Extending an Annual Return Deadline

Key Points

Eligible companies may seek 60 extra days for S$200. ACRA advises submitting at least 14 working days beforehand because review can take time. Prepare the UEN, FYE, reasons and relevant director or auditor letters. The online route is unavailable after the deadline. A successful submission acknowledgement is not itself the approval notification; check the Bizfile outcome.

Prepare and Track an Extension Application

Before opening the transaction, check both eligibility conditions: the annual-return deadline must not have passed, and the relevant FYE must fall on or after 31 August 2018. The recommendation to apply at least 14 working days ahead is preparation guidance, not a promise of approval within that period. More complex cases or busy periods may take longer.

Match the explanation to the supporting evidence. A director’s letter can explain the delay or a change of auditor between FYE and the filing deadline. Auditor correspondence should explain the delay and estimate when the audit can finish. Listed entities should also prepare relevant SGX comments. As practical preparation, reconcile the dates in those documents before submitting them.

In the correct company’s Bizfile account, select whether the request concerns the AGM, annual return, or both. Review the information before paying. The S$200 application fee is not refunded for withdrawal, rejection or appeal. Download the receipt, then check email and the Bizfile inbox for the outcome and approval notification; a payment acknowledgement alone does not establish an approved extension.

A further extension requires another application before the current deadline and another non-refundable S$200 fee. ACRA says strong supporting reasons are needed for a further extension; do not plan on it being granted automatically.