As announced in Budget 2013, the Tax Exemption scheme does not apply to the following companies incorporated after 25 Feb 2013:
A company whose principal activity is that of investment holding; and
A company whose principal activity is that of developing properties for sale, for investment, or for both investment and sale.
Investment holding companies derive only passive incomes such as dividend and interest income, while the real estate industry typically incorporates a new company for each new property development. The start-up tax exemption for encouraging entrepreneurship is not intended for such companies. These companies will be given partial tax exemption.