Singapore is known for its efficient and transparent regulatory framework — but with that comes disciplined corporate compliance obligations. Every Singapore-incorporated company, whether locally or foreign-owned, must meet statutory filing, tax, and reporting requirements annually with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
Failure to comply can result in fines, penalties, disqualification of directors, and even business suspension. In this guide, we outline the key annual compliance requirements for Singapore companies and how to stay compliant effortlessly.
Overview of Key Compliance Authorities
- ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority): Oversees corporate governance, company incorporation, and statutory filings.
- IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore): Administers corporate taxation, GST compliance, and tax filing obligations.
Annual Compliance Checklist for Singapore Companies
Annual Return (AR) Filing with ACRA
What is it:
An Annual Return is a statutory filing confirming a company’s financial position, shareholder and director details, and company status.
Deadline:
Within 7 months after the financial year-end (FYE).
Key components:
- Company particulars and financial year-end
- Shareholder and officer information
- Audited or unaudited financial statements attached (if applicable)
Holding of Annual General Meeting (AGM)
What is it:
Most Singapore companies (unless exempted) are required to hold an AGM to present financial statements to shareholders.
Deadline:
- Within 6 months after FYE for AGM
- Exempt if the company is a small company (subject to shareholder consent and specific conditions)
Key documents presented:
- Director’s statement and financial statements
- Resolutions passed by shareholders
Filing Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) with IRAS
What is it:
An estimate of the company’s taxable income for the financial year.
Deadline:
Within 3 months after FYE.
Exemption:
Not required if annual revenue is ≤ SGD 5 million and ECI is zero.
Filing Corporate Income Tax Return (Form C-S / C)
What is it:
A company’s final annual tax return reporting actual income and claiming applicable tax exemptions.
Deadline:
By 30 November of the following year (for Year of Assessment, YA).
Key components:
- Income, deductible expenses, and capital allowances
- Supporting financial statements
- Tax computation
GST Filing (if GST-Registered)
What is it:
For companies registered under the Goods & Services Tax (GST) scheme.
Frequency:
Quarterly — within 1 month after the end of each GST accounting period.
Includes:
- Output tax collected
- Input tax claims
- Net GST payable/refundable
Maintenance of Statutory Registers and RORC
What is it:
Every company must maintain up-to-date statutory registers, including:
- Register of Members (shareholders)
- Register of Directors and Secretaries
- Register of Registrable Controllers (beneficial ownership disclosure)
- Register of Charges (if applicable)
Deadline:
Updated promptly upon any changes.
Employment-Related Filings (if applicable)
- IR8A / IR8S forms: Annual submission of employee earnings by 1 March for the preceding year.
- Skills Development Levy (SDL) contributions: Monthly.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Late Annual Return filing: Fines up to SGD 600 per late filing.
- Failure to file tax returns: Late filing penalties and possible court prosecution.
- Failure to maintain statutory registers: Fines and director disqualification risks.
- Missed GST filing: 5% late penalty and additional penalties for continued delays.
How Vanice Advisory Supports Annual Compliance
At Vanice Advisory, we provide Corporate Secretarial, Tax Compliance, and Bookkeeping services to ensure your Singapore company meets all annual statutory requirements seamlessly.
Our services include:
- Annual Return preparation and ACRA filing
- Preparation of financial statements and tax computation
- ECI and Form C-S/C filing with IRAS
- Statutory registers and RORC maintenance
- GST registration, quarterly filing, and advisory
- Employment Pass, payroll, and IR8A filings
We offer proactive reminders, document preparation, and end-to-end submission to prevent compliance risks and penalties.
Final Thoughts
Annual corporate compliance in Singapore is structured and manageable — provided your business is disciplined about deadlines and regulatory obligations. Partnering with an experienced corporate services provider ensures peace of mind and frees you to focus on strategy and growth.
To arrange a compliance review or outsource your annual filing obligations, contact us at vanice@vaniceadvisory.com.