Understanding ACRA Compliance: What Every Singapore Company Must Know

Annual General Meetings (AGMs)

All Singapore-incorporated companies are required to hold an Annual General Meeting. Listed companies must hold their AGM within four months of the end of their financial year, while non-listed companies have six months. The AGM agenda typically includes adopting financial statements, declaring dividends (if applicable), appointing or re-appointing auditors, and re-electing directors.

Private companies that are exempt from audit may dispense with the requirement to hold an AGM, provided all members pass a written resolution to do so.

Annual Returns (AR)

Every company must file an Annual Return with ACRA. Listed companies must file within five months after their financial year-end, while non-listed companies have seven months. The Annual Return contains key information about the company including its financial statements, registered address, officers, shareholders, and auditors.

Filing fees range from S$60 for companies filing financial statements via XBRL to S$60 for those filing in PDF format.

Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC)

Since March 2017, all Singapore-incorporated companies and LLPs must maintain a Register of Registrable Controllers. This register identifies the beneficial owners who have significant interest in or control over the company — generally those holding more than 25% of the shares or voting rights.

The register must be kept at the company's registered office or at the registered filing agent's office, and must be updated within two business days of any change.

Updating Company Particulars

Companies must notify ACRA of any changes to their particulars within the prescribed timeframes. This includes changes to the registered address, directors, shareholders, company secretary, share capital, and financial year-end. Late filings may result in penalties.

Director Duties and Financial Reporting

Directors of a Singapore company bear significant responsibilities regarding financial reporting. They must ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards, give a true and fair view of the company's financial position, and are filed with ACRA within the prescribed timeframe.

At CorpXervices, our corporate secretarial team proactively monitors all compliance deadlines and ensures your company stays in good standing. We handle the preparation and filing of annual returns, maintenance of statutory registers, and ongoing advisory on regulatory changes.