Background and What’s Changing
From July 2026, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) is phasing out the old 10-character tax reference number (ITR ID) for Estates, Trusts, and Unit Trusts, replacing it with a 9-character ASGD ID in the format AXXXXXXXX. (iras.gov.sg)
This revamp is part of broader digital service upgrades scheduled to roll out in 2027, geared toward improved taxpayer experience and stronger security in tax administration. (iras.gov.sg)
Transition Timeline
| Time Period | What Applies |
|---|---|
| From July 2026 | IRAS starts notifying active executors, administrators, legal personal representatives and trustees of their new ASGD IDs. Some notices may still show old ITR IDs during system upgrades. (iras.gov.sg) |
| Until December 2026 | Transitional period. Both ITR and ASGD IDs may appear, but ASGD should be used when notified. |
| From January 2027 | All tax notices will use ASGD ID exclusively. Old ITR IDs will be discontinued. |
What Trustees & Fiduciaries Must Do
- Monitor correspondence: Ensure you get notified of the new ASGD ID and retain proof of notification.
- Update systems & documentation:
- Banking standing instructions,
- Payment references,
- Legal documents, correspondence, internal records — wherever ITR IDs were used. |
- Inform tax agents if you engage them — they’ll need the new ASGD for filings and approvals. |
- Verify payments: During transition, IRAS will match ITR-based payments to correct accounts; starting January 2027, only ASGD will be accepted. Use it to avoid misapplied payments. |
Why This Matters — Implications and Planning Tips
- Compliance risk: Using old ITR after Jan 2027 could lead to rejected filings or payment mismatches.
- Operational smoothness: Upgrading finance/accounting software and legal templates in advance prevents confusion or administrative delays.
- Communication: If you're a trustee or executor, inform beneficiaries, partners, and agents of the change to avoid mix-ups. |
Practical Example
- Trust X with an ITR ID 3000123456 is notified in September 2026 of its new ASGD ID A12345678. Going forward:
- All payments must cite the new ASGD.
- Trustee updates banking and legal paperwork.
- Agent uses ASGD in all submissions.
- Until Dec 2026, if old ID still appears, IRAS will still map payments appropriately. At or after Jan 2027, only ASGD accepted. |
Quick Checklist for Preparation
- Determine all documents, systems, and processes referencing ITR IDs.
- On receipt of ASGD, update every instance (bank, contracts, invoices, trust deeds).
- Run internal communication to ensure all staff or agents are aware.
- By January 2027, ensure no remaining use of ITR IDs in filings or payments. |
With proactive preparation, fiduciaries in Singapore can avoid mismatches, delays, or compliance penalties and enjoy a smooth transition into the digital service era.