Singapore Payroll Compliance Check 2026
10 questions. 2 minutes. Find out if your payroll is MOM and IRAS compliant.
Do you generate itemised payslips for all employees within 3 working days of salary payment?
Risk if No: MOM fine up to S$5,000
PeopleCentral automates all 10 of these compliance requirements — CPF, payslips, IR8A, overtime, and more.
Fix your compliance gapsFor reference only. Verify with MOM and IRAS for official figures.
Is your payroll compliant with Singapore law in 2026?
Most Singapore employers assume their payroll is compliant. In practice, a large proportion of SMEs are running with at least one compliance gap — often without realising it. The most common issues are not deliberate violations. They are the result of regulations that changed while the payroll process did not.
The 10 areas Singapore payroll must get right
Itemised payslips
Every employee must receive an itemised payslip within three working days of salary payment. Failure carries a fine of up to S$5,000.
CPF Ordinary Wage ceiling
Updated to S$7,400 from January 2026. Payroll systems not updated are calculating incorrectly.
CPF submission timing
Due by the 14th of the following month. Late submission attracts a 1.5% per month penalty.
CPF rates by age band
Seven age bands, each with different employer and employee rates. Using the wrong band creates a shortfall the employer is liable for.
Ethnic fund deductions
CDAC, SINDA, ECF, and MBMF rates changed in January 2026. Payroll must reflect current rates for each eligible employee.
IR8A filing
Annual submission to IRAS via AIS by 1 March each year, mandatory for employers with five or more employees.
Overtime calculation
Must use the MOM formula — monthly salary ÷ 26 ÷ 8 × 1.5 for normal day overtime.
Proration accuracy
Mid-month joiners and leavers must be paid using the MOM incomplete month formula, not an approximation.
Local Qualifying Salary
Increases to S$1,800/month from July 2026. Affects EP and S Pass COMPASS scoring and renewal eligibility.
Record keeping
Payroll records must be retained for a minimum of two years and made available to MOM on request.
What happens when MOM or IRAS finds a compliance gap
MOM conducts unannounced inspections and responds to employee complaints. When inspectors identify violations — incorrect overtime pay, missing payslips, late CPF submissions — they can issue infringement notices, require back-payment to affected employees, and impose financial penalties. In serious or repeated cases, directors can be personally liable.
The most cost-effective way to handle compliance is to get it right in the first place. The second most cost-effective way is to identify the gaps now and fix them before they are identified externally.
Frequently asked questions
How often does MOM audit Singapore companies for payroll compliance?
MOM conducts both routine inspections and complaint-driven investigations. There is no fixed audit schedule — any employee complaint about salary, overtime, or leave can trigger an inspection. High-risk industries (construction, F&B, retail) tend to receive more frequent routine checks.
What is the fine for not issuing itemised payslips in Singapore?
Employers who fail to issue itemised payslips can be fined up to S$5,000 per offence under the Employment Act. First-time offenders may receive a warning, but persistent non-compliance will result in financial penalties.
Can employees report payroll violations to MOM anonymously?
Yes. Employees can file complaints through MOM's online portal without identifying themselves to the employer. MOM investigates all complaints and does not typically reveal the complainant's identity during the investigation process.