Singapore has a reputation for being business-friendly, and it largely deserves it. But that doesn’t mean compliance is optional. Miss the wrong deadline and you’ll get fines, late fees, and increasingly unpleasant letters from ACRA or IRAS.
Here’s the compliance calendar for a typical small Singapore company, in plain language.
The two regulators you deal with
ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) — governs company registration, directors, shareholders, annual returns, and financial statements.
IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore) — governs corporate income tax, GST, and payroll tax.
You report to both. They don’t share data seamlessly, so you need to file with each separately.
Financial year end: choose wisely
Before we talk deadlines, note that most Singapore deadlines are calculated from your financial year end (FYE) — not the calendar year. Many small companies use December 31, but you can choose any date. Once set, it’s administratively annoying to change, so think about it upfront.
ACRA deadlines
Annual Return
What: Confirms your company’s details (directors, shareholders, registered address, financial year end) are current. Accompanied by or preceded by your financial statements.
When: Within 5 months of your FYE (for private companies exempt from audit). So if your FYE is December 31, your Annual Return is due by May 31 the following year.
Late penalty: S$300 for late filing. It escalates if you ignore it further.
AGM (if required)
Most small private companies are exempt from holding an AGM under the Companies Act if they send financial statements to shareholders within 5 months of FYE. Check whether you qualify for the exemption.
IRAS deadlines
Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI)
What: An estimate of your company’s taxable income for the year. Filed within 3 months of your FYE.
Example: FYE December 31 → ECI due by March 31.
Exemption: Companies with annual revenue ≤ S$5 million and a nil ECI are exempt from filing ECI. Most early-stage startups qualify.
Corporate Income Tax Return (Form C-S or C-S Lite)
What: Your actual corporate tax return for the year of assessment (YA). YA 2025 covers income earned in your FY2024.
When: November 30 each year (for the preceding YA). This is a fixed calendar date, not relative to your FYE.
Form C-S vs C-S Lite vs Form C:
- Form C-S Lite — for companies with annual revenue ≤ S$200,000. Simplest.
- Form C-S — for companies with annual revenue ≤ S$5 million.
- Form C — for larger or more complex companies.
Most early-stage startups file C-S or C-S Lite.
GST Returns (if GST-registered)
When: Quarterly, within one month of the end of each GST accounting period.
Note: You only need to register for GST once your taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million per year (or if you anticipate exceeding it). Many small companies and startups are not GST-registered.
Quick reference table
| Filing | Regulator | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Return + FS | ACRA | 5 months after FYE |
| ECI | IRAS | 3 months after FYE (if required) |
| Corporate Tax (Form C-S/C) | IRAS | 30 November each year |
| GST Return | IRAS | Monthly/quarterly (if registered) |
What happens if you miss a deadline?
- ACRA Annual Return: Late filing penalties starting at S$300. Persistent non-compliance can result in court summons for directors.
- Corporate Tax: IRAS issues estimated assessments (usually unfavourable), plus a 5% late payment penalty and interest.
- GST: 5% late payment penalty plus potential enforcement action.
The penalties are avoidable. The real cost is the administrative headache and the distraction from running your business.
The simplest approach
Use an accountant who tracks these deadlines for you. You shouldn’t be checking compliance calendars — that’s exactly what we do for our clients.
Get in touch and we’ll make sure nothing gets missed.