Filing Annual Returns - Singapore - ACRA

All Singapore-incorporated companies are required to file annual returns with ACRA to ensure that the company's information on ACRA's register is up to date.

When it comes to filing annual returns in Singapore with ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority), here's a breakdown of the key information:

Key Points:

• Purpose:

  • Annual returns ensure that ACRA's records of your company's information are up-to-date.   

  • It maintains transparency and compliance.   

• Who Must File:

  • All Singapore-incorporated companies are required to file annual returns.   

  • This includes private limited companies (Pte Ltd) and public companies.   

• Filing Deadlines:

  • Private limited companies must file within 7 months after the financial year-end.   

  • Public companies must file within 5 months after the financial year-end and hold an AGM (Annual General Meeting).

• How to File:

  • Filing is done online through BizFile+.   

  • You'll need a CorpPass to access the portal.   

• Important Considerations:

  • Holding an AGM (if applicable) before filing.

  • Accurate and up-to-date company information.

  • Preparing and submitting financial statements (if required), often in XBRL format.   

• Consequences of Late Filing:

  • Penalties and fines.

  • Potential disqualification of directors.   

  • Risk of the company being struck off the register.

Where to Find More Information:

• The official ACRA website (acra.gov.sg) is the best source for detailed and up-to-date information.

• GoBusiness Singapore also provides useful information.   

Timeline for Filing AR

When considering the timeline for filing annual returns with ACRA in Singapore, it's essential to distinguish between private and public companies, as their deadlines differ. Here's a clear breakdown:

Key Timelines:

• Private Limited Companies (Pte Ltd):

  • These companies must file their annual returns within 7 months after the end of their financial year.

• Public Companies:

  • These companies have a shorter timeframe. They must file their annual returns within 5 months after the end of their financial year.

  • Additionally, public companies are required to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) before filing their annual return.

Important Considerations:

• Financial Year-End:

  • The starting point for these timelines is the company's financial year-end. Therefore, it's crucial to know your company's financial year-end date.

• Annual General Meeting (AGM):

  • Especially for public companies, the AGM plays a vital role in the timeline. The AGM must precede the filing of the annual return.

  • Private limited companies may have exemptions from holding AGMs, but they still have the requirement to circulate the financial statements.

• BizFile+:

  • All annual return filings are conducted through ACRA's online platform, BizFile+.

• Consequences of Late Filing:

  • Failing to meet these deadlines will result in penalties, which can include fines and other enforcement actions.

Where to find definitive information:

• For the most accurate and up-to-date details, always refer to the official ACRA website (acra.gov.sg).

What is an annual return?

The term "annual return" can have slightly different meanings depending on the context. Here's a breakdown of the most common interpretations:

1. In the context of company filings (like with ACRA in Singapore):

• An annual return is a mandatory yearly report that companies must file with their respective regulatory authorities.   

• It serves to update the authorities on the company's current status, including:

  • Company details (address, officers, etc.)   

  • Share information

  • Financial information (in some cases)   

• Essentially, it's a way to maintain transparency and ensure that official records are accurate.   

2. In the context of investments:

• An annual return refers to the profit or loss generated by an investment over a one-year period.

• It's typically expressed as a percentage of the initial investment.   

• This helps investors track the performance of their assets and compare different investment options.   

Key Differences:

• When related to company filings, an annual return is a reporting requirement.   

• When related to investments, an annual return is a measure of performance.   

Therefore, when you see "annual return" it is very important to understand the context.

Sources and related content