Annual Return Filing

What Is Annual Return Filing in Singapore?

Annual return filing is a legal obligation for all Singapore-incorporated companies. It ensures that company information stays current with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and helps stakeholders stay informed about the company’s composition, operations, and financial health.

This process isn’t just administrative—it reflects your company’s commitment to transparency and good corporate governance. Failing to meet the filing deadline can lead to penalties and enforcement actions against directors and officers. Understanding and complying with the requirements is therefore essential.

What is the Role of ACRA？

ACRA is the government body that regulates business entities and public accountants in Singapore. It oversees annual return filings and ensures that companies comply with the Companies Act.

Every locally incorporated company must file an Annual Return (AR) to ACRA, providing key company information and, in many cases, financial statements.

What is the Role of IRAS？

In parallel, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) oversees corporate tax matters. All companies must comply with the following:

File Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) within 3 months after the financial year-end (FYE)
Submit Form C-S, C-S (Lite), or Form C by 30 November each year

These two processes—ACRA’s return filing and IRAS tax submissions—run side by side and are both mandatory.

Is There Any Key Components of an Annual Return

Here’s what goes into a typical Annual Return:

1. Financial Statements

Depending on your company type, you may need to prepare and file:

Balance sheet
Profit and loss (income) statement
Cash flow statement
Statement of changes in equity

Note: Small companies with no corporate shareholders and ≤20 individual shareholders may be exempt from filing financial statements.

2. Share Capital Details

These include:

Number of shares held: Total shares owned by each shareholder
Issued share capital: Total value of shares issued
Paid-up capital: Amount paid by shareholders for their shares

3. Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A)

A narrative overview provided by the company’s management that outlines performance highlights, risks, and future prospects.

4. Company Details Verification

You must confirm or update:

Business activities
Registered office address
Share capital

This step ensures ACRA’s database remains accurate and up to date.

5. Particulars of Company Officers

You must submit the latest:

Full names
Nationalities
Contact information
Residential addresses

When is the Filing Deadlines

Annual Return (AR) Filing

For unlisted companies: Within 7 months after FYE
For listed companies: Within 5 months after FYE

You must file the AR via BizFile+, ACRA’s online portal.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Must be held within 6 months after FYE
AR must be filed within 1 month after AGM

AGM Exemptions

Private companies may dispense with holding an AGM if:

All shareholders approve a resolution to waive it
Financial statements are circulated within 5 months of FYE
The company is a dormant private company exempt from financial reporting

Alternative to AGM: Written Resolutions

Instead of holding a physical AGM, companies may circulate written resolutions to shareholders, provided all voting members agree. This is common for smaller or closely-held private companies.

Tax Filing Obligations

Aside from ACRA filings, companies must meet annual tax obligations to IRAS, including:

Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI)

Due within 3 months after FYE
May be waived if company meets exemption criteria

Corporate Income Tax Return

Form C-S/C-S (Lite): For qualifying small companies
Form C: For all other companies
Filing deadline: 30 November

Common Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violation	Penalty
Late AR filing with ACRA	$300 – $600 late lodgment fee
Failure to hold AGM	Up to $5,000 per breach
Late tax filing with IRAS	Monetary penalties and summons
Incorrect or missing officer/share info	Enforcement action by ACRA

How We Can Help

Filing your Annual Return doesn’t have to be stressful. Our team is here to assist with: