Singapore Company Annual Review Guide All You Need to Know

A Comprehensive Guide to Singapore Company Annual Filing Everything You Need to Know

Running a business in Singapore comes with several legal obligations, and one of the most important is the annual filing requirement. For many startups and small businesses, this process may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the steps and requirements, it becomes much easier to manage. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about Singapore company annual filing, so you can stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties.

What is Company Annual Filing?

In Singapore, annual filing-officially known as the Annual Return-is a mandatory report that every company must submit each year to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA. This report includes key company information such as

Basic company details

Shareholder structure

Director information

Company secretary and registered office address

Financial statements

The purpose of the annual filing is to ensure transparency and compliance with local laws, making company information publicly available and subject to regulatory oversight.

According to ACRA, all Private Limited Companies registered in Singapore must file their Annual Return annually, even if the company had no business activity or income during the financial year.

Annual Filing Timeline

The annual filing cycle is based on the company’s Financial Year End FYE. Here’s the standard timeline

1. Hold the Annual General Meeting AGM within 6 months after the FYE for financial years ending on or after January 1, 2025, ACRA allows up to 9 months for dormant companies or those with no revenue.

2. File the Annual Return with ACRA within 7 days after the AGM.

For example, if a company’s FYE is June 30, 2025, it must hold the AGM by December 31, 2025, and submit the Annual Return to ACRA by January 7, 2026.

Failing to meet these deadlines may result in late fees, legal action, or even the removal of the company from the registry.

Required Documents for Annual Filing

1. Financial Statements - Including balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and notes to the financial statements. These must be prepared in accordance with the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards SFRS.

2. Updated Director and Shareholder Information - Names, nationalities, and shareholding percentages of directors and shareholders.

3. Company Secretary and Registered Address Confirmation - Ensure the company secretary is still qualified and the registered address is valid.

4. Details of the AGM - Date of the meeting and key resolutions passed.

5. Tax-Related Information if applicable - While tax filing and annual filing are separate processes, ACRA may sometimes request tax-related details.

Stricter Compliance in Recent Years

In recent years, Singapore has tightened corporate compliance requirements. In early 2025, ACRA announced stricter penalties for companies that fail to file on time and introduced an automated system to monitor compliance in real time.

Professional service providers, such as accounting firms and corporate secretarial services, are also being held to higher standards to ensure clients meet their filing obligations.

This means companies can no longer afford to delay or ignore their annual filing responsibilities. Planning ahead and preparing documents in a timely manner is now more important than ever.

Common Misconceptions About Annual Filing

1. My company didn’t operate, so I don’t need to file - This is false. All registered Private Limited Companies must file annually, regardless of business activity.

2. I can prepare any financial statements - Financial statements must be accurate, complete, and signed by directors. Even simplified formats must comply with accounting standards.

3. Annual filing is the same as tax filing - They are two separate processes. Annual filing is with ACRA, while tax filing is with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore IRAS, and they have different deadlines.

Tips for a Smooth Annual Filing Process

1. Start Early - Begin preparing your documents 1-2 months before your FYE, especially if an audit is required.

2. Use Professional Services - Many businesses hire accountants or secretarial firms to ensure compliance and save time.

3. Leverage ACRA’s BizFile+ System - ACRA offers an online platform for filing Annual Returns, making the process fast and straightforward.

4. Update Company Information Promptly - If there are any changes to directors, shareholders, or registered address, update them before filing.

Final Thoughts

Annual filing is more than just a legal formality-it plays a key role in maintaining your company’s good standing and credibility. Failing to complete it on time can lead to fines, legal consequences, and even impact future financing or business expansion.

As a business owner in Singapore, it’s essential to treat annual filing seriously. Plan ahead, stay informed, and make sure your company remains fully compliant.