Singapore annual return: Filing deadlines & audit guide (2025)
If your company is incorporated in Singapore, you must file annual returns with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) within the statutory deadline after the end of each financial year.
Key takeaways:
● Mandatory obligation: All Singapore-incorporated companies must file an annual return with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
● Annual return filing deadline: The deadline is strict: within 7 months of your company's Financial Year End (FYE).
● Audited financial statements: Your company may need audited financial statements if it meets 2 of 3 criteria: S$10M revenue, S$10M assets, or over 50 employees.
● Filing format: Most companies must submit their financial statements in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) format.
Filing annual returns on time is essential to maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties. However, the process can feel overwhelming.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about financial statements, XBRL filing requirements, the annual return filing deadlines, and what happens if you fail to comply with the regulations.
Your annual return filing checklist
What is an annual return?
An annual return is a yearly statement containing important particulars of the company’s composition, activities and financial position. It ensures transparency for regulatory authorities and stakeholders, promoting accountability and compliance in Singapore’s business environment.
Who can file your annual return?
Your company's appointed officer can file the annual return via ACRA’s online portal, BizFile+. Alternatively, you can engage a registered filing agent to handle the process for you.
Contact us for annual filing assistance
Key information in an annual return
An annual return typically contains the following:
- Company details: Your company’s name, Unique Entity Number (UEN) and registered office address
- Principal activities: A description of your company’s primary and secondary business activities
- Company officers: The details of your company directors, secretary and auditors
- Shareholder details: The number of shares held, issued share capital, and amount of paid-up share capital.
- Financial statements: Check whether your company is required to file financial statements with the annual return. Companies that are not required to file financial statements must instead submit an online declaration.
Preparing your financial statements
Financial statements provide a detailed overview of your company’s financial health.
All Singapore-incorporated companies are required to file financial statements (“FS”) with ACRA, except for those which are exempted.
The key components include:
- Statement of financial position: This is a balance sheet reflecting your equity, assets, and liabilities.
- Statement of comprehensive income: This is a profit and loss statement that includes your revenue, expenses, gains and losses, and income tax. It reflects your company's financial performance during that period.
- Statement of changes in equity: This displays the transactions between your company and its shareholders, changes to its share capital at the beginning and the end of the financial year, the classes of shares issued, profits and dividends during that year.
- Statement of cash flows: This shows cash or cash equivalents flowing out of or into your company as a result of its operating, investing and financing activities.
- Notes to the financial statements: This provides additional details, including adopted accounting policies and breakdowns of financial numbers.
Audit requirements for financial statements
A critical step is determining if you need audited financial statements. Your company must have its financial statements audited if it meets any two of the following three conditions for the preceding two financial years:
- Total annual revenue exceeding S$10 million;
- Total assets exceeding S$10 million; or
- Has more than 50 employees
These criteria align with Singapore’s small company audit exemption framework. Companies that do not meet these criteria may prepare unaudited financial statements.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Unless exempted or dispensed, an AGM is a mandatory annual meeting where your company presents its financial statements to shareholders for their approval. This must be done before filing the annual return.
XBRL filing requirements in Singapore
Since 2014, Singapore companies (unless exempted) are required to file their financial statements in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), an XML-based format for structured financial reporting. This digital format enhances data accuracy, accessibility, and regulatory compliance.
Before diving into the official table, here’s a quick guide on the varying formats:
● Most companies file in XBRL format
● Companies limited by guarantee and foreign company branches file in PDF Format
● Solvent Exempt Private Companies (EPCs) are not required to file but can do so voluntarily in PDF or XBRL.
Official XBRL filing requirements table
Check out the table below:
| Group | Companies that file FS that are made public | XBRL Filing Requirements |
| 1 | SG-incorporated companies that are not covered in Groups 2 to 5 below. | To file FS in XBRL format, the extent of XBRL filing varies based on the company’s nature and size of operations:
All other companies - To file FS in the Full XBRL template. |
| 2 | SG-incorporated exempt private companies (EPCs) that are insolvent | To file FS in XBRL format, the extent of XBRL filing varies based on the company’s nature and size of operations:
All other companies - To file FS in the Full XBRL template. |
| 3 | SG-incorporated EPCs that are solvent | Not required to file FS. If the company opts to voluntarily file, or to file FS in either:
If the company opts to file FS in XBRL format, its extent of XBRL filing will vary based on the same criteria as Groups 1 and 2. |
| 4 | SG-incorporated companies in the business of banking, finance and insurance regulated by MAS | To file FS in:
together with a PDF copy of the FS authorised by the directors. |
| 5 | SG-incorporated companies preparing FS using accounting standards other than prescribed accounting standards in Singapore or IFRS | To file only a PDF copy of the FS authorised by the directors. |
| 6 | SG-incorporated companies limited by guarantee | To file only a PDF copy of the FS authorised by the directors. |
| 7 | Foreign companies with SG branches | To file only a PDF copy of the FS authorised by the directors. |
Source: ACRA
The annual return filing deadline
The Companies Act 1967 requires all non-listed companies to file an Annual Return with ACRA within 7 months after the end of their financial year-end.
Example deadline for companies with 31 December financial year end: The annual return filing deadline would be 31 July of the following year.
Penalties for missing filing deadline
Your company must file its annual returns on time. Companies that file annual returns after the deadline will be imposed with a late lodgement penalty of up to $600 for late filing.
If you anticipate that filing the annual return on time might be infeasible, your company can request a 60-day extension from ACRA. As processing the extension application requires at least 14 working days, it is recommended that you submit your application via Bizfile at least 14 working days before the deadline. The application fee is $200 per request.
Ready to streamline your annual return filing process?
Don't let the complexities of filing annual returns overwhelm you. Managing financial statements, including preparing audited or unaudited reports, and meeting the annual return filing deadline in Singapore can be complex. Strict regulatory requirements and tight deadlines mean that non-compliance can lead to penalties and unnecessary stress.
That’s where Forvis Mazars comes in.
Our team of experts ensures your financial statements, XBRL submissions, and annual returns meet ACRA’s requirements accurately and on time.
With our tailored solutions, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of financial reporting. Get in touch with our team today and let us simplify your compliance journey!
The information provided is for general reference and may not be exhaustive. Contact us for expert guidance and seamless annual return filing.
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