Possible impacts of goods & services tax on the small & medium enterprises

It is without doubt that the impending implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Singapore will have an impact on the majority of Singaporeans. In theory, however, business entities which act as middlemen in the "tax-collection chain" linking final consumers to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), should not be affected as they are merely collecting tax on behalf of the IRAS. The main objective of this research is to look beyond this theoretical, yet oversimplified view, and to study the practical implications of the GST on a significant category of local businessmen -- the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This study focuses on the likely impacts of the GST on the following areas: competitiveness, efficiency and economic effects. The descriptive approach to research was adopted. Research tools used include literature review, interviews and a survey on the expectations and perceptions of local businessmen. Due to the lack of empirical data on the impacts of the GST in the local setting, hypotheses were developed from the observations made in New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom. Results of the survey showed that in general, SMEs expected the implementation of the GST to affect both their competitiveness and the efficiency of their business operations. Finally, recommendations are made on how SMEs can adapt to the changes that are likely to result with the implementation of the GST.ACCOUNTANC