Filing an annual return in Singapore is a routine step that keeps your company in good standing with ACRA. Think of it as a yearly check-in where you confirm your company’s details and show your records are up to date.
For many new business owners, the process sounds more complex than it really is. You might be asking what exactly needs to be filed, who has to file, when the deadlines fall, and what happens if you miss them.
This guide explains everything in simple terms, including:
✅ What annual return filing is and why it matters
✅ Who needs to file and the deadlines to follow
✅ How to complete the process through BizFile step by step
✅ The filing fee, late fees, and penalties to expect
By the end, you’ll know how to stay compliant without getting lost in technical details.
What Is Annual Return Filing?
Annual return filing is a yearly update that every incorporated company in Singapore submits to ACRA through BizFile. You confirm your company details there, such as directors, shareholders, registered office address, share capital, financial statements, and your financial year-end.
ACRA uses this update to keep its register current. When you file on time, you show that your business is active and compliant, which helps build confidence with stakeholders.
Annual Return vs Corporate Tax Return
Annual Return Filing Requirements and Deadlines
If your business is a registered company in Singapore, filing an annual return is mandatory. It’s the way you “check in” with ACRA once a year to confirm your company’s details.
Here’s who needs to file, and when.
Who Must File an Annual Return
- All companies, whether private, public, active, or dormant, must file.
- Dormant companies still need to file, but if they qualify as Exempt Private Companies (EPCs), they may not need to attach financial statements.
- New companies only file after completing their first financial year.
- Other business types ( sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability partnerships (LLPs)) don’t file annual returns. They file a simpler Annual Declaration instead.
When to File an Annual Return
Deadlines depend on your company type and financial year-end (FYE). Your FYE is set when you incorporate and determines when your accounts are cut off. Most companies pick 31 December or 31 March. You can change it once to align with your business cycle.
| Company Type | Filing Deadline | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Private Company (Pte Ltd) | Within 7 months after FYE | Annual General Meeting (AGM) may be skipped if financial statements are circulated and no AGM is requested |
| Public Company | Within 5 months after FYE | AGM is always required |
| Dormant Company | Same deadlines as above | May be exempt from filing financial statements if EPC |
| First-Year Company | After completing first FYE | No annual return due in the year of incorporation For example, if incorporated in June 2024 with a 31 Dec FYE, your first Annual Return is due by July 2025. |
Tip: Unsure about AGM rules or exemptions? See our AGM in Singapore Guide for clear answers.
How to File an Annual Return
You’ll file your annual return online through BizFile. The process is straightforward once you know what to prepare.
Required Documents and Information
Before you start, make sure these are ready:
- Singpass or CorpPass login to access BizFile as a business user.
- Financial statements in XBRL format with a PDF copy, unless your company qualifies for an exemption. XBRL is a structured digital format that ACRA requires for most Singapore-incorporated companies.
- Annual General Meeting (AGM) date or circulation date for your financial statements. If your company held an AGM, note the date. If you skipped it, record the date when financial statements were sent to shareholders.
Preparing these documents in advance makes filing smoother and helps avoid mistakes.
Filing Steps on BizFile
Follow these step-by-step guides when filing your annual return:
Step 1
Log in to BizFile with your Singpass or CorpPass.
Step 2
Go to “Annual Filing” and select “File Annual Returns” for your company.
Step 3
Check your company details such as name, UEN, registered office address, and company officers. Update them if needed.
Step 4
Confirm your financial year end (FYE) and company type. This determines whether audited financial statements are required.
Step 5
Provide AGM details. Either enter the AGM date or state when the financial statements were circulated to shareholders.
Step 6
Upload your financial statements. Most companies file in XBRL format, while smaller or dormant ones, such as Exempt Private Companies (EPCs), may only need to upload a PDF.
Step 7
Confirm directors and audit requirements. Choose the signing director and state whether the company is exempt from audit.
Step 8
Answer register questions. This covers your register of controllers and any nominee directors or shareholders.
Step 9
Review all the company’s information, make your declaration, and pay the filing fee (SGD 60 for annual returns).
Step 10
Save your proof of lodgement. Download the free Business Profile within 30 days as your official record.
For full official step-by-step instructions, check ACRA’s BizFile guide.
Tip: You can file annual returns yourself through BizFile. But if you’d rather not deal with deadlines and paperwork, a company registration service provider like Statrys includes a company secretary and annual return filing in their package, so compliance is handled for you.
What Happens If You File Late?
Missing the filing deadline adds both cost and risk. The longer you wait, the higher the penalties and the greater the chance of action from ACRA.
Here’s what you need to know.
| Issue | Penalty | How to stay compliant |
|---|---|---|
| Late fees | SGD 300 if filed within 3 months after the deadline SGD 600 if filed more than 3 months late |
You can apply for an Extension of Time (EOT) at least 14 working days before the deadline. The EOT gives up to 60 extra days and costs SGD 200. |
| Court fines | Up to SGD 5,000 | Usually applied for repeated non-compliance. Preparing financial statements early helps avoid last-minute issues. |
| Director disqualification | 3 or more filing offences in 5 years, or repeated company strike-offs | Keep a shared compliance calendar to stay on top of deadlines. |
| Company strike-off | Company may be removed from the register | Appointing a company secretary or filing agent helps ensure deadlines are not missed. |
Helpful resource: In Singapore, every company must appoint a corporate secretary. The right service provider can also take care of annual return filing and keep you compliant. For options, see our guide on the best corporate secretarial services in Singapore.
Final Note
Filing an annual return is part of running a company in Singapore. Every business incorporated here must do it each year, and the deadlines vary by company type. Missing deadlines can lead to late fees or further action from ACRA.
Keeping track of your filing dates and preparing documents early makes the process smoother. With the right approach, annual return filing becomes a simple step to keep your company compliant and in good standing.
FAQs
What is an annual return in Singapore?
An annual return is a yearly update you file with ACRA through BizFile, its online portal. It confirms your company details, such as directors, shareholders, financial statements, and financial year end, so ACRA’s register stays up to date.
