Staying compliant with Singapore’s regulatory framework is crucial for every company. Among the mandatory compliance obligations, annual return filing is one of the most important. Failure to file your annual return accurately and on time can lead to significant penalties, director disqualification, or even company strike-off. That’s why engaging professional Annual Return Filing Services in Singapore is essential to ensure your business operates smoothly and stays in good standing with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
What Is an Annual Return?
An annual return (AR) is an electronic submission made to ACRA that contains key company details such as:
- Company name and registration number
- Principal business activities
- Registered office address
- Share capital and shareholding structure
- Particulars of company officers (directors, secretary, etc.)
- Financial statements (for non-exempt private companies)
This return must be filed once every calendar year, usually after the Annual General Meeting (AGM), unless the company is exempt from holding an AGM.
Who Must File the Annual Return?
Every Singapore-incorporated company, whether active or dormant, must file an annual return with ACRA. This includes:
- Private limited companies
- Exempt private companies (EPCs)
- Public companies limited by shares
- Foreign companies with a branch in Singapore
Companies must appoint a registered corporate secretary to handle the filing. The secretary is responsible for ensuring that the return is filed within the specified deadline and that all information is accurate.
Why Annual Return Filing Matters
Filing your annual return is not just a formality—it is a legal obligation under the Companies Act. Here’s why timely and accurate filing is critical:
- Avoid Penalties: Late filings attract penalties starting from $300 per breach, increasing with delays.
- Maintain Good Standing: Timely filings reflect well on your company’s credibility and compliance track record.
- Prevent Strike-Off: Companies that repeatedly fail to file their annual returns may be struck off by ACRA.
- Enable Due Diligence: Investors, banks, and business partners often review your ACRA filings before working with you.
Key Filing Deadlines
Understanding your company’s filing deadlines helps prevent non-compliance:
- AGM (Annual General Meeting): Must be held within 6 months of the financial year end (FYE), unless exempt.
- Annual Return: Must be filed within 7 months of FYE (for listed companies) or within 5 months (for private companies).
Example:
If your company’s FYE is 31 December:
- AGM must be held by 30 June
- Annual Return must be filed by 31 July (for private companies)
Note: EPCs (Exempt Private Companies) that meet specific criteria can file their annual return without holding an AGM.
Common Challenges in Annual Return Filing
Many business owners underestimate the complexity of annual return filing. Here are a few challenges that companies frequently face:
- Missed deadlines due to lack of tracking
- Incorrect company information being filed
- Improper formatting or failure to attach required financial statements
- Unawareness of exemptions or compliance changes
To avoid these risks, it’s recommended to engage a professional firm that provides Annual Return Filing Services in Singapore.
What Our Annual Return Filing Services Include
At [Your Company Name], we offer a comprehensive suite of services to help your company file annual returns accurately and on time. Our services include:
✅ Filing Annual Return via BizFile+
We prepare and submit the annual return on your behalf through ACRA’s BizFile+ system, ensuring accuracy and compliance with the latest filing requirements.
✅ AGM Documentation Support
If your company needs to conduct an AGM, we assist with drafting notices, resolutions, and minutes, ensuring all documentation is properly prepared and filed.
✅ Preparation of Financial Statements
We assist with the preparation and formatting of XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) financial statements, which are required for certain companies during annual return submission.
✅ Compliance Calendar Monitoring
We maintain a compliance calendar for your company to ensure you never miss an important filing deadline.
✅ Dormant Company Compliance
Even if your company has not traded, we help dormant entities stay compliant with simplified filing and exemption clauses.
Why Choose Our Annual Return Filing Services in Singapore?
Engaging a professional service provider gives your business a significant edge when it comes to statutory compliance. Here’s why businesses choose us:
🌟 Accuracy & Compliance
We ensure all filings are error-free, consistent with your company’s internal records, and aligned with ACRA’s regulatory requirements.
🌟 Cost-Effective Packages
Our affordable pricing plans are designed to suit startups, SMEs, and established businesses alike—without compromising quality.
🌟 Fast Turnaround
Our dedicated team ensures timely submission of your annual return, helping you meet your statutory deadlines without stress.
🌟 Advisory Support
We go beyond filing by advising you on exemption eligibility, AGM requirements, and governance best practices.
🌟 Integrated Secretarial Services
Need more than just annual return filing? We offer full corporate secretarial services to handle director changes, share issuance, company resolutions, and more.
Annual Return Filing for XBRL-Required Companies
For companies that are not exempted from XBRL filing, it’s crucial to ensure that the financial statements are converted and submitted correctly in the XBRL format. We help:
- Prepare financial statements in full XBRL or simplified XBRL format
- Ensure compliance with ACRA’s revised XBRL taxonomy
- Avoid delays due to technical formatting errors
Who We Serve
We proudly assist a diverse clientele with their Annual Return Filing Services in Singapore, including:
- Startups and Small Businesses
Simplified packages with reminders and basic filing services. - Growth-Stage SMEs
Full compliance support including XBRL, AGMs, and advisory. - Dormant Companies
Cost-effective services tailored to zero-activity companies. - Foreign-Owned Companies
Support with cross-border compliance and Singapore statutory filings.
Get Peace of Mind with Annual Return Filing
Whether you’re busy scaling your business or unfamiliar with Singapore’s compliance landscape, outsourcing your annual return filing to a trusted service provider can save you time, reduce risk, and ensure peace of mind.
At [Your Company Name], we combine professional expertise, proactive support, and digital tools to keep your company compliant year-round. Our team handles your filings so you can focus on what matters—growing your business.
📞 Contact Us Today
Stay compliant with ease. Let us manage your annual return filing needs.
Phone: +65 9863 8665
Email: Tommyksh@shkoh.com.sg
Office Address: 7500A Beach Road, The Plaza, #09-324, Singapore 199591