Singapore Small Business Filing: Your ACRA & IRAS Guide

Did you know that thousands of small businesses in Singapore are fined each year for late or inaccurate annual filings?

If you’re a business owner trying to manage day-to-day operations, keeping track of filing requirements from ACRA and IRAS can feel like a full-time job. But non-compliance comes at a cost—penalties, audits, and even business disruptions.

This guide breaks down the essentials of filing requirements for small businesses in Singapore, how to stay compliant with ACRA and IRAS, and how tools like IRAS e-filing make the process more efficient. Let’s get you ahead of the deadlines and protect your business.

🚀 TL;DR: Fast Facts for Busy Founders

Running a small business in Singapore? Here’s what you need to know:

• 🧾 File with ACRA: Submit your Annual Return within 7 months of your Financial Year End (FYE). Don’t forget your AGM (if required).

• 💼 Tax Time with IRAS: File your Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) within 3 months of FYE, and Form C-S/C by 30 November each year.

• ⚠️ Missed a deadline? Penalties start from S$200 and can climb quickly.

• 💡 Pro tip: Use IRAS e-filing to simplify your tax process—and avoid common mistakes.

• ✅ Best move: Automate reminders or outsource your filings to stay compliant without the headache.

Keep reading for a full breakdown of what to file, when to file it, and how to avoid unnecessary penalties.

Staying Compliant as a Small Business in Singapore

Understanding the Impact of Filing Mistakes

Many founders assume their company’s small size means less scrutiny. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Inaccurate or missed filings with ACRA or IRAS can result in:

• Late filing penalties (S$300 to S$1,000)
• Disqualification of directors
• Ineligibility for grants and tenders
• Risk of company strike-off

ACRA & IRAS: Who They Are and What They Do

• ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) oversees company registration, filing of annual returns, and statutory compliance.
• IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore) manages corporate income tax filing, GST, and other tax-related obligations.

Staying compliant with both is not optional—it’s a legal obligation and a sign of a healthy, trustworthy business.

What Is Considered a ‘Small Business’ in Singapore?

Many businesses assume they’re exempt from certain filing rules simply because they’re “small.” But Singapore’s definition of a small business—or more precisely, a small company under ACRA—follows specific criteria.

A company is considered “small” if it meets at least two of the following for the past two financial years:

• Revenue of S$10 million or less
• Total assets of S$10 million or less
• 50 or fewer employees

Why does this matter?

Small companies benefit from audit exemptions, saving on compliance costs and time. Here’s ACRA’s breakdown of the small company concepts.

🔗 Thinking about launching your business? Read our full guide for ACRA’s incorporation in Singapore.

Your Yearly Duties with ACRA (Annual Returns & AGMs)

All companies in Singapore—regardless of size—must meet annual filing requirements with ACRA. Here’s what small businesses must do every year.

1. Choose Your Financial Year-End

Your financial year-end (FYE) determines all filing deadlines. It must be declared upon incorporation and only changed with proper justification. Here’s how to decide on your FYE.

2. Hold an AGM (Annual General Meeting)

Unless exempt, small companies must hold an AGM within 6 months after FYE. Private companies can be exempt if:

• They send financial statements to shareholders within 5 months
• All shareholders agree to waive the AGM

3. File the Annual Return (AR)

Submit the Annual Return to ACRA within 7 months after FYE. You’ll need:

• Company details
• Shareholding and directorship updates
• Financial statements (in XBRL if required)

Late filings can trigger penalties from S$300 to S$600.

📌 Save time with our company secretarial services in Singapore—we manage your filings so you don’t have to.

Navigating IRAS Filing for Small Companies (ECI & Form C-S/C-S Lite)

Staying compliant with IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore) is equally important. Here’s what every small business in Singapore should know about filing corporate taxes.

1. Submit Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI)

Unless exempt, companies must file their ECI within 3 months of FYE. You may qualify for exemption if:

• Annual revenue is ≤ S$5 million, and
• ECI is nil

Still, IRAS encourages even exempt companies to file to maintain good compliance history.

2. Submit Income Tax Returns (Form C-S / C-S Lite / C)

Companies must file tax returns using the correct form based on complexity:

• Form C-S – for most small companies with straightforward tax
• Form C-S Lite – for small companies with annual revenue ≤ S$200,000
• Form C – for more complex company tax cases

Use the IRAS e-filing system via myTax Portal. The deadline is usually 30 November for e-submissions.

Tips for Hassle-Free Compliance (Including IRAS e-Filing)

Here are five ways to make compliance easier and avoid costly mistakes:

1. Set Automated Reminders

Track your ACRA and IRAS deadlines with automated calendar alerts or task management tools.

2. Use IRAS e Filing Tools

IRAS’s e-filing portal streamlines submission and tracks status in real time. Ensure your CorpPass account is linked.

3. Outsource to a Trusted Provider

Let experts handle your compliance while you focus on growth. Our team specialises in corporate services Singapore startups rely on.

🚀 Explore full incorporation of company Singapore services with built-in compliance features.

4. Stay Updated on Policy Changes

ACRA and IRAS update guidelines regularly. Subscribe to newsletters or follow reputable service providers like Grof—a trusted corporate services provider Singapore businesses rely on.

5. Centralise Your Documents

Use cloud-based solutions for storing AGMs, financial reports, and tax documents. Easy access prevents filing errors and last-minute scrambles.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Stay Compliant

Running a small business in Singapore is exciting—but it comes with responsibilities. By understanding ACRA and IRAS filing duties, and using tools like IRAS e-filing, you can avoid costly penalties and focus on scaling your business.

If managing deadlines and documents still feels like too much, don’t go it alone. Grof provides corporate services in Singapore making compliance simple—so you can focus on growth.

👉 Get in touch with us today to stay compliant and confident all year long.