Hourly Rate
$65.22
ex GST
Daily Rate (8hr)
$521.76
ex GST
What to factor into your rate
Your freelancer rate must cover: target income, income tax, compulsory MediSave, business expenses, non-billable time (admin, marketing), holidays, and a buffer for dry spells. A rule of thumb is to aim for 60-70% utilisation (billable hours vs total hours).
GST registration
If your annual taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million, you must register for GST. Once registered, you charge 9% on top of your rates and file quarterly returns. Even below the threshold, voluntary registration lets you claim input GST on purchases.
IRAS-Aligned: Uses YA 2025 rates. This is an estimate -- consult an accountant for your specific situation.
How to set your freelance rate and understand the tax impact on your take-home pay
How do you calculate a freelance rate that covers all your costs?
Start with the annual income you want after tax and expenses. Add your estimated income tax, MediSave contributions, business costs (software, equipment, insurance), and non-billable time. Then divide by the number of billable hours or days you plan to work. If you want S$80,000 net and your total costs are S$30,000, you need to earn S$110,000 gross — about S$50 per hour based on 2,200 hours.
What is a typical freelance hourly rate in Singapore?
Rates vary widely. Graphic designers typically charge S$40 to S$100 per hour. Web developers charge S$60 to S$150. Marketing consultants charge S$80 to S$200. Writers and translators charge S$30 to S$80. Senior specialists with niche skills can charge S$200+. Your rate depends on your experience, demand for your skill, and whether you work with local or international clients.
How is freelance income taxed in Singapore?
Freelance income is taxed as trade income at progressive rates from 0% to 24%. You report your gross earnings, deduct allowable business expenses, and pay tax on the net amount. For example, if you earn S$100,000 and claim S$15,000 in expenses, your net trade income is S$85,000. After CPF relief and personal reliefs, your tax bill would be around S$3,800.
Do freelancers need to pay CPF or MediSave?
Freelancers must contribute to MediSave if their net trade income exceeds S$6,000 per year. The rate ranges from 8% to 10.5% depending on your age, applied to your net trade income. Full CPF contributions are not compulsory for the self-employed, but you can make voluntary contributions to your Ordinary and Special Accounts for housing and retirement savings.
Should you register a sole proprietorship or work as an individual?
If you freelance regularly under a business name, you should register a sole proprietorship with ACRA (S$100 for one year, S$160 for three years). If you work under your own name, registration is not required but is still recommended. A registered business looks more professional, lets you open a business bank account, and makes it easier to track income and expenses separately.
When do freelancers need to charge GST?
You must register for GST if your taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million in the past 12 months. Most freelancers fall well below this threshold. If registered, you charge 9% GST on top of your rates. Voluntary registration can make sense if your clients are GST-registered businesses (they can claim back the GST you charge), but it adds paperwork with quarterly filings.
How do you handle irregular income as a freelancer?
Set aside 20% to 25% of every payment for tax and MediSave. Keep a separate bank account for tax savings so you are never caught short. File your taxes on time (Form B by 15 or 18 April) and apply for GIRO to spread payments across 12 months. Tracking your income monthly helps you estimate your tax bill and adjust your spending.
IRAS-Aligned: Based on 2025 IRAS rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified tax professional.
Related Calculators
Day Rate Calculator
Convert your annual income target into a daily and hourly contracting rate.
Invoice Calculator
Generate invoice totals with Singapore 9% GST automatically calculated.
Self-Employed Tax Calculator
Calculate your total tax liability and Medisave contributions as a self-employed individual.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current HMRC rates and thresholds for the 2025/26 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms