Singapore Company Annual Review Are You Prepared? Full Process Timeline Analysis

Singapore Company Annual Return Are You Ready? A Complete Guide to Process and Timeline

Singapore, a globally renowned business hub, sees a large number of companies registered every year. However, incorporation is only the first step-sustained compliance is key to long-term business success. Among these obligations, the Annual Return is a mandatory legal requirement for every registered company after the end of each financial year. It not only ensures regulatory compliance but also directly affects a company's reputation and ongoing operations.

What Is a Singapore Company Annual Return?

According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, all registered private limited companies must submit an Annual Return each year, along with audited or reviewed financial statements. This system ensures transparency in corporate operations and provides regulators with updated information about the company.

The core components of the annual return include

1. Updating company details Such as directors, shareholders, company secretary, and registered address.

2. Submitting financial statements Including balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and related notes.

3. Confirming operational status Whether the company is still actively operating.

Timeline for Annual Filing

The deadline for completing the annual return depends on the company’s Financial Year End FYE. Typically, a company must complete its annual filing within 7 months after the FYE. For example, if a company’s FYE is June 30, 2025, it must submit its Annual Return by January 31, 2026, at the latest.

Failure to meet this deadline may result in penalties or even the revocation of the company’s business license. Therefore, it is crucial to plan ahead and prepare documents in advance.

Step-by-Step Annual Return Process

Step 1 Determine the Financial Year End FYE

When a company is incorporated, it sets its own FYE, usually aligned with a 12-month cycle. For instance, a company incorporated in September 2025 can choose August 31 or another date as its FYE. Once set, the FYE cannot be changed without ACRA approval.

Step 2 Prepare Financial Statements

All companies are required to prepare financial statements in accordance with the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards SFRS. These statements are typically audited or reviewed by a certified accountant, especially for larger or public companies. However, smaller companies that meet two out of the following three criteria may qualify for audit exemption

Annual revenue not exceeding SGD 10 million

Total assets not exceeding SGD 10 million

Number of employees not exceeding 50

Step 3 Hold the Annual General Meeting AGM

Under ACRA regulations, companies must hold an Annual General Meeting AGM within 6 months after the FYE. During the AGM, shareholders review and approve the financial statements and discuss other relevant matters. Although private limited companies have been exempt from holding AGMs since 2018, they are still required to file their Annual Return with ACRA within 9 months after the FYE.

Step 4 Submit Documents via BizFile+

The final step involves submitting the Annual Return and supporting documents through ACRA’s online portal, BizFile+. After submission, ACRA processes the documents within a few working days and issues an electronic acknowledgment.

Recent Policy Updates and Key Considerations

As per ACRA’s 2025 guidelines, all companies must ensure that their submitted financial statements are accurate, complete, and compliant with standards. Any false declaration or omission will be subject to strict scrutiny and penalties.

ACRA is also accelerating its digital transformation, encouraging businesses to use electronic signatures and automated reminders to improve efficiency. Several local service providers now offer automated tools to simplify the annual filing process for business owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Is an annual return required even if the company had no business activity?

A Yes. Even inactive companies must file a Nil Return to indicate that there were no business activities during the financial year.

Q What happens if the annual return is submitted late?

A The company may face fines of up to SGD 5,000 and could be blacklisted, which may affect banking, visa applications, and other operations.

Q Can I appoint a professional agency to handle the annual return?

A Absolutely. Many local accounting firms and corporate secretarial services offer annual return filing assistance to save time and reduce administrative burdens.

Conclusion

While the annual return may seem like a routine task, it plays a critical role in maintaining your company’s legal standing and credibility. Timely compliance helps avoid legal risks and builds trust with partners and clients. In today’s uncertain global environment, maintaining a strong corporate image and compliance record has never been more important.

We hope this guide has provided you with a clear understanding of the Singapore company annual return process and timeline, enabling you to complete your annual obligations smoothly and efficiently.