Filing an annual return is a legal requirement for every incorporated company in Singapore. It’s a mandatory task that keeps your company compliant with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Many business owners file their annual return without issues each year. The process becomes routine once you understand the requirements, deadlines, and steps involved.

This guide covers:

• What an annual return contains and why filing matters
• Filing deadlines based on your company type
• The documents you need to prepare
• Step-by-step instructions for filing through BizFile+
• Late filing penalties and how to avoid them

What the Annual Return Contains

The annual return is your company’s yearly update to ACRA. It includes:

• Current details of directors, secretaries, and shareholders
• Registered office address and business activities
• Share capital structure and any changes
• Financial year-end date (FYE)
• Annual General Meeting (AGM) information
• Financial statements (for most companies)

This information updates the public register that ACRA maintains. Banks, suppliers, and potential business partners can access your company’s basic information through this register.

Filing Requirements: Who Must File and When

Companies Required to File

All incorporated companies in Singapore must file an annual return. This includes:

• Private limited companies (Pte Ltd)
• Public companies
• Dormant companies with no business activity
• Newly incorporated companies after their first financial year

Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not file annual returns. LLPs file an Annual Declaration (not an annual return), which includes a declaration of solvency or insolvency.

Filing Deadlines

Your deadline depends on two factors: company type and financial year-end (FYE).

1. Private Companies (Pte Ltd) 

File within 7 months after your financial year-end. If your FYE is 31 December, your annual return is due by 31 July the following year.

2. Public Companies 

File within 5 months after your financial year-end. Public companies must hold an AGM before filing.

3. Dormant Companies 

Follow the same deadlines as active companies. Exempt Private Companies (EPCs) may not need to file financial statements.

4. First-Year Companies 

File after completing your first full financial year. If you incorporated in May 2024 with a 31 December FYE, your first annual return is due by 31 July 2025.

Documents You Need Before Filing

Prepare these items before starting your filing:

Login Credentials: You need Singpass (for individuals) or CorpPass (for company representatives) to access BizFile+.

Financial Statements: Most companies must submit financial statements in XBRL format, along with a PDF copy. Small companies qualifying as EPCs may be exempt from this requirement.

AGM Information: Record either the date your AGM was held or the date you circulated financial statements to shareholders (if you dispensed with the AGM).

Company Details: Have your current information ready, including any changes to directors, shareholders, or registered address made during the year.

Filing Process on BizFile+

Follow these steps to complete your annual return filing:

1. Access BizFile+: Log in to BizFile+ using your Singpass or CorpPass credentials.
2. Select Annual Return Filing: Navigate to the “Annual Filing” section and choose “File Annual Returns” for your company.
3. Verify Company Information: Review your company name, UEN, registered address, and officer details. Update any outdated information before proceeding.
4. Confirm Financial Year Details: Check your financial year-end date and company classification. This determines whether you need to file financial statements.
5. Enter AGM Details: Indicate when your AGM was held or when you circulated financial statements to shareholders.
6. Submit Financial Statements: Upload your XBRL financial statements and a PDF copy. Select the appropriate filing type based on your company’s size and exemptions.
7. Verify Directors and Auditors: Confirm the signing director and state whether your company qualifies for audit exemption.
8. Complete Register Information: Answer questions about your register of controllers and nominee arrangements.
9. Review and Declare: Check all information for accuracy. Make the required declaration and proceed to payment.
10. Pay Filing Fee: The standard filing fee is $60. Complete payment to submit your filing.
11. Save Your Confirmation: Download your lodgement receipt as proof of filing. You can also download a free business profile within 30 days.

Late Filing Consequences

Missing your filing deadline results in immediate penalties:

✔️ Late Fees 

ACRA imposes a $300 late fee if you file within 3 months after the deadline. The fee increases to $600 for filings more than 3 months late.

✔️ Extension Option 

You can request an Extension of Time (EOT) at least 14 working days before your deadline. The extension costs $200 and grants up to 60 additional days.

✔️ Court Fines 

Persistent non-compliance can lead to court action. Companies and their officers may face fines up to $5,000.

✔️ Director Disqualification 

Directors with three or more filing offences within five years risk disqualification from holding director positions.

✔️ Company Strike-Off 

ACRA may strike off your company for continued non-compliance, removing it from the register.

Staying Compliant

Many companies handle annual return filing themselves through BizFile+. The system is accessible, and the process is documented.

Need help with annual return filing? 

HC Consultancy provides corporate secretarial services for companies across Singapore. We handle annual returns, maintain statutory registers, and keep you compliant with ACRA requirements.

Contact us at +65 9182 7552 to discuss your corporate secretarial needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change my financial year-end? 

Yes, you can change your FYE once without ACRA’s approval. Subsequent changes require ACRA’s permission with valid business reasons.

2. What if my company had no business activity? 

Dormant companies still must file an annual return. You may qualify for exemptions from filing financial statements.

3. Do I need to file if I just incorporated? 

No, new companies only file after completing their first financial year.

4. What’s the difference between annual return and tax return? 

These are separate filings. The annual return goes to ACRA and updates company details. The Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) and corporate tax return go to IRAS for tax purposes.

5. Can directors be held personally liable for non-filing? 

Yes, directors can be fined and disqualified for compliance failures, including late or missing annual returns.