Singapore tax relief error hits 15,000 national servicemen and families

An error in Singapore's Ministry of Defence system has caused incorrect national serviceman tax relief amounts for about 15,000 taxpayers, affecting tax bills for assessment years 2025 and 2026. Of those affected, roughly 7,000 will see higher tax bills totaling about S$930,000 to be recovered, while around 8,000 will receive refunds totaling about S$995,000. Most adjustments will be under S$200, though amounts may range from under S$10 to about S$900. The error stemmed from incorrect NS activity records used to calculate reliefs for NSmen, their wives, and parents. Mindef identified the issue in May 2026, has rectified it, and is working with IRAS to issue revised notices by September.