In Singapore, the Working Mother’s Child Relief (WMCR) is a tax relief scheme that provides tax benefits for working mothers who meet certain criteria. To qualify for the WMCR, the following conditions typically apply:
- Employment Status: The mother must be employed for the year in which the relief is claimed. This can be either full-time, part-time, or in a freelance capacity.
- Child’s Citizenship: The child must be a Singaporean citizen.
- Child’s Age: The child must be below 16 years old at the start of the calendar year for which the relief is claimed.
- Residency: The child must reside with the mother for at least a part of the year.
- Minimum Hours of Work: As of my last update in January 2022, there isn’t a specific minimum number of hours stipulated for the Working Mother’s Child Relief. However, it’s generally understood that the mother must be employed or engaged in some form of work during the year.
- Legal Definition of “Working Mother”: A working mother is typically defined as a female taxpayer who is gainfully employed at some point during the year.
For tax purposes, the relief amount varies based on the number of children the mother has. It’s important to note that the rules and requirements for tax reliefs and subsidies can change, so it’s advisable to check with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) or a tax professional for the most current information.
To maximize tax benefits and eligibility for WMCR, a mother should ensure she meets the conditions specified by IRAS, maintains accurate records of her employment, and keeps track of any changes in tax regulations.