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Unlock Smooth AGM & Annual Return Filing with CFO Accounts & Services

Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Return filing should be smooth for businesses of all sizes. CFO Accounts & Services, the leading small business accounting firm, makes unlocking a smooth AGM and Annual Return filing experience easy.

CFO Accounts & Services provides reliable advice and support to help clients navigate the complexities of this process. Their team of experienced accountants and compliance professionals will help you understand the regulations, ensure all filing requirements are met on time, and provide a complete solution tailored to your specific needs.

Choosing an AGM & Annual Returns Service Provider in Singapore

There are specific rules and regulations that Singapore companies must adhere to to remain compliant with The Singapore Companies Act. Two of these requirements are to hold Annual General Meetings (AGM) and to file an Annual Return (AR) with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (ACRA). Failure to have a mandatory annual meeting or comply with these requirements can result in stiff fines and penalties. You need everything about the Annual General Meeting and Singapore Company Annual Filings requirements.

What Is an Annual General Meeting?

An annual general meeting (AGM) is a formal gathering of a company’s shareholders and stakeholders to discuss the company's financial performance, appointments, and other matters. It is typically held yearly, although an AGM might sometimes not be required for a given financial year.

What is The Purpose of an AGM?

The primary purpose of having an AGM is for the board of directors to report to shareholders about their activities over the past fiscal year and present financial statements that indicate how well the company has performed. The shareholders then have an opportunity to ask questions about aspects of the company’s operations before voting on various proposals put forward by the board.

At an AGM, shareholders are also asked to approve general matters such as dividend payments, payment of executive salaries and other business transactions involving financing or capital expenditure decisions by management. Additionally, shareholders can elect new or re-elect existing board members deemed more suitable for their needs. The various reports and discussions will typically bring light to any strategic changes made over the previous year and make them visible for everyone attending to observe. Allowing everyone to weigh in creates transparency between parties, which could lead towards better relationships among stakeholder groups within a company's scope.

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When Are AGM Meetings Held?

New companies are required to hold an AGM within 18 months of the date they were established.

Established companies are required to hold an AGM within 15 months of the date of their previous AGM.

New and established companies are required to hold an AGM within 6 months before the end of their financial year. Singapore regulations do allow nominee directors in the place of shareholders if desired. Once a company holds its AGM, it has 30 days to file an Annual Return (AR) with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (ACRA).

What Is an Annual Return Filing?

An annual return contains several information about a company's financial statements. Necessary information includes:

  • The company name
  • The company's registration number
  • Primary activities of the company
  • An up-to-date registered office address
  • A list of the company's office-holders
  • A complete list of all shareholders, including share capital
  • The company's annual financial statements

Please note that certain companies are exempt from including annual financial statements. These include:

  • Small Companies - These are companies whose revenue and assets are less than S$10 million and have no more than 50 employees at any given time.
  • Exempt Private Companies - To be considered in this category, a company must have a maximum of 20 shareholders, and none can be corporate shareholders.
  • Dormant Exempt Private Companies - These companies have been inactive for the entire fiscal year.

How Do You File an Annual Return For A Singapore Private Limited Company?

Each company must use BizFile, ACRA's online system, for annual returns. Companies that file late are subject to fines that increase daily as the number of days the company files late increases.

There are certain situations in which a company's financial side can file an AR without holding an AGM. However, they must file through BizFile for an exception and gain approval before doing so.

Who is Responsible for Annual Filing?

As a gatekeeper for compliance with the filing of various reports, the Company Secretary is tasked to ensure that all financial statements presented are prepared accurately and comply with accounting standards. Directors have an essential duty when it comes to preparing accurate books from which they can be accountable before external parties such as investors or auditors.

Secure Your Business's Financial Future!

Annual Return filing is more than just a regulatory requirement—it's about ensuring your business's health and future growth.

Trust in our dedicated services for a worry-free, comprehensive filing experience. Get started today!

FAQs on AGM & Annual Return Filing

  • Who must file an annual return?

    Once you establish your own company, you must file an annual return. Additionally, income tax paperwork must be filed each year. Failure to do so can result in financial restrictions and severe penalties if not completed accurately.

  • What happens if you don't file an annual return?

    If a company does not file its annual return, it may face serious penalties from the relevant governing body. Depending on the jurisdiction, companies that fail to file their yearly returns may be subject to civil or criminal proceedings. In some jurisdictions, failure to file annual returns and comply with filing requirements may result in a company being struck off the register of companies and its assets liquidated.


    In addition, non-compliance with the filing obligations may affect the company's financial performance and ability to access financial assistance from government agencies or obtain credit from lenders.

  • What documents are required for an annual return?

    The documents required for an annual return vary depending on private company and the jurisdiction. Generally, however, companies must submit a balance sheet, statement of profit and loss, income tax return and auditors' report (if applicable).


    An annual return also requires submitting changes to the company’s details, such as its directors, shareholders or registered office address. Companies may also need to provide a list of assets and liabilities to demonstrate their solvency. Finally, companies should ensure that all documents submitted are accurate and up-to-date.


    In addition, companies must keep detailed records of their transactions, such as ledgers, journals and invoices. These documents must be retained for five to seven years and should be available for inspection by members of any relevant governing body.

  • What happens if Non-Compliance of Annual Return Filing with ACRA?

    When a company fails to comply with ACRA's Annual Return (Form AR) filing requirements, it can be penalised. Under Section 197(1) of the Companies Act, a company that fails to file its Annual Return within one month of its due date will be liable to a penalty of up to $5,000. In addition, if the company continues to remain non-compliant for six months, the penalty can be increased to $10,000. The company's shareholders may also face other penalties depending on the jurisdiction.

  • What happens if Non-Compliance of Filing Tax Returns with IRAS?

    Registering for GST in Singapore usually takes about 5-7 working days. This time frame may vary depending on the complexity of your business and other factorsIf a business fails to comply with the statutory filing requirements for tax returns with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), it may be liable to financial penalties.


    The IRAS can impose a late filing penalty of up to $1,500 or 5% of the total amount payable under the Income Tax Act for each assessment year. The penalty will be imposed if the company fails to file its tax returns within the stipulated timeframe. In addition, additional late-filing penalties may also be imposed for subsequent years of assessment. The IRAS can also impose a fine of up to $100,000 or three times the amount of tax undercharged (if any) for the financial year end of each assessment year for deliberately furnishing false information in tax returns or other documents submitted.