How to Prepare for XBRL Filing in Singapore: A Complete Checklist for SMEs

For many Singapore SMEs, XBRL filing feels complicated not because the rules are unclear, but because preparation is fragmented. A complete, well-structured checklist can turn XBRL from a stressful deadline task into a predictable compliance routine.

Below is a practical, end-to-end checklist to help SMEs prepare for XBRL filing efficiently and with confidence.

1. Ensure Your Bookkeeping Is Up to Date

XBRL filing starts with accurate books. Before thinking about tagging or submission formats, confirm that:

  • All income and expenses are recorded
  • Receipts and invoices are submitted and documented
  • No long gaps exist in transaction records

Delaying bookkeeping until year-end is one of the biggest causes of XBRL issues. AI-powered accounting platforms like ccMonet help keep records continuously updated by processing documents as they’re uploaded.

2. Reconcile All Bank and Payment Accounts

Unreconciled transactions often lead to inconsistencies in financial statements — a common reason for XBRL rework.

Your checklist should include:

  • Bank accounts fully reconciled
  • Payment platforms (if any) matched to records
  • No unexplained differences or duplicate entries

AI accounting automates reconciliation and flags anomalies early, reducing last-minute clean-ups.

3. Review Classification of Income and Expenses

Accurate XBRL mapping depends on consistent classification. Review your chart of accounts and check that:

  • Similar transactions are categorised consistently
  • Revenue streams are clearly defined
  • Expense categories reflect their true nature

AI accounting systems reduce classification drift by applying consistent rules across transactions throughout the year.

4. Confirm Consistency Across Financial Statements

XBRL submissions require internal consistency. Figures must align logically across:

  • Profit and loss statement
  • Balance sheet
  • Cash flow statement

Before filing, confirm that updates in one report are reflected across all others. Using a single system as the source of truth helps prevent mismatches caused by manual re-entry.

5. Validate Supporting Documents

Even when figures are correct, missing or unclear documentation can slow down filings.

Make sure:

  • Each transaction is supported by a receipt or invoice
  • Documents are clearly linked to entries
  • Records are easy to retrieve if queries arise

With ccMonet, documents are centralised and tied directly to transactions, making validation far easier.

6. Address Complex Transactions Early

If your business has:

  • Multiple revenue streams
  • Multi-currency transactions
  • Detailed cost structures

don’t leave them to the last minute. Complex items should be reviewed early to ensure they are classified and presented consistently before XBRL preparation begins.

7. Review Data Before XBRL Conversion

XBRL should be the final step — not the point where issues are discovered.

Before conversion:

  • Run a final review for completeness
  • Check for unusual variances or anomalies
  • Confirm no pending adjustments remain

ccMonet combines AI automation with expert review, helping identify potential issues before they reach the filing stage.

8. Coordinate Early With Your Accountant

Smooth XBRL filing depends on good collaboration. Share complete, structured data with your accountant early to avoid repeated clarification and delays.

When data is already clean and organised, accountants can focus on compliance and submission rather than corrections.

Turn XBRL Filing Into a Routine, Not a Rush

A complete XBRL checklist isn’t about doing more work — it’s about doing the right work earlier. When financial data is clean, consistent, and continuously maintained, XBRL filing becomes predictable and low-stress.

If your current process turns every filing season into a scramble, the issue may not be XBRL itself — but how your financial data is managed throughout the year.

👉 See how ccMonet helps Singapore SMEs stay XBRL-ready all year with AI-powered accounting: https://www.ccmonet.ai/