Basic Guide to Annual Filing in Singapore – 3 Steps
Basic Guide to Annual Filing in Singapore – 3 steps Running a company in Singapore? Missed filings can cost $300-$600 per return and damage your compliance record. Use this quick 3-step checklist to keep your business safe in 2025. Summary Checklist Appoint Corporate Secretary Set up Accounting Process Prepare for Filings: Prepare Unaudited Financial Statements File Annual Returns Hold AGM (unless exempt) Corporate Tax (ECI Filing and Form C/S) Others (if applicable): File GST (If registered) CPF contributions (For staff – monthly) IR8A (For staff – annual) 1. Appoint a Corporate Secretary Must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation (mandatory by law). Secretary must be a local resident and qualified. Responsible for: Maintaining statutory registers (directors, shareholders etc.) Filing changes with ACRA (e.g share transfers, officer updates) Preparing and filing of Annual Returns Tip: Appoint a qualified corporate secretary early. Late appointment or filings can cost $300–$600 per return and trigger ACRA compliance flags. 2. Maintain Proper Accounting Records Keep records of all transactions from day one (Income, expenses, assets etc.) Recommended: Use digitals like Xero or QuickBooks Online – Makes it easier to keep track of transactions instead of relying on spreadsheets. Tip: Record every transaction from day one. Consistent bookkeeping keeps you ready for ACRA/IRAS filings and avoids scrambling at tax time. 3. Annual Filings Prepare Unaudited Financial Statements → Forms the basis for your Annual Return filing Annual Returns → File with ACRA within 7 months after your Financial Year End (FYE) Annual General Meeting (AGM) → Hold annually unless exempt Corporate Tax File Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) within 3 months after Financial Year End Submit Form C/S (By 30th November) Others (If applicable) GST (If registered) → File quarterly GST returns If you have employees: CPF Contributions: Submit by the last day of each calendar month IR8A: Submit by 1st March each year Tip: Mark your ACRA and IRAS deadlines early. Late filings not only incur fines but can impact financing and investor confidence. Get these 3 basics in place and you’ll have a solid foundation for growth. Not sure if your company is on track? Have a quick chat with our team.