A KEY deadline has past but 190,000, or 15 per cent, of Singapore's 1.49 million taxpayers have yet to file their returns.

This time last year about 17 per cent had not filed.

All is not lost, however. While the deadline for filing paper returns fell on Tuesday, online filers still have until tomorrow. Go to www.iras.gov.sg to e-File.

If you miss that, prepare to pay a penalty, which could amount to $1000.

Filing online is clearly the most popular method. Of the 1.49 million taxpayers, 1.04 million have already filed with 873,000 of those doing it with their computers.

About 37,000 did it by phone, while 130,000, or 9 per cent, stuck to paper returns.

The new 'No-Filing Service' has made a big impact. It was a pilot project last year and involved sending letters to about 45,000 taxpayers telling them that they did not need to file a return unless they their income or relief claims had changed.

This year the letters went to 332,000 taxpayers, reflecting the positive feedback the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) had received about the project.

To check the status of your return, SMS 'filetaxNRIC/FIN number' to 9116 4900, or log on to the online portal using your IRAS PIN number or Singpass.

Taxpayers who need help to e-File can call 1800-2525011 from 8am to 8pm or vist an e-Filing Service Centre located in various community clubs from 12 noon to 8pm.