TAX RELIEF FOR FOREIGN MAID LEVY FOR SINGLE WOMEN (For caring of aged parents)

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon asked the Minister for Finance whether he will allow single women who take care of their aged parents to claim tax relief for foreign maid levy.

Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau: Mr Speaker, Sir, the tax relief for foreign maid levy was introduced to specifically encourage married women to join the work force and at the same time have children. It is not meant to help all employers of foreign maids.

However, I recognise the difficulties which singles face in taking care of their aged parents. Singles who maintain their aged parents are allowed a tax relief of $3,500 for each dependent parent. The savings from this tax relief will partially offset the cost they incur in looking after their aged parents.