Key Statutory Deadlines Every Small Business Owner Should Know (and How to Stay on Top of Them)

Introduction

Running a business in Singapore is exciting — but between managing clients, sales, and day-to-day operations, keeping up with statutory deadlines can easily slip through the cracks. Unfortunately, missing a filing deadline can lead to unnecessary penalties, compliance issues, or even impact your company’s good standing with ACRA and IRAS.

At Spoon Elves, we often meet business owners who are simply unaware of what needs to be filed, when it is due, or what documents are needed. So here’s a simple breakdown to help you stay compliant and confident.

1. Annual Return (AR) Filing with ACRA

Every company registered in Singapore must file an Annual Return (AR) with ACRA to confirm that the company’s information (like directors, shareholders, and registered address) is up to date.

Key Deadlines:

• • Hold your Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 6 months after your financial year-end.

  • File your Annual Return within 7 months after your financial year-end.

What You’ll Need:

• • Your company’s financial statements, prepared in accordance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards.

  • Confirmation that your company’s information with ACRA is accurate and up to date.

• • Board approval or directors’ resolution to adopt the financial statements (for exempt private companies that choose not to hold a physical AGM).

2. Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) Filing with IRAS

Your Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) is your company’s estimated taxable profits for the year. It’s an early submission to IRAS that helps them plan your corporate tax assessment. Also, if you file your ECI promptly (within 1 to 3 months from financial year end), you can enjoy up to 10 instalments for the current year of assessment.

Key Deadline:

• • File your ECI within 3 months after your financial year-end.

What You’ll Need:

• • Your preliminary profit and loss statement.

• • Basic calculations of income, deductible expenses, and any capital allowances.

• • A reasonable estimate of taxable profit (you do not need your full financial statements yet).

Pro Tip:
Even if your company made a loss, it’s good practice to file your ECI — unless you qualify for a waiver. This helps maintain good compliance standing.

3. Final Tax Filing (Form C / Form C-S) with IRAS

This is your company’s final corporate tax return, which reports your actual income and tax computation for the financial year.

Key Deadline:

• • Submit your Form C or Form C-S by 30 November of the Year of Assessment (YA).

What You’ll Need:

• • Your audited or unaudited financial statements.

  • Tax computation showing how your chargeable income was derived.

• • Relevant supporting schedules (like capital allowance, donations, and tax adjustments).

What is my Year of Assessment based on my company’s Financial Year End?

It’s quite common for business owners to get confused between the Year of Assessment (YA) and their Financial Year End (FYE) — but here’s a simple way to remember it:

Your YA refers to the year in which your income is assessed for tax, based on the profits earned in the financial year before that.

Here are two examples to make it clearer:

• • 📅 If your financial year ended on 31 December 2024, your company’s income from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 will be assessed in YA 2025.

    ➤ Your Form C-S (or Form C) will therefore be due by 30 November 2025.

• 📅 If your financial year ended on 31 March 2025, your company’s income from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 will be assessed in YA 2026.

  ➤ Your Form C-S will be due by 30 November 2026.

How to Stay Organised and Never Miss a Deadline

We know compliance can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re handling it on top of running your business. That’s why we created a FREE Compliance Calculator that helps you quickly identify your company’s exact filing dates based on your financial year-end.

You can even add the deadlines straight to your Google Calendar (or any calendar app) — so you’ll get reminders before every due date and never miss a filing again.

👉 Try our free Compliance Calculator here

Final Thoughts

Staying compliant doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning — and the right professional support — you can avoid late penalties, keep your company in good standing, and focus on growing your business.

At Spoon Elves, we help small business owners simplify compliance through timely reminders, transparent advice, and practical solutions. If you’re ever unsure about what’s due or what’s needed, we’re here to help.

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