XBRL Filing Singapore: What to Check Before Submitting to ACRA

XBRL filing in Singapore is one of those tasks that seems straightforward — until it isn’t. Many SMEs only realize something is wrong after submitting to ACRA and receiving a rejection notice with technical validation errors.

Before you submit your XBRL file, taking time to run a few critical checks can save days of rework and unnecessary stress. Below is a practical checklist to help you assess whether your XBRL filing is ready for submission.

Check That Core Financial Logic Is Sound

ACRA’s XBRL validation engine is unforgiving when it comes to accounting logic.

Before submission, confirm that:

• Total assets equal total liabilities plus equity
• Subtotals roll up correctly into totals
• Opening and closing balances reconcile across statements
• Cash flow movements align with balance sheet changes

Even small inconsistencies will trigger rejection, regardless of how neatly the file is formatted.

Review Line Item Classification Carefully

XBRL is not just about numbers — it’s about correct classification under the ACRA taxonomy.

Common issues include:

• Revenue or expenses tagged under incorrect elements
• Current and non-current items misclassified
• Overuse of generic or “Other” categories
• Line items that don’t map cleanly to standard taxonomy definitions

If classification decisions were made manually or copied from previous years, they deserve a second look.

Confirm All Mandatory Fields Are Filled

Some fields are mandatory even if the value is zero or not applicable.

Before submitting, verify that:

• Required disclosures are present
• Comparative figures are included
• Equity movement details are complete
• Mandatory notes are not left blank

Missing any of these often leads to immediate rejection, even when the main financial statements look correct.

Avoid Last-Minute Manual Adjustments

A common red flag is heavy manual editing right before submission.

Last-minute spreadsheet fixes increase the risk of:

• Figures in XBRL not matching signed financial statements
• Broken calculation relationships
• Inconsistent data across reports

XBRL submissions are far more reliable when generated from finalized, structured financial data rather than patched together at the end.

Ensure You’re Using the Correct XBRL Format and Taxonomy

ACRA updates its validation rules and XBRL requirements over time. Using outdated templates or tools is a frequent cause of rejection.

Before submission:

• Confirm your XBRL format aligns with current ACRA requirements
• Avoid reusing old files without review
• Ensure your software or templates are up to date

Correct numbers alone won’t pass if the structure doesn’t meet current standards.

Check Traceability of Every Figure

Ask yourself a simple question: can every number in your XBRL file be traced back to a clear source?

If explanations rely on memory, emails, or undocumented adjustments, that uncertainty often surfaces during validation. XBRL-ready data should be transparent, consistent, and easy to audit.

Why These Checks Matter More for SMEs

Most SMEs don’t file XBRL often enough to build internal expertise. Combined with manual processes and fragmented systems, this makes errors more likely — and rejections more frustrating.

Modern financial systems reduce this risk by generating structured, validated financial data from the start. Platforms like ccMonet help accountants produce consistent Unaudited Financial Statements (UFS) from clean bookkeeping data, making XBRL preparation far less error-prone.

Submit With Confidence, Not Guesswork

XBRL filing doesn’t have to be a trial-and-error process. With the right checks in place — and the right data foundation — submission becomes routine rather than stressful.

If you want fewer rejections and smoother ACRA filings, it’s worth rethinking how your financial data is prepared long before submission day.

👉 Learn how structured, AI-assisted financial workflows support compliant reporting at https://www.ccmonet.ai/

‍