ACRA Annual Returns Filing Guide 2026
10 minutes read | Published on 10 Aug 2026
Staying compliant with Singapore's corporate regulations is essential for every business. One of the most important annual obligations is the filing of the annual returns with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
It is important not to confuse the annual returns filing with the annual corporate tax return filing. Although both are recurring compliance obligations, the annual returns filing is a statutory filing submitted to ACRA, while the corporate income tax returns are filed separately with IRAS.
This 2026 guide explains what an annual returns filing is, who needs to file it, key deadlines, filing requirements, and how to avoid costly penalties.
What is an Annual Returns filing?
An annual return is a statutory filing submitted to ACRA that provides an updated snapshot of your company's key information. It helps to ensure that the information maintained in Singapore's public register remains accurate and up to date.
The annual returns typically contains details such as:
Company name and registration number
Company type, business activities and registered office address
Details of directors and the company secretary
Shareholders and share information
Financial statements (if required)
It is important to note that Annual Return filing is separate from corporate tax filing with IRAS. Filing your taxes with IRAS does not automatically fulfil your ACRA compliance obligations.
Who must file Annual Returns?
All Singapore-incorporated companies listed as "live" on ACRA's register are required to file Annual Returns every year. This includes:
Private limited companies
Public companies
Inactive or dormant companies
Companies that have received tax waivers from IRAS
Annual Return filing deadlines
The filing deadline depends on your company's type and Financial Year End (“FYE”).
Even if your company did not conduct business activities during the year, you are generally still required to submit an Annual Return unless the company has been officially struck off.
Companies with specific structures, such as those with overseas branch registers, may be subject to slightly different filing timelines. Therefore, it is advisable to confirm your filing deadline before submission.
Prepare for Annual Returns filing
Before filing the Annual Returns, your company must first assess if it is required to hold an AGM and ensure that the financial statements are in order.
AGM requirements can vary depending on the company's type and circumstances. For a detailed explanation of AGM exemptions, deadlines, and shareholder rights, refer to our Guide to Annual General Meetings (AGMs) in Singapore.
If your company is required to lodge financial statements with ACRA, you may also need to submit them in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) format. Learn more about the filing requirements, exemptions, and preparation process in our Guide to XBRL Filing in Singapore.
How to file an Annual Return in Singapore
Annual Returns are filed electronically via ACRA's BizFile+ portal.
The filing process generally involves:
Reviewing company information for accuracy.
Updating any changes to officers, shareholders, or registered details.
Preparing financial statements (if required).
Completing the Annual Return filing form.
Paying the prescribed filing fee.
Submitting the filing through BizFile+.
The official filing fee remains S$60 per Annual Return submission.
Many companies engage a corporate secretary or corporate service provider to manage the process and ensure timely compliance.
Penalties for late filing
Missing your Annual Return filing deadline can result in late lodgement penalties and potential enforcement action by ACRA. The amount payable generally increases based on how long the filing remains overdue.
The late filing penalties are imposed at the point of filing an annual return.
In addition, ACRA may issue composition fines of at least S$500 (which is separate from the abovementioned late filing penalties), or initiate prosecution against the company and its directors for continued non-compliance.
Companies that repeatedly fail to meet their statutory filing obligations may also face director disqualification, director debarment and possible strike-off proceedings initiated by ACRA. Timely Annual Return filing is therefore essential to maintaining good corporate standing and regulatory compliance in Singapore.
Best practices to stay compliant in 2026
To avoid last-minute stress and penalties:
✔ Track your Financial Year End and filing deadlines.
✔ Maintain accurate statutory registers throughout the year.
✔ Prepare financial statements early.
✔ Hold or dispense with AGMs in accordance with regulatory requirements.
✔ Engage a qualified corporate secretary to monitor compliance obligations.
✔ Submit your Annual Return well before the deadline.
Key deadlines to remember
How Ledgify helps with Annual Return filing
Annual Return filing may seem straightforward, but ensuring compliance with ACRA's requirements often involves much more than simply submitting an online form. Companies need to verify filing deadlines, assess whether an AGM is required, prepare financial statements in the correct format, and ensure that all statutory information is accurate before submission.
That's where Ledgify can help.
1. We simplify the compliance process
From determining your filing deadlines to reviewing your company information and preparing the necessary documentation, we help to ensure your Annual Return is completed accurately and submitted on time.
2. We help you to navigate AGM and financial statement requirements
Not every company is required to hold an AGM or file financial statements in XBRL format. Our team assesses your company's specific circumstances and advises on the applicable requirements, helping you avoid unnecessary work while remaining fully compliant.
3. We minimise the risk of late filing penalties
Missing an Annual Return deadline can result in late lodgement fees and enforcement action by ACRA. Ledgify keeps track of your compliance calendar, sends timely reminders, and proactively manages your filing obligations so you can avoid costly penalties and last-minute stress.
4. We provide ongoing corporate secretarial support
Annual Return filing is just one part of maintaining good corporate governance. As your appointed corporate secretary, we also assist with maintaining statutory registers, preparing board resolutions, updating company information, and ensuring your business continues to meet Singapore's regulatory requirements throughout the year.
5. We support businesses at every stage
Whether you're a newly incorporated startup, a growing SME, a dormant company, or an established enterprise with more complex compliance needs, Ledgify tailors its corporate secretarial services to suit your business and ensures your Annual Return obligations are handled professionally.