I never had much problems with e-filing in previous years. But this year, I got confused after reading the Guidebook published by IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Sinagpore).

For one thing, combined assessment is no longer available for married couples. I'm required to declare my income and claim for my own deductions and be assessed separately from my hubby. I used to do my income separate from my husband a long time back. It was IRAS who highly encouraged married couples to do a combined declaration. And we, being the good citizens, complied. Now they insisted we must do separately. I wish they would make up their minds.

I managed to file mine online this morning. I had a problem with an entry and tried calling IRAS hotline for help. I couldn't find the phone number on the Guidebook (duh...) but I got it on their website.

As usual, I didn't get a chance to talk. I spent about 5 minutes sieving through the pre-recorded menus. Finally when I entered my identification no., the recorded message instructed me to call a different phone number. O.k. I did that and spent another 5 minutes going through another set of menus. I finally got a "Please hold for an officer to assist you."

I waited patiently (I'm in a real good mood today!) listening to the music and the occasional "Sorry. Our officers are busy at the moment. Please hold." After 5 minutes, the voice said "Sorry. Our officers are busy at the moment. Please leave a message and our officers will get back to you later..... blah.. blah... blah.. Please speak at the sound of the beep."

I heard the beep and was about to speak when "Sorry. Our mailbox is full. We are unable to accept new messages. Please try again later."

*sigh* I should have known better.