Mastering Corporate Income Tax Filing Obligations in Singapore: What Every Business Must Know
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
26 May 2025
Editor: ET
Singapore’s efficient tax framework is a major driver behind its global reputation as a business-friendly hub. But compliance is key — and every registered company must stay aligned with corporate income tax filing obligations mandated by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Whether you’re a startup, SME, or a foreign entity with a Singapore branch, understanding your responsibilities can help you avoid penalties and optimise your tax strategy.
Further Reading: Understanding General Corporate Income Tax Rules in Singapore: A Guide for Businesses
At Expede Tech Pte Ltd, we guide Singapore businesses through every step of their tax compliance journey, ensuring deadlines are met and obligations are crystal clear.
A Quick Overview: Two Key Corporate Income Tax Returns
Every Singapore-registered company must file two types of corporate income tax returns annually:
Tax Return | Purpose | Due Date |
Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) | Declare an estimate of the company’s taxable income for a Year of Assessment (YA) | Within 3 months from the end of your financial year (unless exempt) |
Form C-S / Form C-S (Lite) / Form C | Declare the actual taxable income for a YA | 30 November each year |
Filing Your Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI)
IRAS sends out ECI notifications before the end of your financial year as a filing reminder. However, even if you don’t receive a notification — especially in your first year — you’re still required to file unless your company qualifies for the ECI filing waiver.
For newly incorporated companies:
If incorporated in 2023 with a December financial year-end, you will receive your first ECI notification in December 2024 (for YA 2025).
But if your company closes its first accounts on 31 Dec 2023 and does not qualify for a waiver, you must still file by 31 March 2024.
Expede can help you determine whether your business qualifies for exemption or is required to submit the ECI, ensuring your timeline is accurate and stress-free.
Filing Form C-S, Form C-S (Lite), or Form C
This annual tax return declares your actual chargeable income and must be filed by 30 November each year. IRAS sends out notifications by May to remind companies of this deadline.
There are three types of forms:
Form C-S: For qualifying companies with straightforward tax matters
Form C-S (Lite): For smaller companies with annual revenue of ≤$200,000
Form C: For companies that don’t meet criteria for the simplified forms
For new companies that:
Close their first accounts in the year of incorporation, and
Start business or earn income in that same year
You are still required to file a return even if IRAS hasn’t sent you a filing notification. In such cases, a “Request for Income Tax Return for Newly Incorporated Companies” must be submitted.
What If You’re a Foreign Branch in Singapore?
Foreign companies with a local branch are treated similarly. For example, if your branch was registered in 2023, you’ll receive your first filing notice by May 2024, for YA 2024.
Stay Ahead of Corporate Tax Compliance with Expede
Filing tax returns may seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it becomes a manageable and even strategic part of running a successful business. At Expede Tech Pte Ltd, we help businesses:
Navigate IRAS requirements with clarity
Ensure timely submission of ECI and Form C-S/C-S (Lite)/C
Assess eligibility for exemptions or waivers
Avoid costly penalties or audits
Let Expede simplify your tax obligations so you can focus on growing your business.
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