News
New Internet Service For Employers With Payroll System (18 May 1999)


  From News Release by:
Central Provident Fund Board
 
  From 1 May 1999, employers have yet another option to submit their CPF contribution details to the CPF Board. This can be done using the new file attachment service offered by CPF PAL-Internet (Employer Returns).

About 3,500 employers with 800,000 employees are expected to benefit from the service. This service is targetted at mainly big employers with 50 or more employees, and have already developed their own payroll systems.

Launched in April last year, CPF PAL-Internet (Employer Returns) enables employers to use the Internet to submit their CPF contribution details to the Board. Currently, employers making CPF submissions through the Internet key-in or update the contribution details on the online payment advice every month. With the new file attachment service, all they need to do is to extract the information from their payroll system and send it across as a file attachment.

The information transmitted is secured using Netrust cards [digital certificates stored on smartcards] which give access only to staff who are registered users. This ensures [that] confidentiality is maintained.

Employers who are currently using computer tapes and listings, cartridges and diskettes to submit their CPF contribution details will also find the file attachment service convenient as no manual handling of tapes, listings, etc, is involved. For added convenience, payment is by GIRO.

"These employers are strongly encouraged to switch over to the new service, as the Board is phasing out their current modes of data submission. This is in line with the Board's move towards accurate and prompt submissions through electronic means," said a CPF spokesperson.

Employers who do not have a payroll system and are currently using the manual mode of submission are also encouraged to use Internet to submit their returns. Instead of attaching a file, they can use the online payment advice form on CPF-PAL Internet (Employer Returns), to submit their CPF details. This can save them up to half a day in preparation time.

The new file attachment service is available round the clock at the Board's website at http://www.cpf.gov.sg. Details on how to use or register for the service are at Annex.

 
  PUBLIC ENQUIRIES
  Interested employers can call 1800-225 9093 for further enquiries.
 
 
 
  Annex
 
  CPF PAL-INTERNET (EMPLOYER RETURNS)

What the employer needs
All the employer needs is a PC, an Internet account and a smart card reader for the Netrust card. The card is versatile as it can be used for other e-commerce transactions over the Internet.

 
 
How to register for the service
To use the CPF PAL-Internet (Employer Returns) Service, an employer needs to:
1. Apply for a Netrust card through the Board for each staff using the system
2. Arrange to pay his CPF by GIRO; and
3. Register for the service with the Board.
How to use the service
The steps are as simple as sending e-mail with a file attachment to the Board. Just:
1. Convert the contribution file in the employer's payroll system into a text file, or use a spreadsheet, based on the file layout given by the Board,
2. Attach the text file to the secured web page, and
3. Click on the "Submit" button to transmit the file to the Board.

No keying-in of details is necessary. Employers will receive an immediate online message as well as an e-mail from the Board within an hour, acknowledging the receipt of their files.

 
Cost of service
The board does not charge employers for this service. However, Netrust will charge the following initial costs subject to 4% GST:
- One-time registration cost: $10
- One-time card cost: $25
- Annual subscription: cost: $15
(First year subscription cost will be pro-rated accordingly if the commencement month is not January)  
 
The registration and GIRO application forms are available from the Board's website and all CPF offices.