Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Annual Return in Singapore (ACRA)

Why Annual Return Filing Is Important

Every company in Singapore is required to file an Annual Return (AR) with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. This filing ensures that your company’s information remains accurate and compliant with the Companies Act.

Failing to file on time may result in:

• late filing penalties

• compliance issues

• enforcement action against directors

When Do You Need to File Annual Return?

For most private companies, annual returns must be filed:

• Within 7 months after Financial Year End (FYE)

Before filing, companies must:

• hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM), unless exempt

• prepare financial statements

Staying aware of deadlines is critical to avoid penalties.

Step-by-Step: How to File Annual Return in Singapore

Here is a simplified guide based on the official process via ACRA’s BizFile+ system.

Step 1: Prepare Required Information

Before logging into BizFile+, ensure the following are ready:

• Company details (address, business activity)

• Directors and shareholders information

• Financial statements (if required)

• AGM date (if applicable)

Accurate bookkeeping throughout the year makes this step much easier.

Step 2: Log in to BizFile+

Access the BizFile+ portal, ACRA’s online filing system.

You will need:

• Singpass or CorpPass login credentials

• Authorisation to file on behalf of the company

Step 3: Select “File Annual Return”

Once logged in:

• Navigate to “File Annual Return”

• Choose the relevant company

The system will display pre-filled information from previous filings.

Step 4: Verify Company Information

Review all details carefully, including:

• registered office address

• company officers

• share capital

• shareholder details

Update any changes before proceeding.

Step 5: Upload Financial Statements (If Required)

Depending on your company type:

• Small companies may be exempt from filing financial statements

• Others must upload financial reports in XBRL or PDF format

Ensure that your financial statements are:

• accurate

• complete

• compliant with accounting standards

Step 6: Declare AGM Details

If your company held an AGM:

• enter the AGM date

If exempt:

• confirm AGM exemption status

Step 7: Review and Submit

Before submission:

• double-check all information

• ensure accuracy

Once submitted:

• pay the filing fee

• receive confirmation from ACRA

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many businesses encounter issues when filing annual returns, such as:

• missing deadlines

• incorrect company information

• incomplete financial statements

• failure to update shareholder changes

How Annual Return Connects to Other Filings

Annual return filing is only one part of a company’s compliance cycle.

It is closely linked to:

Corporate Tax Filing

Filed with IRAS to report taxable income.

Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI)

Filed within 3 months after FYE to estimate tax payable.

Financial Statement Preparation

Required for both ACRA and IRAS submissions.

Consistency across all filings is crucial to avoid discrepancies.

How Podwerx Helps with Annual Return Filing

Annual Return Filing Services

• Preparation and submission via BizFile+

• Monitoring deadlines

• Updating company records

Accounting & Bookkeeping

• Monthly bookkeeping

• Financial statement preparation

• Year-end closing

Tax Compliance Support

• ECI filing

• Corporate tax submission

• IRAS advisory

With professional support, businesses can avoid errors and ensure full compliance.