(ABOVE: Gerald Chia's 'office' is an area in his bedroom, where he does web design for clients.)

What does a small-scale business mean and does it include any type of business?

Yes, as long as the business is done on a small scale. The level of business activity has to be kept low so the home remains mainly a place of residence.

For example, someone baking cakes for sale to friends cannot turn the home into a bakery.

Go to www.ura.gov.sg/dc/ dcu/HOflyer.pdf for a checklist of the types of businesses that are not allowed under HOS.

How do I go about getting my home office registered?

Owners, tenants, authorised occupiers and sub-tenants of HDB flats or private properties aged 21 years and above can apply under the HOS.

Register the company - as a sole proprietorship, private limited company or partnership - with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. Go to the Online Business Licensing Service (OBLS) to obtain the required licence.

Log on to www.business.gov.sg/licences and follow the step-by-step guide to complete the online application.

Be prepared to pay the $20 administrative fee via eNETS or credit card. Upon successful registration, you will receive a letter of authorisation to start operations.

If you wish to continue using your residence as a home office after five years, re-register at OBLS.

Where can I find funding for my home business?

Home business owners below 26 years old can apply for funding under Spring Singapore's Young Entrepreneurs Scheme for Start-ups.

Launched in 2008 to develop young new entrepreneurs, it provides pre-seed funding.

The Media Development Authority has an iJam Microfunding scheme that gives up to $50,000 in grants to develop new ideas into an innovative product or service. Go to www.idm.sg/support/ijam/ for details.

For information on tax exemptions, visit the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore website at www.iras.gov.sg/ irasHome/page04.aspx?id=414

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