If your company was incorporated 3 to 9 months ago and chose 31 December as your Financial Year-End, your ACRA Annual Returns filing deadline is 31 July the following year.
Don’t forget about accounting and compliance. While you build your product, gain traction, or manage daily tasks, these responsibilities matter too.
Your first Annual Return filing is more than just a formality. It is your first real test of regulatory readiness.
What is the ACRA Annual Return?
The ACRA Annual Returns is an online form submitted to ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority). It keeps your company records up to date, and most importantly, it also gives important information to investors, partners, and others who do business with you.
Avoid Incurring Fines
Missing your ACRA Annual Returns deadline can lead to serious consequences. Penalties can go up to SGD $600 for each late filing.
Ongoing non-compliance may result in your company being struck off the register, which means it will be dissolved. Directors may also face personal liability, including fines or legal action under the Companies Act.
Late filings can also harm your company’s reputation. This can make it harder to get loans, grants, or licenses. Plus, there are legal risks to consider.
What Do You Need to File?
The officer in your company, usually a director or company secretary, must file the Annual Return. This is done through BizFile, ACRA’s online portal.
Or, you may appoint a corporate service provider to file on the company’s behalf.
Here is what you need to prepare:
- Company Information:
- Registered address, principal activities, and contact details.
- Shareholder Details:
- Names, shareholdings, and details of all shareholders.
- Director and Secretary Info:
- Current details of all company directors and the secretary.
- Financial Statements:
- Check here to see if your company needs to file financial statements.
- Date of AGM (Annual General Meeting)
Even with No Revenue, Records Are Required
Many new companies think that if they aren’t making money yet, they have nothing to share. Under the Singapore Companies Act, all incorporated businesses must keep proper accounting records.
This rule stands even if there is little or no activity. Records include invoices, receipts, expense logs, and any other business-related documentation.
According to ACRA, these records must be kept for at least five years from the relevant year of assessment. Even minimal transactions must be clearly documented to support your filings.
Another common misconception is that dormant or low-activity companies don’t have to file. This is false! You must file your ACRA Annual Returns and submit your tax returns to IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore), unless you have formal exemptions.
You Still Need Your Financial Statements
Companies must prepare financial statements that follow the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS), even if it hasn’t made any revenue.
If your company qualifies as a small company and is exempt from audit, you are still obligated to prepare these financials for submission with your ACRA Annual Return.
It Is Not Too Late
If you are only discovering this now, do not worry. Many other first-time founders become aware of the deadline just a few weeks before it is due.
The good news is, there is still time to act. With the right support, even a last-minute effort can get your records and filing in order. Our team is ready to help you prepare what you need and ensure you complete your ACRA filing on time.
We Help You Stay Ahead
At Verti, we specialise in supporting newly incorporated businesses as they approach their first ACRA and IRAS filing deadlines. Whether you need help reviewing your books, cleaning up records, preparing statements, or submitting filings, we provide practical support and timely follow-ups to keep your business compliant.
Our goal is to ensure nothing slips through the cracks, and to give you peace of mind while you focus on running your company.
Let’s make sure your first financial year closes smoothly.
Reach out to us at contactus@verti.sg or +65 6909 5691 for a free consultation or urgent records check. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone, and it’s not too late!
All information accurate as of 17 July 2025