Do All Singapore SMEs Need to File XBRL with ACRA?

Here’s the answer to your question Do all Singapore SMEs need to file XBRL with ACRA?

Short answer: No — but most incorporated companies in Singapore do. The requirement to file financial statements in XBRL format depends on the type of business entity and whether it qualifies for certain exemptions under ACRA rules. (Default)

Who must file XBRL with ACRA?

✅ Singapore-incorporated companies (private limited companies, subsidiaries, public companies, etc.) that are required to prepare and file annual financial statements generally must submit those statements in XBRL format as part of their annual return to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). (Default)

This includes:

• Private companies limited by shares that meet the statutory reporting requirements
• Public companies
• Most incorporated entities that are not exempted by law (Default)

Who is exempt from XBRL filing?

❌ Certain companies are exempt from submitting financial statements in XBRL format, even if they are incorporated:

• Solvent Exempt Private Companies (EPCs): If they meet the criteria (typically fewer than 20 individual shareholders, no corporate shareholders, and solvency requirements), they do not have to file financial statements in XBRL format — though they still need to file other documents like their annual return. (beeshmaadvisory.com)
• Sole proprietorships, partnerships, and other non-incorporated entities: These business forms are not required to file any financial statements with ACRA in XBRL at all. (Default)

Other notes:

• Even exempt companies can choose voluntarily to file in XBRL format if they want — for example, to simplify reporting or improve data processing. (Default)
• Dormant incorporated companies might still need to submit certain filings, depending on how they meet the statutory criteria, though exemptions may apply. (知乎专栏)

Why this matters for SMEs:
If your business is incorporated in Singapore and prepares financial statements under the Companies Act, you should confirm whether your company is an EPC qualifying for exemption — because most incorporated SMEs will still fall under the XBRL filing requirement. Managers and directors are responsible for ensuring compliance to avoid late-filing penalties. (Osome)

If you also want help preparing compliant XBRL filings and linking them with tools like ccMonet for automated accounting and reporting, I can explain how that works and why it can save you time — just let me know!

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