Singapore Company Annual Review Deadline Don’t Overlook These Key Details!

What is the Deadline for Singapore Company Annual Filing? The Details You Must Not Overlook!

In Singapore, completing annual filing on time is a legal obligation for every company operating lawfully. Annual filing not only reflects a company's compliance with regulatory requirements but also directly affects its ability to operate continuously and smoothly. However, many business owners are unclear about the specific requirements, timelines, and details of annual filing, often leading to missed deadlines due to negligence-resulting in unnecessary fines or legal risks.

So, when exactly is the deadline for Singapore company annual filing? And what key details must you absolutely not ignore?

1. Basic Concept and Legal Basis

The Annual Return is a mandatory process under which companies in Singapore submit their annual financial statements and related information to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA. According to Section 175 of the Singapore Companies Act, all registered companies must file their first set of financial statements within 18 months from the date of incorporation, and annually thereafter.

The annual filing typically includes

Updated shareholder structure

Director information

Changes in registered address

Audit report if applicable

Summary of financial statements

2. Deadline for Annual Filing

The final deadline for annual filing depends on the company’s Financial Year End FYE. Generally, a company should

Hold an Annual General Meeting AGM within 6 months after the FYE, during which the financial statements are approved.

Submit the Annual Return to ACRA via the BizFile+ system within 30 days after the AGM.

Therefore, the complete annual filing process must be completed within 7 months of the fiscal year-end.

For example, if a company’s FYE is December 31, 2025, the latest submission date for the Annual Return would be July 31, 2026.

It’s crucial to note that failure to meet this deadline will result in automatic penalties from ACRA, with fines increasing the longer the delay. Companies that repeatedly neglect annual filing may face revocation of business license, and their directors could be blacklisted.

3. Recent News Urgent Need to Improve Compliance Awareness

According to reports from October 2025, ACRA has intensified its scrutiny of corporate compliance over the past year. Statistics show that more than 12,000 companies were penalized in 2025 for failing to submit their Annual Returns on time-an average of 33 companies per day. Among them, over 30% were SMEs established less than three years ago.

In early 2025, ACRA launched a compliance reminder service, sending alerts via email and SMS to notify businesses of upcoming deadlines. Despite these efforts, many business owners still failed to respond timely, mainly due to

Lack of understanding of the filing process

Ignoring email reminders

Misconception that companies without operations don’t need to file

Delegating to agents without confirming progress

These issues highlight insufficient awareness of annual filing importance and underscore the urgent need for stronger compliance education.

4. Key Details You Cannot Afford to Ignore

Beyond knowing the filing deadlines, several critical points must be considered

1. Is an Audit Report Required?

Not all companies are required to submit audited financial statements. Under ACRA regulations, small private limited companies can be exempt from audit if they meet two out of the following three conditions

Annual revenue does not exceed SGD 10 million

Private limited company

Has no more than 20 individual shareholders

If your company qualifies, you may apply for audit exemption. However, you're still required to submit unaudited financial statements.

2. AGM Is No Longer Mandatory, But Filing Deadlines Still Apply

Since 2017, holding an Annual General Meeting AGM is no longer compulsory. However, companies must still approve their financial statements within 6 months of the FYE. This approval can be done through written resolutions, even without a formal meeting.

3. Update Company Information Promptly

Many filing issues arise because companies fail to update records such as director details, shareholder information, or registered addresses. It is advisable to review and confirm all registration data before each annual filing.

4. Directors with Multiple Roles Should Monitor Visa Status

For non-Singaporean directors, it is essential to monitor the validity and renewal status of work passes e.g., Employment Pass alongside annual filing. Any disruption in visa status could affect overall company compliance.

5. Conclusion

Singapore is known for its efficient and transparent business environment-but this also means higher expectations for corporate compliance. While annual filing may seem routine, it carries significant implications. Missing deadlines can lead not only to financial penalties but also damage to your company’s creditworthiness and future growth opportunities.

Whether you run a startup or an established enterprise, make sure to include annual filing in your annual planning, set up reminders, and consider engaging professional service providers when necessary. Only by ensuring full compliance can your business steadily thrive in a competitive market.