Understanding ACRA Filing Deadlines & Penalties

First, what are the ACRA filing deadlines for Singapore companies? They refer to the deadlines Singapore-incorporated companies must meet to file their Annual Returns (AR) following their Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Your ACRA filing deadlines are typically based on your company’s Financial Year End (FYE), as follows:

• Listed companies: Within five months

• Non-listed companies: Within seven months

Failure to file on time results in escalating late filing penalties. ACRA imposes a flat penalty fee that increases the longer the default continues.

For AR, the fee starts at SGD 300 for filings made less than three months late, increasing to SGD 600 for those filed more than three months late.

Tackle Your Missed Deadline with Your Corporate Secretary

Your appointed corporate secretary is your first line of defence, serving as your expert guide to resolving the issue. Here are the steps your secretary will need to take on your behalf:

1. Lodge an Appeal

Your secretary must engage with ACRA to prepare and file an appeal to waive your late filing penalties, provided there are valid grounds (eg: system errors, unforeseen circumstances, etc).

2. Ensure Correct and Complete Filing

Your secretary ensures the overdue documents are prepared correctly and filed immediately to prevent further penalties or escalation toward a strike-off.

3. Request an Extension of Time (EOT)

If you foresee being unable to meet your deadline, your secretary can file for an EOT with ACRA before the deadline. This is subject to ACRA’s discretion.

4. Provide Proactive Management

Your secretary ensures you don’t miss a deadline in the first place, proactively managing your compliance calendar to keep you in line.