Singapore Company Annual Filing Fees What You Need to Know!

The Cost of Annual Return Filing for Singapore Companies A Practical Guide

In Singapore, a country known for its open business environment and robust regulatory system, an increasing number of entrepreneurs and businesses choose to incorporate and operate globally. However, company registration is just the beginning. Ongoing compliance is equally important, especially the annual requirement to file an Annual Return.

For many business owners, the Annual Return is not only a legal obligation but also essential for maintaining the company’s legal standing and creditworthiness. So, how much does it actually cost to complete the Annual Return in Singapore? What are the different components of this cost? This article breaks it down.

1. What is the Annual Return and Why is it Mandatory?

The Annual Return is a formal process in which companies submit their annual financial statements and updated company information to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA. Under the Companies Act, all registered companies-except for exempt private companies-must submit both audited or director-signed financial statements and the Annual Return on time.

Key components of the Annual Return include

Updating information about directors, shareholders, and the company secretary

Submitting financial statements

Confirming whether the registered office address or business activities have changed

Failure to file on time can result in penalties, being listed as inactive, or even compulsory deregistration.

2. Breakdown of Annual Return Costs

The cost of the Annual Return is not fixed-it depends on several components

1. ACRA Filing Fees

These are mandatory government fees

Filing the Annual Return AR ~SGD 30

Filing financial statements if applicable ~SGD 85

Late filing penalties up to SGD 300

2. Audit Fees

Unless a company qualifies as a small exempt private company, it must undergo an annual audit. Audit fees vary based on the size and complexity of the business

Small companies SGD 1,000-3,000

Medium-sized companies SGD 3,000-8,000

Large or multinational companies over SGD 10,000

3. Accounting Services

Many businesses hire accounting firms to prepare financial statements and organize bookkeeping. This typically costs between SGD 800-2,500 annually.

4. Company Secretary Fees

All Singapore companies must appoint a local company secretary. If not employed in-house, outsourcing to a professional firm usually costs SGD 600-2,000 per year.

5. Other Additional Costs

These may include

Late submission penalties

Fees for updating company address or director/shareholder details

3. Key Factors That Affect Annual Return Costs

The total cost varies significantly from company to company. The main influencing factors include

1. Company Type and Size

Small exempt private companies may be exempt from audits, which can save considerable costs. Larger or more complex businesses typically require more extensive compliance work.

2. Timeliness of Submission

ACRA has strict deadlines companies must hold their Annual General Meeting AGM within 30 days after the financial year ends and file the Annual Return within 60 days. Late filing results in fines and may damage the company’s reputation.

3. Use of Professional Services

Many startups and foreign companies outsource compliance work to save time and ensure accuracy. While this increases costs, it reduces the risk of errors. Companies with internal finance or compliance teams may reduce expenses.

4. Recent Policy Updates and News

In 2025, ACRA announced stricter enforcement of corporate compliance, especially regarding the timeliness and accuracy of Annual Return submissions. The authority encourages companies to use its BizFile+ online platform to streamline the process.

According to reports from Lianhe Zaobao, in the first quarter of 2025 alone, over 2,000 companies were fined for late submissions. ACRA has warned of even stronger enforcement actions in the future, emphasizing the importance of timely compliance.

At the same time, with Singapore pushing for digital transformation, many accounting and secretarial service providers now offer all-in-one Annual Return packages priced between SGD 2,000 and 5,000. These packages cover audit, financial reporting, secretarial duties, and filing-making them popular among small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs.

5. How to Reduce Annual Return Costs?

For budget-conscious SMEs, here are some practical tips to manage Annual Return costs

1. Plan ahead to avoid late fees

2. Compare service providers to find the best value

3. Use free resources, such as ACRA’s official filing guides

4. Keep company records up to date to avoid extra charges

5. Check eligibility for audit exemption and take advantage of applicable policies

Conclusion

While the Annual Return process may seem tedious, it is a crucial part of maintaining a company’s legal and financial standing in Singapore. Understanding the cost structure and the factors that influence it helps business owners plan better and avoid unnecessary penalties. In today’s increasingly complex global business environment, maintaining good compliance records is the foundation for long-term success.