Tampines eatery charges customer 35-cent GST for $3.50 drinks -- but that's more than 9%

When the goods and services tax (GST) was introduced in Singapore in 1994, the rate was 3 per cent.

In 2003, it was raised to 4 per cent. Then to 5 per cent in 2004.

In 2007, it jumped to 7 per cent before climbing to 8 per cent in 2023 and finally 9 per cent this year.

With all these changes, perhaps it became too difficult to keep track.

Perhaps that was why Stomper Duan recently discovered he was charged more than he expected at a Tampines eatery?

"I was charged 10 per cent GST instead of 9 per cent at Srisun Express Tampines," said the Stomper, who shared a Feb 10, 2024, receipt from the Indian restaurant that apparently shows what he claimed.

The drinks he bought came to a total of $3.50. On the receipt, the GST is indicated as 35 cents, which is 10 per cent of $3.50.

But 9 per cent of $3.50 is 31.5 cents, an awkward sum.

Was this simply a case of the restaurant rounding up instead of rounding down to make more money?

Or is there another explanation?

The receipt also shows a 10 per cent Chinese New Year surcharge of 35 cents as it was during the festive period.

So the drinks actually cost $3.85 after adding the CNY surcharge.

In that case, 9 per cent of $3.85 is 34.65 cents, which is closer to the GST that the Stomper was charged.

Stomp has contacted Srisun Express for more info.

The good news is that there will be no need for further GST increases up to 2030, said Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Feb 28.

@straitstimes "We do not need further GST increases up to 2030," said DPM @lawrencewongst, adding that Singapore is in a "sound position" until then. #SGNews #Budget #SGBudget #SGGST #GST ♬ original sound - The Straits Times