Annual Compliance in Singapore: Your Complete Guide to Staying Legally Compliant Every Year

Running a company in Singapore involves more than just managing daily operations. Every year, all registered businesses must fulfil annual compliance requirements to remain in good standing with Singapore authorities.

These obligations ensure that your company’s financial statements, tax filings, and statutory information are accurate, transparent, and up to date. Missing any of these deadlines can result in penalties or even company strike-off.

Here’s everything you need to know about annual compliance in Singapore — and how to stay ahead of it.

1. What Is Annual Compliance?

Annual compliance refers to the mandatory filings and submissions required by government agencies such as:

• ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) — for company information and statutory filings

• IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore) — for corporate tax reporting

These filings help ensure that businesses operate transparently and within legal requirements. Even dormant or small companies must meet their filing obligations unless exempted.

2. Key Annual Compliance Requirements

(a) Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Companies must hold an Annual General Meeting within six months after the financial year end (FYE), unless they have opted out under the Companies Act. During the AGM, directors present the financial statements for shareholders’ review and approval.

(b) Annual Return (AR)

After the AGM, the company must file its Annual Return with ACRA within seven months after FYE. The AR submission includes:

• Company registration details

• Information on directors, shareholders, and secretary

• Date of AGM (if held)

• The latest financial statements (in XBRL format for most entities)

Timely filing is crucial — failure to do so may result in late filing penalties or director disqualification.

3. Financial Statements: The Core of Compliance

A key part of annual compliance is preparing accurate financial statements in line with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS).

Your company’s financial statements typically include:

• Statement of Comprehensive Income (Profit and Loss)

• Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet)

• Cash Flow Statement

• Notes to Accounts

These reports provide a clear overview of your company’s performance and are essential for:

• Corporate tax filing

• Investor relations and loan applications

• Internal business planning and audits

For smaller companies that qualify, simplified reporting under the SFRS for Small Entities can be applied.

4. Corporate Tax Filing with IRAS

Apart from ACRA filings, all companies must fulfil tax compliance obligations with IRAS.

• Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI): Must be submitted within 3 months after FYE, even if your company does not expect taxable income.

• Corporate Income Tax Return (Form C-S or Form C): Must be filed by 30 November (paper) or 15 December (e-filing) of the following year.

The figures used in your tax computation are derived from your financial statements, so accuracy and timeliness are critical.

5. Why Annual Compliance Matters

Meeting annual compliance deadlines is more than a legal requirement — it’s a sign of responsible business management. Here’s why it matters:

• Avoid costly ACRA and IRAS penalties

• Maintain good corporate standing for loans, grants, or tenders

• Ensure financial transparency for investors and partners

• Prepare your business for audits or expansion opportunities

Neglecting compliance can result in fines, loss of reputation, and in severe cases, company strike-off from the register.

6. How CR Consultancy Supports Your Annual Compliance in Singapore

Staying on top of annual compliance in Singapore can be time-consuming, but CR Consultancy makes it simple. Our experienced team ensures that your filings are accurate, timely, and compliant with all statutory regulations — giving you peace of mind to focus on business growth. Get in touch with us today to ensure your business stays compliant with annual regulatory requirements.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. For specific guidance tailored to your company, please consult CR Consultancy directly.