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

1. Appoint Corporate Secretary
2. Set up Accounting Process
3. 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.