2026 Filing Deadlines Every Singapore Small Business Must Track

For Singapore small business owners, keeping track of statutory filing deadlines is essential for smooth operations and regulatory compliance. Understanding corporate tax, ACRA annual returns, GST, and payroll obligations is a key part of accounting services in Singapore, helping businesses avoid penalties, manage cash flow, and plan effectively for growth.

This guide provides a detailed, practical roadmap for 2026 deadlines and explains how proper accounting practices make compliance manageable.

1. Corporate Tax Deadlines in 2026

Corporate tax compliance is fundamental for business continuity. Missing deadlines can lead to penalties, interest, and administrative complications.

1.1 Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI)

  • Companies must submit their ECI within three months of their financial year-end (FYE).

  • Example: A 31 December 2025 FYE → ECI due 31 March 2026.

  • Companies meeting certain criteria (e.g., revenue ≤ S$5 million and nil chargeable income) may qualify for an ECI filing waiver.

Pro Tip: Organise accounting records monthly rather than only at year-end. Accurate books simplify ECI submission and help forecast estimated tax liabilities.

1.2 Corporate Income Tax Return (Form C / C-S / C-S Lite)

  • Full corporate income tax returns are due 30 November 2026 for Year of Assessment 2026, covering FYEs such as Jan–Dec 2025.

  • Ensuring all revenue, expenses, and allowances are correctly recorded before submission reduces the risk of errors or queries from the tax authorities.

Accounting Insight: Structured bookkeeping and reconciliations throughout the year make filing Form C efficient and reduces audit risks.

2. ACRA Compliance Deadlines

Maintaining ACRA compliance protects your company’s legal standing and reputation.

2.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

  • Unless exempted, a company’s AGM must be held within six months of FYE.

2.2 Annual Return (AR)

  • Unlisted companies: file within seven months of FYE.

  • Listed companies: file within five months of FYE.

Accounting Insight: Integrating AGM planning into your financial calendar ensures that AR filings are timely. Delays can trigger late fees and affect corporate credibility.

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3. GST, Payroll, and Other Key Deadlines

3.1 GST Returns

  • GST-registered businesses file F5 returns and payments one month after the end of the relevant accounting period (usually quarterly).

  • Example quarters and deadlines (2026):

    • Jan–Mar: 30 April 2026

    • Apr–Jun: 31 July 2026

    • Jul–Sep: 31 October 2026

    • Oct–Dec: 31 January 2027

Accounting Insight: Consolidate GST reporting with bookkeeping systems to automatically generate reports and reduce manual errors.

3.2 Payroll & CPF Contributions

  • CPF contributions and SDL must be submitted by the 14th of the following month.

  • Employment income reporting must usually be submitted by 1 March 2026 for the previous year.

Accounting Insight: Automated payroll systems linked with accounting records can streamline CPF calculations and reporting, reducing compliance risk.

How Accounting Services Support Singapore Small Businesses

For a Singapore small business, managing multiple deadlines while running day-to-day operations can be overwhelming. Professional accounting services in Singapore help by:

  • Deadline Management: Tracking corporate tax, GST, CPF, and ACRA filings in a centralised compliance calendar.

  • Accuracy and Compliance: Ensuring all filings are complete, correct, and submitted on time to prevent penalties.

  • Cash Flow and Tax Planning: Advising on estimated tax payments, deductible expenses, and financial planning to optimise cash flow.

  • Integration with Bookkeeping: Structured accounting practices make reconciliation, reporting, and year-end filings seamless.

  • Strategic Advisory: Offering insights on financial health, enabling small businesses to plan for growth, investments, and operational efficiency.

Practical Tip: Even small businesses with minimal staff benefit from accounting systems that automate reminders, track deadlines, and reconcile accounts regularly. This ensures compliance without overburdening business owners.

Summary

Tracking 2026 filing deadlines is a core responsibility for Singapore small business owners. Timely submissions of ECI and corporate tax returns, holding AGMs, filing annual returns, and completing GST and CPF obligations on schedule helps businesses stay compliant and financially organised. Combining structured accounting practices with clear processes ensures small businesses can manage deadlines effectively, reduce errors, maintain cash flow, and focus on growth with confidence.

Modern Accounting That Finally Gets Your Business

Running a small business means wearing too many hats. Your accounting shouldn’t add to that burden. Yet traditional bookkeeping services keep asking the same questions month after month.

Counto delivers outsourced accounting that gets smarter over time. Our AI platform learns your unique business patterns and automatically handles daily transactions, while expert accountants ensure everything’s accurate. With direct WhatsApp access to your Customer Success Manager, you get enterprise-level financial management without the enterprise price tag.

Experience accounting that works as hard as you do. Our small business clients cut bookkeeping time by hours and never miss a tax deadline. Ready for accounting that understands your business? To get started, speak to us directly on our chatbot, email [email protected], or use our contact form.

 

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