Annual Compliance Requirements for Singapore Companies

Running a business in Singapore comes with various regulatory obligations that must be met annually to remain compliant with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Failure to meet these requirements can lead to penalties, fines, or even business suspension. In this guide, we outline the key annual compliance requirements for Singapore companies, helping you stay on track and avoid unnecessary legal issues.

1. Filing Annual Returns with ACRA

All Singapore-incorporated companies must file their Annual Returns (AR) with ACRA. The AR provides an overview of a company’s essential details, including its officers, shareholders, and financial statements.

Key Deadlines:

For private companies: Must file the Annual Return within 7 months from the financial year end (FYE).
For public-listed companies: Must file within 5 months from FYE.

Information Required for AR Filing:

Company details (e.g., UEN, registered address, business activities)
Financial statements (for companies required to file them)
Shareholders and officers’ details

2. Holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Singapore companies (except exempt private companies) must hold an AGM where directors present financial statements to shareholders.

AGM Requirements:

For private companies: Must hold an AGM within 6 months after FYE.
For public companies: Must hold an AGM within 4 months after FYE.
Exemptions: Companies with solvent status and those that have dispensed with AGM requirements in their constitution can avoid holding an AGM.

3. Filing Corporate Tax with IRAS

Singapore companies are required to file their Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) and Corporate Income Tax Returns to IRAS every year.

Key Corporate Tax Filing Deadlines:

ECI Filing: Within 3 months after the FYE.
Corporate Tax Return (Form C or C-S): By 30 November of the following year.

Tax Exemptions & Rebates:

Startups may qualify for the Start-up Tax Exemption Scheme (SUTE).
Partial tax exemption applies for other companies.

4. Goods & Services Tax (GST) Compliance

Companies with an annual turnover exceeding SGD 1 million must register for GST and comply with quarterly GST filings.

GST Filing Requirements:

Quarterly Filing: Submission of GST F5 returns every 3 months.
Annual Filing (if applicable): Companies under the GST Annual Filing Scheme must submit returns once a year.

5. Maintenance of Statutory Registers & Records

Companies must maintain up-to-date statutory records, including:

Register of members and shareholders
Register of directors and secretaries
Minutes of board meetings and resolutions

Failing to keep proper records may result in compliance issues or fines.

6. Compliance with Employment Laws & CPF Contributions

Companies with employees must ensure:

Timely Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions
Compliance with the Employment Act and Work Injury Compensation Act
Filing of IR8A forms for employee earnings declaration

7. Compliance with Data Protection & AML Regulations

Businesses that handle personal data must comply with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), and regulated entities must adhere to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance guidelines.

Why Choose SOAS for Your Corporate Compliance Needs?

Managing corporate compliance can be time-consuming and complex, but SOAS simplifies the process with its expert services. Our team ensures that your company meets all compliance deadlines efficiently, helping you avoid penalties.

With SOAS, you get:

✅ Timely filing of ACRA Annual Returns

✅ Corporate tax submission support

✅ GST registration and filing assistance

✅ Reliable corporate secretarial services

🔹 Visit SOAS Corporate Services to ensure your Singapore company stays compliant effortlessly!

FAQs About Annual Compliance Requirements for Singapore Companies

Q. What happens if my company fails to file annual returns with ACRA on time?

Failure to file your Annual Returns (AR) on time can result in late filing penalties of up to SGD 600 per breach. Persistent non-compliance may lead to legal actions, including the possibility of striking off your company from the ACRA register.

Q. Is my company required to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM)?

If your company is a private exempt company and has sent financial statements to shareholders within 5 months of the financial year-end, you may not be required to hold an AGM. However, all other companies must hold an AGM within 6 months after FYE.

Q. When is the corporate tax filing deadline in Singapore?

Singapore companies must file their Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) within 3 months of their financial year-end and Corporate Income Tax Returns (Form C or C-S) by 30 November of the following year.

Q. Is my company required to register for GST?

If your company’s annual taxable revenue exceeds SGD 1 million, you must register for Goods & Services Tax (GST). Once registered, you must file quarterly GST returns with IRAS.

Q. How can SOAS help my company stay compliant?

SOAS provides expert corporate compliance services, including annual return filing, corporate tax submission, GST compliance, and corporate secretarial services to ensure your company remains fully compliant with Singapore’s regulations.

Wrapping Up

Annual compliance is a crucial responsibility for all Singapore companies. Keeping up with filing deadlines, maintaining statutory records, and ensuring tax compliance can prevent legal troubles and keep your business running smoothly. If you need expert assistance with corporate compliance, SOAS is here to help!

👉 Get in touch with us today! Visit SOAS Corporate Services to learn more about our compliance solutions.