Singapore Company Annual Filing Fees All You Need to Know Key Points to Note

Detailed Guide to Singapore Company Annual Return Filing Everything You Need to Know

Registering and operating a company in Singapore means complying with the country’s strict corporate regulatory framework. One of the most important legal obligations for every registered company is the annual submission of an Annual Return. This process not only updates the company's operational status but also directly affects its legal standing. For entrepreneurs planning or currently running a business in Singapore, understanding the details, fee structure, and key considerations related to the annual return is essential.

1. What Is a Company Annual Return?

According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, all registered companies in Singapore are required to submit an Annual Return each year within a specified timeframe. The core components include

1. Submission of audited financial statements some small businesses may be exempted;

2. Confirmation of director and shareholder information;

3. Disclosure of paid-up capital;

4. Submission of minutes from the Annual General Meeting AGM;

5. Payment of annual filing fees on time.

The AGM should typically be held within 30 days after the end of the company’s financial year, and the official filing with ACRA must be completed within 7 months after the fiscal year-end.

2. Breakdown of Annual Return Filing Costs

The cost of filing the Annual Return consists of two main components government fees and professional service fees if outsourcing to agencies such as accounting firms or corporate secretarial services.

a. Government Fees

Standard filing fee SGD 30 for most private limited companies;

Late filing penalty Up to SGD 300 if the filing is overdue;

Additional charges Such as extension application fees, depending on specific circumstances.

b. Service Provider Fees

Many small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs choose to outsource their annual compliance tasks. These fees generally range from SGD 200 to SGD 800, depending on factors including

Whether an audit report is required;

Complexity due to multiple foreign directors/shareholders;

Number of changes needing updating;

Use of BizFile+ electronic filing system.

3. Overview of the Annual Return Process

Although the process may seem complex at first glance, it can be completed efficiently by following the correct steps

1. Hold the Annual General Meeting AGM Present financial results and operational performance for the previous fiscal year;

2. Prepare financial statements Compiled and reviewed by a qualified accountant smaller companies may use simplified reports;

3. Update company information Including director and shareholder details, registered address, etc.;

4. Submit documents via BizFile+ Done by the company secretary or authorized representative;

5. Pay the filing fee Completed online upon submission;

6. Receive confirmation ACRA will send a confirmation email once the filing is successfully processed.

4. Common Issues and Key Considerations

a. Missing the Deadline

The deadline for filing the Annual Return is within 7 months after the end of the financial year. For example, if your fiscal year ends on January 31, 2025, the filing must be completed by August 31, 2025. Missing this deadline results in penalties and could damage the company’s creditworthiness.

b. Exemptions for Small Companies

Under ACRA and IRAS guidelines, eligible small companies may benefit from

No mandatory audit requirement;

Extended AGM deadlines;

Combined submission of tax and annual return filings.

A company qualifies as a small company if it meets two out of three criteria

Annual revenue ≤ SGD 10 million;

Total assets ≤ SGD 10 million;

Employee count ≤ 50.

c. Ensuring Information Accuracy

All submitted data must accurately reflect the current status of the company. Any changes in director/shareholder details or registered office address must be updated promptly to avoid rejection or compliance risks.

d. Using Electronic Systems for Efficiency

ACRA strongly recommends using the BizFile+ online portal for submissions. The platform supports real-time filing, automatic validation, and instant payment, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy.

5. Recent Policy Updates as of 2025

Singapore continues to enhance its business environment through digital transformation of compliance processes. In early 2025, ACRA introduced several improvements to streamline the Annual Return process

Expanded audit exemptions More startups and micro-enterprises now qualify;

Extended filing deadlines Temporary relief for industries affected by economic fluctuations;

Enhanced automation Reduced manual processing and faster approval times;

Improved compliance reminders Email and SMS alerts sent to remind companies of upcoming deadlines.

These changes reflect Singapore’s commitment to maintaining a pro-business regulatory environment and offering greater convenience for entrepreneurs.

6. Conclusion

While the Annual Return is a routine task, its importance cannot be overstated. It ensures legal compliance, safeguards the company’s reputation, and supports long-term growth. Although the filing fee itself is relatively low, the hidden compliance costs and potential risks of non-compliance are significant.

Business owners are advised to plan ahead, manage deadlines carefully, and seek professional assistance when necessary. As Singapore continues to modernize its corporate governance systems, the Annual Return process is becoming increasingly streamlined. Understanding the fee structure, staying aware of key deadlines, and keeping up with policy changes are essential skills for any business owner operating in Singapore.