or agent relationship
  • Recovery of expenses which is ancillary to a primary supply
  • Recovery of expenses which is separate and not ancillary to any primary supply
  • Recovery of expenses at costs or with a mark-up – is there a difference?
  • The claiming of input tax on expenses that are recovered from another business
  • Real life examples to illustrate the application of the GST rules for such recharges

 

As part of our commitment towards minimizing carbon footprint and contributing to a healthier planet, we will only be issuing the soft copy of the training materials.

The training materials will be emailed to you 2 days before the workshop. Charging points are available in the training room to charge your digital device.

Date: 7 October 2026 ( Wednesday )

Time: 9am-5pm

Venue : Hotel venue to be advised

Fee : SGD 470

  • Accounting and Tax Professionals
  • Finance Managers, Finance Directors, Financial Controllers
  • Anyone who is interested in having a practical understanding on the GST treatment of reimbursement and disbursements

 

Catherine Chiang
Catherine Chiang

Catherine has more than 20 years of experience in GST consultancy, with more than 10 years of training experience. She has previously spent 6 years in IRAS, handling GST and Income Tax audit and almost 10 years with 2 of the Big Four international accounting firms, specializing in GST compliance and advisory work. During this period, she has accumulated extensive experience in performing GST prudential reviews, GST consultancy, GST compliance and GST training for clients.

Catherine has a Bachelor of Accountancy (Honours) degree from the National University of Singapore. She is an Accredited Tax Advisor (GST) registered with the Singapore Chartered Tax Professionals and an Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) certified Trainer.

 

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