What useful life should be considered when estimating the TAB factor of an intangible asset?
Amortisation of intangible assets is not always tax deductible. Its deductibility depends on the corporate income tax legislation of single countries. Most countries define maximum amortisation rates or minimum number of years in which the amortisation of intangible assets can be deducted, if at all. This page displays the legal tax amortisation periods of the main types of intangible assets.
Summary Table
| Country | Patents | Technology | Trademark | Customer relationships | Goodwill | Last update |
| Singapore | 5 | 5 | 5 | no TAB | no TAB | Apr 2016 |
Further Detail and Source Legislation
Detailed definitions of intangible assets in Singapore are explained in the Statutory Board Financial Reporting Standard (SB-FRS 38) effective as of January 1, 2013 [1].
Amortization period is explain in SB-FRS 38, paragraph 97 onwards.
Goodwill: tax amortisation is not allowed [2].
In line with the policy intent of Section 19B [3], information of customers of a trade or business is also excluded.
Acquired intellectual property can be amortized linearly under certain conditions.
