One missed filing or late payment can trigger serious business penalties in Singapore, including fines or legal notices. Breaching employment laws can also land you in jail.
When focused on running a business, it’s easy to lose track of compliance requirements from ACRA, IRAS, CPF, and MOM. Even a minor slip-up can lead to cash flow issues, legal trouble, or reputational damage.
As your business grows, so does the risk of costly mistakes, which is why this guide is here to help.
Inside, we break down:
- Key compliance requirements and deadlines to track
- What missed filings can cost you
- How to avoid business penalties from IRAS, ACRA, CPF, and MOM
Common Singapore business penalties and fines
Compliance Area | Requirement | Missed Deadline Penalty |
ACRA – Annual Return | File AR via Bizfile | S$300–600 late lodgement fee + minimum S$500 composition fine (if imposed) or prosecution for serious/repeated breaches |
ACRA – AGM | Hold AGM & present FS | S$50–200 late lodgement fee (if applicable to related filings) + minimum S$500 composition sum (if offered by ACRA for the breach) or prosecution, with fines up to S$5,000 per charge for serious or repeated breaches |
IRAS – ECI | File within 3 months of FYE | S$200–1,000 + estimated tax |
IRAS – Corporate Tax | Form C/C-S by 30 November | S$200–10,000 |
IRAS – GST Return | File quarterly | S$200/month late (max S$10,000) |
CPF | Pay by the 14th of next month | 18% interest + S$5,000–10,000 fines |
MOM | Employment laws | Fines up to S$80,000, jail time |
Tip: You can also use Sleek’s Filing Deadlines Tool to get customised reminders based on your company’s FYE.
List of all business penalties in Singapore and compliance requirements
1. ACRA Filings (via Bizfile)
The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) governs how businesses in Singapore maintain transparency and accountability.
Here’s what companies must file and what happens if you miss it.
a. Annual Return (AR)
Every Singapore-incorporated company must file an Annual Return (AR) with ACRA to confirm its financial year-end, directors, and shareholder details.
Deadline:
- Listed companies: within 5 months after the Financial Year End (FYE)
- Private companies: within 7 months after FYE
Penalties for late filing (Effective for ARs due on or after 14 January 2022)
| Delay Period | Penalty |
| Within 3 months late | S$300 |
| More than 3 months late | S$600 |
Note: In addition to the late lodgement fee, ACRA may impose a composition sum of at least S$500 or proceed with court prosecution, where fines can reach S$5,000 per charge.
b. Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Financial Statements
Unless exempt, companies must hold an AGM and present up-to-date financial statements.
Requirements:
- AGM must be held unless the company qualifies for exemption (e.g., private companies with written resolutions).
- Financial statements must be no older than:
- 4 months (for listed companies)
- 6 months (for private companies)
Deadline:
- Listed companies: AGM within 4 months after FYE
- Private companies: AGM within 6 months after FYE
Penalties for not holding AGM or presenting outdated financials
| Type of Breach | Relevant Section | Trigger/Event | Penalty Type | Amount |
| Failure to hold AGM on time | Section 175 | AGM not held within 4 months (listed) / 6 months (private) after FYE | Composition sum (if offered) | Minimum S$500 |
| Outdated financial statements at AGM | Section 201 | Financials >4 months old (listed) or >6 months (private) at time of AGM | Composition sum (if offered) | Minimum S$500 |
| Late lodgement of related documents (e.g. Notification of AGM after member request) | ACRA filing rules | Filing lodged after statutory deadline | Late lodgement fee | S$50 (≤ 3 months late) S$200 (> 3 months late) |
| Failure to comply without compounding | Section 175 / 201 | Company/director does not accept composition or is a repeat offender | Court prosecution | Up to S$5,000 per charge |
| Repeat filing breaches | Section 155 | 3+ convictions under Companies Act within 5 years | Director disqualification | 5 years disqualification from directorship or management |
Important: ACRA may also impose a minimum S$500 composition sum for late AGMs and prosecute repeat breaches. The late fee and composition sum are separate.
c. Ad-Hoc Lodgements
Changes to your company’s structure, officers, or details must be lodged via Bizfile.
Common events that must be reported:
- Change in company name or address
- Appointment or resignation of directors/officers
- Change in SSIC business activity
- Shareholder changes (e.g., share transfers)
- Constitution amendments
- Financial year-end changes
- Strike-off applications
Deadline: Within 14 days of the change (in most cases)
Penalties for late ad-hoc lodgements (from 9 December 2024)
Delay Period | Late Lodgement Fee |
Within 3 months | S$50 |
More than 3 months | S$200 |
Higher-Risk Offences
Offence | Penalty |
No secretary or director | S$300–S$5,000 + possible prosecution |
False/misleading information | Prosecuted under the Companies Act: up to S$10,000 fine or 2 years’ jail |
Repeated non-filing of share changes | S$300+ per offence |
Habitual default | Repeat breaches may trigger director disqualification or prosecution |
Director disqualification and debarment
Directors convicted of 3 or more filing-related offences within 5 years under the Companies Act are disqualified for 5 years.
Separately, ACRA may debar any director or secretary who fails to lodge required documents for over 3 months. Debarred persons cannot take on new appointments until lifted.
d. Entity Type Compliance Comparison (ACRA)
Proactive compliance = peace of mind. ACRA filings are straightforward once you know your company’s obligations, and staying timely helps keep your business in good standing.
Note: “Late lodgement fee” is separate from “composition sums” (settlement fines), which are separate from court prosecution fines (imposed only upon conviction).
2. IRAS – Tax & GST
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) handles corporate tax, ECI declarations, and GST filings. Staying on track with IRAS filings helps avoid fines and supports proper cash flow planning.
a. Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI)
Estimated Chargeable Income is a company’s estimate of taxable profits for the year.
Who must file:
All companies, unless you meet both conditions:
- ECI is zero, and
- Annual revenue is S$5 million or below
(Then you may qualify for a waiver.)
Even if exempt, filing a NIL ECI for compliance clarity is good practice.
Deadline:
Within 3 months after your Financial Year End (FYE) (e.g., FYE 31 December 2024 → ECI due by 31 Mar 2025)
Penalties for late or non-filing:
Offence | Outcome / Penalty |
Missed deadline | Late filing penalty: S$200 to S$1,000 |
Continued non-filing | IRAS issues estimated Notice of Assessment |
Repeated offences | Additional fines or court summons |
Serious or repeated non-filing | Possible prosecution under the Income Tax Act |
Note: Incorrect ECI filings (not just late ones) can trigger enforcement.
- Without intent to evade: Up to 200% of tax undercharged, S$5,000 fine, and/or 3 years’ jail
- With intent to evade: Up to 400%, S$50,000 fine, and/or 5 years’ jail
Learn more about ECI Filing: What is ECI (Estimated Chargeable Income)?
b. Corporate Income Tax Return (CIT)
All companies (active, dormant, or newly incorporated) must file their Corporate Income Tax Return unless exempted.
Filing Options:
Form Type | Who Can Use It |
Form C-S | Small companies with S’pore-only income, ≤ S$5M revenue, no special claims |
Form C-S (Lite) | Very small companies (simplified further) |
Form C | Companies with complex tax matters or claims (e.g., group relief, foreign income) |
Note: You don’t need to attach documents for C-S/C-S Lite but must retain records for 5 years.
Form C requires submission of audited/unaudited financials and tax computations.
Deadline:
30 November each year (based on the Year of Assessment).
Example: FYE 31 December 2024 → YA 2025 return due by 30 November 2025
Business penalties in Singapore for non-compliance:
Situation | What happens |
Late filing | Fine from S$200 to S$1,000 |
Continued non-filing | IRAS issues an estimated Notice of Assessment (NOA) |
Ignoring estimated tax | Tax is enforced based on IRAS estimates |
Late payment of the NOA | 5% penalty imposed immediately after the due date (1 month from the NOA date) |
Tax unpaid after 60 days | An additional 1% penalty per completed month (capped at 12%) |
Enforcement | IRAS may appoint agents (e.g., your company’s bank, tenant, or lawyer) to recover tax, freeze accounts, or issue court summons |
Repeated or serious breaches | Fines up to S$10,000 per offence or prosecution |
Tip: Use our Corporate Tax Calculator to estimate your tax in seconds.
c. GST Returns (if GST-registered)
If your company is GST-registered, you must file GST returns every quarter, even if there are no transactions or zero GST payable.
Deadline:
End of the month following the GST quarter
(e.g. Q1 ends 31 Mar → file by 30 Apr)
Penalties for late GST filingand payment:
Offence | Penalty |
Late filing (return not submitted by due date) | S$200 imposed immediately |
Continued non-filing | Additional S$200 for every full month the return remains outstanding (max: S$10,000 per return) |
Non-payment of declared GST | 5% late payment penalty imposed the day after the due date |
Continued non-payment (after 60 days) | An additional 2% per month on the unpaid tax (capped at 50% of the tax due) |
Failure to file at all | IRAS may issue an estimated tax bill and impose a 5% penalty on it |
Persistent default | May result in Notice to Attend Court, court summons, fines up to S$5,000, or a possible arrest warrant |
Note: Filing extensions are rarely granted. Only first-time filers or those with acceptable technical or medical reasons may apply, and IRAS approval is required.
d. Tax Evasion
Deliberately under-reporting income or falsifying records isn’t just risky; it’s a criminal offence. And IRAS doesn’t take it lightly.
What’s prohibited:
- Understating or omitting income
- Falsifying or manipulating records
- Knowingly submitting false information to IRAS
Business penalties:
- Tax evasion: Fine of up to 4× the tax evaded and/or imprisonment
- Filing false or misleading information: Prosecution under the Income Tax Act
e. IRAS requirements by entity type
Requirement | Company (Pte Ltd) | Partnership | Sole Proprietor |
ECI Filing | ✔ Yes (unless waived) | ✖ Not required | ✖ Not required |
Income Tax Return | ✔ Form C / C-S | ✔ Form P | ✔ Report via Form B/B1 |
Tax Penalties | Company-level fines | Partner-level fines | Personal tax penalties |
f. Tax comparison: Local vs Foreign companies
Area | Local Company | Foreign Branch (SG income) |
ECI Filing | ✔ Required | ✔ Required (SG income only) |
Tax Return | Form C / C-S | Form C |
Tax Rate | 17% (with exemptions) | 17% on SG-sourced income only |
Tax Residency | Resident (treaty eligible) | Usually non-resident |
Penalties | Same rules apply | Same penalties apply |
Foreign branches are taxed only on income earned in Singapore. Local companies may be eligible for tax incentives and treaty benefits.
Late submissions drain your cash and credibility.
3. CPF contributions for employers
If your company hires Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents (PRs), you must contribute to their Central Provident Fund (CPF). CPF is a social security savings scheme covering retirement, healthcare, and housing.
Who needs to contribute to the CPF?
CPF applies if:
- Employee is a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident (PR)
- Employee earns more than S$50/month
Employee is below age 70 (or within CPF-eligible age bands) - Employee is working part-time, full-time, on contract, or temporary terms
CPF is not required if:
- Employee is a foreigner holding an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit
- Worker earns S$50/month or less
- You are a sole proprietor or partner (no CPF for yourself)
- Employee is above CPF contribution age limit (varies by band)
Note: CPF applies to all employees who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, including:
- Part-timers, casual, and contract staff
- Company directors drawing wages
- Operationally Ready NSmen (including makeup pay)
- Family members paid for work
- Employees with multiple employers
CPF filing & payment deadline:
CPF contributions are due by the end of the calendar month (e.g., CPF for May payroll is due by 31 May). However, enforcement action begins if contributions are not paid by the 14th of the following month (or the next working day if it falls on a weekend or public holiday).
Penalties for late CPF contributions
Issue | Penalty |
Late payment | 18% interest p.a. (1.5% per month), min S$5/month |
Failure to pay contributions | Fine of S$1,000–S$5,000 and/or up to 6 months’ jail |
Repeat offence | Fine of S$2,000–S$10,000 and/or up to 12 months’ jail |
Deducting CPF from the employee but not paying | Up to S$10,000 fine and/or jail up to 7 years |
The CPF Board may also seek a court order requiring employers to pay all outstanding CPF and late interest after a conviction.
Tip:
To avoid errors:
- Use the CPF Board’s Auto-Inclusion Scheme
- Set monthly reminders ahead of the 14th
- Retain CPF records for at least 5 years
4. MOM compliance requirements
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulates employment standards in Singapore. Whether you’re hiring locals or foreign workers, complying with MOM requirements ensures you stay within legal boundaries and maintain a healthy work culture.
What’s required:
Companies must comply with MOM regulations, including:
- Paying salaries and CPF on time
- Hiring only with valid work passes
- Issuing itemised payslips and Key Employment Terms (KETs)
- Avoiding false declarations in pass or quota applications
- Providing proper housing for foreign workers
- Not collecting kickbacks or making unlawful deductions
Officers (e.g., directors, managers) may be personally liable under the Employment Act and EFMA.
|
Offence |
Applicable law |
Maximum penalty |
|
Failure to pay salary on time |
Employment Act |
Up to S$15,000 fine and/or 6 months’ jail (repeat: S$30,000 / 12 months) |
|
Failure to pay CPF contributions (for local workers) |
CPF Act (enforced with the MOM/CPF Board) |
S$5,000, 6 months’ jail, or both (repeat: S$10,000 / 12 months) |
|
Failure to issue itemised payslips or key employment terms (KETs) |
Employment Act |
Fine up to S$5,000 per breach |
|
Illegally employing foreigners (no valid pass) |
EFMA |
Fine up to S$30,000, 12 months’ jail, or both |
|
Hiring a foreigner without a valid work pass knowingly |
EFMA – Section 5(1) |
Fine up to S$30,000, 12 months’ jail, or both |
|
Making false declarations in Work Pass or quota applications |
EFMA – Section 22(1)(d) |
Fine up to S$20,000, 2 years’ jail, or both |
|
Collecting kickbacks from foreign workers (e.g., part of the salary) |
EFMA – Section 22B |
Fine up to S$30,000, 2 years’ jail, or both |
|
Failing to provide acceptable housing for foreign workers |
EFMA + Employment Agencies Act |
Fine up to S$10,000, 12 months’ jail, or both |
|
Unlawful deduction from salary (e.g., for food, lodging without consent) |
Employment Act |
Fine up to S$15,000, 6 months’ jail (repeat: S$30,000 / 12 months) |
|
Operating as an unlicensed employment agency |
Employment Agencies Act |
Fine up to S$80,000, 2 years’ jail, or both |
|
Obstructing MOM investigations or providing false information |
Various |
S$15,000–S$30,000, 6–12 months’ jail, or both |
|
Failing to repatriate terminated foreign workers |
EFMA |
Fine up to S$10,000, and/or revocation of work passes |
MOM Renew Work Permit in Singapore
Compliance summary tables to avoid business penalties in Singapore
Sometimes, the easiest way to understand your responsibilities is to compare them. These summary tables break down compliance requirements by business structure and company type.
a. By business structure
Compliance Area | Company (Pte Ltd) | LLP | Partnership | Sole Proprietor |
Annual Return (AR) | ✔ Required | ✔ Annual declaration | ✖ Not required | ✖ Not required |
AGM | ✔ Unless exempt | ✖ Not required | ✖ Not required | ✖ Not required |
Financial Statements | ✔ Required | ✖ Not required | ✖ Not required | ✖ Not required |
Corporate Tax Filing | ✔ Form C / C-S | ✔ Form P | ✔ Form P | ✔ Personal tax (Form B/B1) |
ECI Filing | ✔ Required | ✖ Not required | ✖ Not required | ✖ Not required |
GST (if registered) | ✔ Same rules | ✔ Same | ✔ Same | ✔ Same |
CPF (if hiring) | ✔ Same rules | ✔ Same | ✔ Same | ✔ Same |
MOM (if hiring) | ✔ Same rules | ✔ Same | ✔ Same | ✔ Same |
CPF and MOM compliance apply to any employer hiring local or foreign workers, regardless of structure.
b. Local vs Foreign company
Area | Local Company | Foreign Branch (SG Registered) |
Legal Status | Separate legal entity | Extension of the parent company |
Annual Return (AR) | ✔ Required | ✔ Required |
AGM | ✔ Required (or exempt) | ✖ Not required |
Financial Statements | SG-compliant FS required | Parent company’s audited FS |
ECI + Tax Filing | ✔ Required | ✔ Required (SG income only) |
Tax Residency | Resident (treaty eligible) | Non-resident (no treaty relief) |
Resident Director / Rep | ✔ At least one director | ✔ Local authorised rep required |
Grants & Exemptions | ✔ Eligible | ✖ Generally not eligible |
Compliance Penalties | Same across both | Same across both |
Foreign branches are taxed only on Singapore-sourced income, while local companies may enjoy more tax benefits, funding eligibility, and operational flexibility.
How to prevent business penalties in Singapore
- Know your deadlines. Most filings are annual or quarterly, so set reminders based on your Financial Year End (FYE).
- File even if inactive. Many filings (like ECI, corporate tax, and AR) must still be submitted even if your company had no income.
- Keep records updated. Ad-hoc lodgements with ACRA help keep your business info accurate and aligned with legal requirements.
- Employer responsibilities matter. CPF and MOM compliance apply if you’re hiring, regardless of company type.
- Plan for the long term. Staying compliant avoids penalties and strengthens your business foundation and credibility.
Useful tools & resources
|
Tool / Resource |
Purpose |
|
Customise reminders for AR, AGM, ECI, and tax deadlines |
|
|
Step-by-step GST filing process |
|
|
Overview of ECI requirements |
|
|
Estimate your corporate tax obligations |
|
|
Understand hiring limits for foreign workers |
|
|
Employer contribution rates and payment portal |
|
|
Lodge changes, file AR, check deadlines |
Penalty terms explained
1. Late Lodgement Fee
A fixed fee charged when you miss a filing deadline. The longer you delay, the higher it gets.
Used by: ACRA, CPF
Example: S$300 for Annual Returns filed <3 months late, or S$50 for late business updates.
2. Composition Sum
An out-of-court settlement offered by regulators. If you pay it, you usually avoid prosecution. It may not be offered in every case and depends on the authority’s enforcement discretion.
Used by: ACRA, IRAS, CPF Board, MOM
Note: This is not the same as a court fine. Minimum: S$500 in many cases.
3. Court Fine
A legal penalty imposed after prosecution and conviction in court. Usually much steeper than other penalties.
Used by: ACRA, IRAS, MOM
Example: Up to S$10,000 for tax offences, or S$80,000 under EFMA.
4. Infringement (EFMA)
A non-criminal breach under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. Usually results in a financial penalty or corrective Direction.
Used by: MOM
Example: Illegally deploying a foreign worker → up to S$10,000.
5. Direction
A formal notice issued by MOM requiring you to fix a compliance issue. Non-compliance may trigger prosecution.
Used by: MOM (EFMA)
Example: Repatriate an improperly employed worker or update housing arrangements.
6. Estimated Notice of Assessment (NOA)
A tax estimate IRAS sends when you fail to file. You’re legally liable unless you object and file correctly.
Used by: IRAS
Example: Company doesn’t submit ECI → IRAS issues an estimated tax bill with penalties.
7. Enforcement Actions
Includes account freezes, agent appointments, summonses, or arrest warrants when penalties are ignored.
Used by: IRAS, MOM, CPF Board
Example: IRAS may freeze a bank account or appoint your tenant to pay your tax.
How Sleek helps you stay compliant in Singapore
Singapore’s compliance landscape is detailed, and missing just one filing can trigger late fees, director disqualifications, or enforcement notices. However, staying on top of every rule from ACRA, IRAS, CPF, and MOM doesn’t need to be a solo effort.
Sleek was built to handle this part thoroughly, accurately, and on time.
With Sleek, you can:
- Track and manage all required filings — from ARs and AGMs to ECI, GST, CPF, and income tax
- Automate deadline alerts based on your company’s financial year and filing history
- File directly through our platform, with local compliance experts reviewing submissions
- Stay up to date with regulatory changes, so you’re never caught off guard
- Avoid unnecessary penalties while keeping your company in good standing throughout the year
Whether you’re building your first business or expanding into new markets, Sleek becomes your backend compliance team. So you don’t need to interpret forms, call ACRA, or worry if you’ve missed something.
Ready to stop chasing deadlines?
FAQs on common business penalties in Singapore
What are the most common business penalties in Singapore for small companies?
The most frequent penalties that trip up small businesses in Singapore include late ACRA Annual Return filings, missed Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) submissions, overdue CPF payments, and failure to file GST returns. While these may seem minor, repeated non-compliance can quickly lead to hefty fines, court summons, or director disqualification.
Can I be fined if my company didn’t earn any revenue in Singapore?
Yes. Business penalties in Singapore apply even if your company had zero income. You’re still required to file ACRA Annual Returns, IRAS tax returns, and GST filings (if registered). ACRA and IRAS do not waive fines just because your business is dormant or not profitable.
If my accountant handles compliance, am I still liable for penalties as a director?
Absolutely. Under Singapore law, directors are personally responsible for all statutory filings and regulatory obligations. If your accountant or service provider misses a deadline, you are still the one IRAS, ACRA, or MOM will hold accountable.
Can I get a waiver or extension for late compliance filings in Singapore?
In most cases, no. Penalty waivers from ACRA or IRAS are granted only under rare, exceptional circumstances, such as serious illness or verified system issues. Even unintentional errors typically result in late lodgement fees, composition sums, or worse.
What’s the best way to avoid business penalties in Singapore?
The easiest way to avoid compliance slip-ups is to use a trusted provider like Sleek. We help you manage filing deadlines, prepare submissions, and stay compliant with ACRA, IRAS, CPF, and MOM, so you can focus on running your business, not chasing due dates.
Disclaimer:
This guide is based on publicly available regulations from ACRA, IRAS, CPF Board, and MOM as of [June 2025]. For personalised advice or the latest updates, consult the relevant authority or Sleek’s compliance team.
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