The practical takeaway
Put the financial year end on your calendar before you begin trading.
01 / Know what the annual return is
The annual return records current company information — registration details, officers, shareholders and financial statements where required. ACRA says every live company must file, including dormant companies and companies with tax waivers.
02 / Count from the financial year end
For a typical non-listed company, ACRA gives a deadline within seven months after the financial year end. Certain companies with share capital and an overseas branch register receive an eight-month window; listed companies have different deadlines. Do not use a universal due date for every entity.
03 / Check whether financial statements and XBRL apply
Not all companies lodge the same statements or use the same XBRL format. Determine whether your entity is exempt from preparing or filing financial statements, and if not, what format ACRA requires. Ask your accountant to decide this against your actual entity classification.
04 / Plan fees and avoid late lodging
ACRA lists S$60 for an annual return filing. It also warns that late filings can lead to penalties of up to S$600, with other enforcement possible. Costs from corporate secretarial support are separate from the statutory filing fee.
05 / Do not confuse ACRA and IRAS
An annual return does not replace corporate income tax compliance. Maintain separate checklists for ACRA, IRAS, registers, accounting records and shareholder/director resolutions, with responsibility assigned for each filing.
Questions founders ask
Do dormant companies file?
ACRA says live dormant companies still file annual returns, even if they have a tax waiver.
What is the common non-listed deadline?
Generally within seven months after financial year end, with certain exceptions.
Do all companies file XBRL statements?
No. The obligation and format depend on the company’s classification and reporting requirements.
Primary sources
Regulatory rules change. Check the linked official guidance for your circumstances and the current filing period.
Editorial note: This independently prepared overview is educational and is not a substitute for regulated professional advice. No personal founder experience or service relationship is claimed.