Do I need an accountant to file corporate tax in Singapore?

Not required by law, but realistic assessment: Form C-S (Lite) is doable DIY if records organized and you understand basic accounting. Form C-S is manageable DIY with accounting knowledge. Form C is complex and most businesses hire accountants due to many documents and higher error risk. Cost of mistakes often exceeds cost of professional help.

What is the deadline for filing corporate tax in Singapore?

All corporate tax forms (Form C, Form C-S, and Form C-S Lite) must be filed by 30 November every year. This deadline applies regardless of which form you file. Extensions are rarely granted except for exceptional circumstances.

Form C vs Form C-S vs Form C-S (Lite) Singapore: Which Tax Form Does Your Company Need? [2025]

November 30th deadline. Three corporate tax forms. Pick the wrong one and IRAS rejects your filing. That counts as not filed. Penalties start immediately.

The question every Singapore company asks: Which form do I file?

The answer depends on your revenue and what you're claiming.

Form C-S (Lite): Revenue ≤ $200,000 + no special claims → 6 fields, 10 minutes

Form C-S: Revenue ≤ $5 million + no special claims → 18 fields, 10-30 minutes

Form C: Revenue > $5M OR claiming group relief/investment allowance/other special items → Full form with documents, 30-60 minutes

All due: 30 November. No extensions unless exceptional circumstances.

This guide covers the exact eligibility conditions for each form, what documents you need, and how to avoid filing the wrong one.

Quick Answer: Which Form Should You File?
Form C-S (Lite): For the Smallest Companies
Form C-S: For Small-Medium Companies
Form C: For Larger or Complex Companies
Side-by-Side Comparison
Common Mistakes When Choosing Forms
Step-by-Step: How to Determine Your Form
The Filing Deadline: 30 November
What If You File the Wrong Form?
First-Time Filers: New Companies
Dormant Companies
Frequently Asked Questions
Making Your Decision: What's Next

Quick Answer: Which Form Should You File?

Use this decision tree to determine your form in 30 seconds.

Decision Tree

Step 1: What's your annual revenue?

Revenue ≤ $200,000?

YES → Go to Step 2 for C-S (Lite)
NO → Go to Step 3

Revenue ≤ $5 million?

YES → Go to Step 2 for C-S
NO → File Form C

Step 2: Do you meet all these conditions?

Incorporated in Singapore? ✓
Only have income taxable at 17%? ✓ (exceptions: one-tier exempt dividends, certain foreign income)
NOT claiming any of these:
- Group relief
- Investment allowance
- Loss carry-back relief
- Foreign tax credit

All YES? → File Form C-S or C-S (Lite)

Any NO? → File Form C

Quick Comparison Table

Form	Revenue Limit	Must Be SG Incorporated	Can Claim Group Relief?	Can Claim Investment Allowance?	Fields	Time
C-S (Lite)	≤ $200K	Yes	No	No	6	~10 min
C-S	≤ $5M	Yes	No	No	18	10-30 min
C	No limit	No requirement	Yes	Yes	50+	30-60 min

Who Uses Which Form: Real Examples

Form C-S (Lite) - $180K revenue consultancy:

One-person consultancy
$180K annual revenue
No employees
Simple income and expenses
Perfect fit: 6 fields, done in 10 minutes

Form C-S - $3.5M e-commerce company:

Online retail business
$3.5M revenue
5 employees
Standard operations, no group companies
Takes 20 minutes to file

Form C - $12M manufacturing company:

Revenue exceeds $5M
Must file Form C
Submits full financials and tax computation

Form C - $2M company claiming group relief:

Revenue under $5M
BUT claiming group relief from parent company
Must file Form C (even though revenue qualifies for C-S)

Form C - Pioneer status company with $800K revenue:

Revenue under $5M
BUT has pioneer tax exemption
Income not taxed at standard 17% rate
Must file Form C

The Most Important Rule

If you qualify for Form C-S or C-S (Lite), you can still choose to file Form C.

Filing Form C when you could file C-S is allowed. It's just more work.

Filing Form C-S when you should file Form C? IRAS rejects it. You're now late.

When in doubt, file Form C. Better to do extra work than face rejection and penalties.

What "Annual Revenue" Means

Revenue = main income source from your principal activity.

Include:

Sales of goods
Service fees
Trading income

Exclude:

Interest income (separate source)
Dividend income (separate source)
Rental income from investment properties (separate source)
Gains from sale of assets

Example:

Your company earned:

Service fees: $4.5M
Interest from bank: $100K
Dividend from investments: $200K

Annual revenue for Form C-S eligibility: $4.5M (excludes interest and dividends)

You qualify for Form C-S.

Now that you know which form applies to you, let's look at the details of each form.

Form C-S (Lite): For the Smallest Companies

Form C-S (Lite) is the simplest corporate tax form. Only 6 fields. Takes about 10 minutes.

Who Qualifies

You can file Form C-S (Lite) if you meet ALL these conditions:

1. Annual revenue ≤ $200,000

Main income from your principal activity
Excludes interest, dividends, rental from investments

2. Incorporated in Singapore

Registered with ACRA as Singapore company
Foreign companies cannot use this form

3. Only income taxable at 17% rate

Standard corporate tax rate
No tax concessionary rates

Exceptions allowed: You can still use C-S (Lite) if you have:

One-tier tax exempt Singapore dividends
Certain foreign-sourced income exempted under Section 13(8) of Income Tax Act

4. Not claiming any of these:

Carry-back of current year capital allowances or losses
Group relief
Investment allowance
Foreign tax credit and tax deducted at source

Meet all four conditions? You can file C-S (Lite).

The 6 Fields You Need to Complete

Form C-S (Lite) only requires 6 essential fields:

Field 1: Revenue

Total revenue for the year
From your profit & loss statement

Field 2: Adjusted Profit/Loss Before Deductions

Accounting profit adjusted for tax purposes
Add back non-deductible expenses
Deduct non-taxable income

Field 3: Further Deductions

Capital allowances
Donations
Other qualifying deductions

Field 4: Adjusted Loss Brought Forward

Losses from previous years
Pre-filled by IRAS if available

Field 5: Current Year Adjusted Loss to Carry Forward

If making losses this year

Field 6: Chargeable Income

Final taxable income
Auto-calculated

That's it. Six fields.

Compare this to Form C-S (18 fields) or Form C (50+ fields plus supporting documents).

Documents Required

Submit with filing: None

Must prepare and retain:

Financial statements (audited or unaudited)
Tax computation
Supporting schedules

Keep these ready. IRAS can request them at any time. If you can't produce them, penalties apply.

Filing Time

If your records are organized: 10 minutes

If you need to prepare everything first: 2-3 hours to organize, then 10 minutes to file

The 10-minute filing time assumes you already have:

Finalized financial statements
Completed tax computation
All figures calculated

Most companies spend more time preparing the documents than actually filing.

Audit Requirements

Not required for Form C-S (Lite) filing.

But your company may still need audit under Companies Act:

Check ACRA requirements for your company size
"Small companies" are exempt from audit
Dormant companies are exempt from audit

Filing C-S (Lite) doesn't require audit. But Companies Act might.

Can You Choose C-S or C Instead?

Yes.

If you qualify for C-S (Lite), you can still choose to file:

Regular Form C-S (18 fields instead of 6)
Form C (full form with all documents)

It's allowed. Just more work for no benefit.

How to Access C-S (Lite)

Step 1: Log into myTax Portal (mytax.iras.gov.sg)

Step 2: Navigate to File Form C-S

Step 3: Enter your revenue

When you enter revenue ≤ $200,000, the system will ask:

"Do you want to file Form C-S (Lite)?"

Select YES to use the simplified 6-field version.

Select NO to use regular C-S with 18 fields.

When You Don't Qualify for C-S (Lite)

Revenue exceeds $200,000:

Use Form C-S if revenue ≤ $5M and meet other conditions
Use Form C if revenue > $5M

Claiming group relief or other special items:

Must use Form C

Have tax exemptions/incentives:

Must use Form C (unless specific exceptions)

Not incorporated in Singapore:

Must use Form C

Key Takeaway

Form C-S (Lite) is for the smallest companies with straightforward tax affairs.

Revenue ≤ $200K + standard operations = 6 fields, 10 minutes.

If you qualify, use it. Simplest corporate tax filing available.

Form C-S: For Small-Medium Companies

Form C-S is the mid-tier option. 18 fields. 10-30 minutes to complete.

Who Qualifies

You can file Form C-S if you meet ALL four conditions:

Condition 1: Annual revenue ≤ $5 million

Revenue = main income from principal activity (excludes interest, dividends, rental from investments).

Condition 2: Incorporated in Singapore

Must be registered with ACRA as Singapore company.

Condition 3: Only income taxable at 17% rate

All income taxed at standard corporate tax rate.

Exceptions allowed: You can still file C-S if you have:

One-tier tax exempt Singapore dividends
Certain foreign-sourced income exempted under Section 13(8)

Most tax incentives and exemptions disqualify you. If you have pioneer status, development incentive, or other tax schemes, you likely must use Form C.

Condition 4: Not claiming any of these in the current Year of Assessment:

Carry-back of current year capital allowances or losses
Group relief
Investment allowance
Foreign tax credit and tax deducted at source

If you're claiming any of these, use Form C instead.

What You File

18 fields across three sections:

Part A: Company Information

Financial year details
Accounting standards used

Part B: Tax Adjustments

Adjusted profit/loss
Add-backs (non-deductible expenses)
Deductions (capital allowances, donations)
Loss utilization

Part C: Additional Information

Enterprise Innovation Scheme claims (if any)
Related party transactions disclosure (if exceeds threshold)

Documents Required

Submit with filing: None

Must prepare and retain:

Financial statements (audited or unaudited)
Tax computation and supporting schedules
Declaration for IPR allowances (if claiming)

Don't submit these unless IRAS requests. But you must have them ready. IRAS can ask for them at any time during review.

Filing Time

Well-prepared: 10-15 minutes (figures already calculated)

Need to calculate: 30 minutes to 1 hour (depends on complexity)

The actual form takes 10-15 minutes. The time-consuming part is preparing the tax computation before you start filing.

Why Companies Don't Qualify for C-S

Revenue exceeds $5M:

Hit $5,000,001? You must file Form C. Even $1 over the limit disqualifies you.

Claiming group relief:

Parent company transferring losses to you? Form C required. Common for companies in group structures.

Claiming loss carry-back:

Want to carry back current year losses to previous year? Form C required.

Claiming investment allowance:

Approved investment projects with special allowances? Form C required.

Claiming foreign tax credit:

Paid tax overseas and want to claim credit? Form C required (with limited exceptions).

Tax incentives:

Pioneer status, development incentives, regional headquarters incentives? Usually Form C required.

Disqualification Scenarios

Scenario: Revenue $4.8M but claiming group relief

Even though revenue qualifies, claiming group relief means you must use Form C.

Scenario: Revenue $3M with pioneer status

Income not taxed at 17% due to pioneer exemption. Must use Form C.

Scenario: Revenue $5.2M

Exceeds limit by $200K. Must use Form C.

Can You File Form C Instead?

Yes. If you qualify for Form C-S, you can choose to file Form C.

It's just more work:

More fields to complete
Must submit financial statements and tax computation with filing (not just retain)
Takes longer

No advantage to doing this unless your accountant prefers it for internal reasons.

Key Differences from C-S (Lite)

C-S (Lite): 6 fields, revenue ≤ $200K

C-S: 18 fields, revenue ≤ $5M

Both don't require document submission. Both have same eligibility conditions except revenue limit.

If you qualify for C-S (Lite) but prefer more detailed form, you can use C-S.

Audit Requirements

Form C-S filing doesn't require audit.

But Companies Act may require audit depending on company size. Check ACRA requirements.

"Small companies" under Companies Act are exempt from audit requirement.

Key Takeaway

Form C-S is for small to medium companies with revenue ≤ $5M and straightforward tax affairs.

If you're claiming group relief, investment allowances, loss carry-back, or foreign tax credits, you can't use it. Form C required.

Revenue over $5M? Form C required.

Otherwise, Form C-S keeps filing simpler than Form C.

Form C: For Larger or Complex Companies

Form C is the full corporate tax return. Required for companies that don't qualify for Form C-S.

Who Must File Form C

You must file Form C if ANY of these apply:

Revenue exceeds $5 million

Over $5M = Form C required.

Claiming group relief

Transferring or receiving losses between group companies.

Claiming investment allowance

Approved investment projects with special tax allowances.

Claiming loss carry-back relief

Carrying back current year losses to previous year.

Claiming foreign tax credit

Tax paid overseas that you want credited against Singapore tax (with limited exceptions).

Not incorporated in Singapore

Foreign companies must use Form C.

Income not taxed at 17% rate

Tax incentives, exemptions, or concessionary rates (except allowed exceptions for certain dividends/foreign income).

Basically: If you don't meet ALL Form C-S conditions, you file Form C.

Documents You MUST Submit

This is the key difference. Form C requires document submission WITH your filing.

Required documents:

Financial statements (audited or unaudited)
Tax computation and supporting schedules
Form IRIN 301 (Additional Information on Income and Deduction)
Detailed Profit & Loss Statement
Group Relief Forms (if claiming)
R&D Claim Forms (if claiming)
Declaration for IPR allowances (if applicable)
Revised tax computations for prior years (if claiming loss carry-back)

All documents must be:

PDF format
Uploaded via myTax Portal
Font size at least 11
Clear and readable if scanned

Can't file without these. The system won't let you submit.

How Long It Takes

Minimum: 30 minutes to file (if all documents ready)

Realistic: 1-2 hours (including document preparation and upload)

First time: Add 1-2 hours to understand the form

The form itself has 50+ fields. More complex than C-S.

Plus you need to prepare and upload all supporting documents. This takes time.

Common Reasons Companies File Form C

Large companies (revenue > $5M):

Most common reason. Hit $5M and you're filing Form C every year.

Group companies:

Part of corporate group transferring/receiving losses via group relief.

Investment holding companies:

Often claim investment allowances or have complex tax structures.

Companies with tax incentives:

Pioneer status, development incentives, regional headquarters incentives.

Foreign companies operating in Singapore:

Not incorporated here, must use Form C.

Can You Voluntarily File Form C?

Yes. Even if you qualify for Form C-S, you can file Form C.

Why would you?

Prefer the detailed format
Want to submit documents upfront
Accountant's preference

No tax advantage. Just personal/professional preference.

Audit Requirements

Form C requires financial statements submission, but doesn't automatically require audit.

Audit requirement depends on Companies Act, not tax filing form.

Check ACRA requirements for your company size.

The Trade-Off

Form C gives you access to:

Group relief
Investment allowances
Loss carry-back relief
Foreign tax credits

But requires:

More time to complete
Document submission
More complex preparation

If you need those reliefs, the extra work is worth it.

If you don't need them and qualify for C-S, use C-S. Simpler.

Filing Extensions

Standard deadline: 30 November.

Extensions rarely granted unless exceptional circumstances.

Don't count on getting extension. Plan to file by 30 November.

If You're Uncertain Which Form

When in doubt, file Form C.

Filing Form C when you could file C-S = allowed (just extra work).

Filing Form C-S when you should file Form C = rejected by IRAS = late filing.

Better safe than sorry.

Key Takeaway

Form C is mandatory for:

Revenue > $5M
Claiming special reliefs (group, investment, loss carry-back, foreign tax)
Tax incentives/exemptions
Foreign companies

More complex than C-S. Requires document submission. Takes longer.

If you must file it, budget 1-2 hours for preparation and filing.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here's everything in one table.

Eligibility and Requirements

Feature	Form C-S (Lite)	Form C-S	Form C
Revenue limit	≤ $200,000	≤ $5 million	No limit
Must be SG incorporated	Yes	Yes	No requirement
Income tax rate	17% only (with exceptions)	17% only (with exceptions)	Any rate
Can claim group relief	No	No	Yes
Can claim investment allowance	No	No	Yes
Can claim loss carry-back	No	No	Yes
Can claim foreign tax credit	No	No	Yes

Filing Complexity

Feature	Form C-S (Lite)	Form C-S	Form C
Number of fields	6	18	50+
Time to complete	~10 minutes	10-30 minutes	30-60+ minutes
Complexity level	Simple	Moderate	Complex

Document Requirements

Feature	Form C-S (Lite)	Form C-S	Form C
Submit financial statements	No	No	Yes
Submit tax computation	No	No	Yes
Submit supporting documents	No	No	Yes
Must prepare documents	Yes	Yes	Yes
Keep for IRAS request	Yes	Yes	N/A (already submitted)

Deadline and Penalties

Feature	Form C-S (Lite)	Form C-S	Form C
Filing deadline	30 November	30 November	30 November
Late filing penalty	Up to $5,000	Up to $5,000	Up to $5,000
Composition fee	Yes	Yes	Yes
Can request extension	Rarely granted	Rarely granted	Rarely granted

Practical Considerations

Feature	Form C-S (Lite)	Form C-S	Form C
Best for	Very small companies	Small-medium companies	Large/complex companies
Audit required	No*	No*	No*
Can choose Form C instead	Yes	Yes	N/A
IRAS review likelihood	Low (if straightforward)	Low (if straightforward)	Varies by complexity

*Audit requirement depends on Companies Act, not tax form.

When Each Form Applies

Use Form C-S (Lite) when:

Revenue ≤ $200K
Singapore incorporated
No special claims
Want simplest filing

Use Form C-S when:

Revenue $200K - $5M
Singapore incorporated
No special claims
Want simplified filing

Must use Form C when:

Revenue > $5M, OR
Claiming group relief/investment allowance/loss carry-back/foreign tax credit, OR
Tax incentives/exemptions, OR
Not Singapore incorporated

The Decision in Practice

Revenue ≤ $200K + standard operations: C-S (Lite) - 6 fields, 10 minutes

Revenue $200K - $5M + standard operations: C-S - 18 fields, 20 minutes

Revenue > $5M: Form C - mandatory

Any revenue + group relief: Form C - mandatory

Any revenue + tax incentives: Form C - usually mandatory

Document Submission Summary

C-S (Lite) and C-S:

Prepare documents
Don't submit with filing
Keep for 5 years
Submit only if IRAS requests

Form C:

Prepare documents
Submit WITH filing
All documents uploaded to myTax Portal
Can't complete filing without them

This is the biggest practical difference. C-S saves you upload time.

Cost Considerations

Filing the form itself is free.

But preparation costs vary:

DIY:

C-S (Lite): 2-5 hours prep + 10 min filing
C-S: 8 hours prep + 20 min filing
Form C: more than 20 hours prep + 1 hour filing

Professional help:

C-S (Lite)/C-S: $800-$1,500
Form C: $1,500-$3,000

More complex form = more time = higher cost (whether DIY or professional).

Key Takeaway

Form choice depends primarily on revenue and what you're claiming.

Simple businesses with revenue under $5M: Use C-S (saves time).

Need special reliefs or over $5M: Form C (no choice).

All three forms are due 30 November. All have same penalties for late filing.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Forms

Mistake 1: Filing C-S When Revenue Exceeds $5M

What happens:

IRAS rejects your filing
Counts as not filed
You're now past the 30 November deadline
Composition fee applies
Must file Form C immediately

The fix: Check your revenue before starting. If it's $5,000,001 or more, use Form C from the start.

Mistake 2: Filing C-S While Claiming Group Relief

The scenario: Company has $3M revenue (under $5M). Part of group structure. Wants to claim group relief from parent company.

The mistake: Thinks "revenue is under $5M, I'll use Form C-S."

What happens: IRAS rejects. Form C-S cannot be used when claiming group relief, regardless of revenue.

The fix: If claiming group relief, investment allowance, loss carry-back, or foreign tax credit, use Form C. Revenue doesn't matter.

Mistake 3: Not Checking Tax Incentive Status

The scenario: Company has pioneer status or other tax incentive. Revenue is $2M. Thinks "I qualify for Form C-S."

The mistake: Income not taxed at standard 17% rate due to incentive. Doesn't meet Form C-S conditions.

What happens: Filing rejected. Must use Form C.

The fix: If you have ANY tax incentive or exemption, check if it disqualifies you from Form C-S. Most do (except one-tier exempt dividends and certain foreign income).

Mistake 4: Confusing Revenue with Total Income

The mistake: Company has:

Service fees: $4.5M
Interest income: $800K
Total: $5.3M

Thinks "total income exceeds $5M, must use Form C."

What's wrong: Revenue for Form C-S eligibility = main income from principal activity. Excludes interest, dividends, rental from investments.

Actual situation: Revenue is $4.5M (service fees only). Qualifies for Form C-S.

The fix: Understand what counts as "revenue" for eligibility. Not the same as total income.

Mistake 5: Assuming C-S (Lite) Is Only for New Companies

The misconception: "C-S (Lite) is for companies in their first few years."

Reality: ANY company with revenue ≤ $200K can use it. Doesn't matter if you've been operating for 20 years.

Who misses out: Established small businesses that could use the simplest form but think they don't qualify.

Mistake 6: Not Preparing Documents for C-S Filing

The mistake: "Form C-S doesn't require document submission, so I don't need to prepare them."

Reality: You must prepare financial statements and tax computation. Just don't submit with filing.

What happens: IRAS requests documents during review. You don't have them ready. Scramble to prepare. Miss IRAS deadline for submission. Assessment revised unfavorably.

The fix: Always prepare documents even for Form C-S. You need them for accurate filing and must have them ready for IRAS requests.

Mistake 7: Filing Form C "To Be Safe"

The reasoning: "I'm not sure if I qualify for C-S, so I'll just file Form C to be safe."

The problem: Wastes time preparing and uploading documents unnecessarily.

When it makes sense: If genuinely uncertain and deadline is close, yes, file Form C. Better than filing wrong form.

Better approach: Check eligibility properly. If you clearly meet all Form C-S conditions, use it. Don't create extra work without reason.

Mistake 8: Ignoring the Incorporation Requirement

The scenario: Foreign company with Singapore branch. Revenue $1M.

The mistake: "Revenue under $5M, I'll use Form C-S."

What's wrong: Must be incorporated in Singapore for Form C-S. Foreign companies must use Form C regardless of revenue.

The fix: Check where your company is incorporated. ACRA registry shows this.

Mistake 9: Starting Filing Too Late

The scenario: 29 November evening. Starting to prepare tax return for the first time.

The problem: Realize you don't have tax computation prepared. Revenue calculation unclear. Not sure which form to use.

What happens: Miss deadline. Or rush filing and make errors.

The fix: Start preparing at least 2 weeks before deadline. First-time filers: start 1 month early.

Mistake 10: Not Saving Filing Confirmation

What happens: File successfully. Close browser. Don't save confirmation.

Later: IRAS queries whether you filed. You have no proof.

The fix: Always download and save the acknowledgment receipt. Shows submission date and reference number.

How to Avoid These Mistakes

Before filing:

Calculate exact revenue (main income only)
Check if claiming group relief or other special items
Verify tax incentive status
Confirm Singapore incorporation
Prepare financial statements and tax computation

Then:

Revenue ≤ $200K + all conditions met = C-S (Lite)
Revenue ≤ $5M + all conditions met = C-S
Otherwise = Form C

Double-check before submitting.

Wrong form = rejected filing = late penalties.

Take 5 minutes to verify you're using the correct form. Saves hours of fixing rejected filing.

Step-by-Step: How to Determine Your Form

Follow these steps to identify which form you need.

Step 1: Calculate Your Annual Revenue

Pull your profit & loss statement for the financial year.

What to include:

Sales of goods
Service fees
Trading income
Main income from principal business activity

What to exclude:

Interest income
Dividend income
Rental income from investment properties
Gains from asset disposal

Write down the number. This is your "revenue" for Form C-S eligibility.

Step 2: Check Your Incorporation

Go to ACRA BizFile or check your company registration documents.

Question: Is your company incorporated in Singapore?

YES → Continue to Step 3

NO → You must file Form C (stop here)

Step 3: Check Your Tax Rate Status

Question: Is all your income taxed at the standard 17% corporate tax rate?

To check:

Do you have pioneer status? → Not 17% rate
Do you have development incentive? → Not 17% rate
Do you have any other tax exemption/concession? → Not 17% rate

Exceptions that still allow Form C-S:

One-tier tax exempt Singapore dividends → Allowed
Certain foreign-sourced income exempted under Section 13(8) → Allowed

If unclear: Check your tax incentive approval letter or ask your accountant.

All income at 17% rate (or only exceptions listed above)? → Continue to Step 4

Have other tax incentives? → You must file Form C (stop here)

Step 4: Check What You're Claiming This Year

Question: Are you claiming ANY of these in the current Year of Assessment?

Carry-back of current year capital allowances or losses
Group relief
Investment allowance
Foreign tax credit

To check:

Claiming losses from current year against previous year income? → Loss carry-back
Receiving/transferring losses with group companies? → Group relief
Approved investment project with special allowances? → Investment allowance
Paid tax overseas and want Singapore tax credit? → Foreign tax credit

Not claiming any of these? → Continue to Step 5

Claiming any of these? → You must file Form C (stop here)

Step 5: Apply the Decision

Now you have:

Your revenue amount
Confirmation you're SG incorporated
Confirmation income is at 17% rate
Confirmation you're not claiming special items

Decision:

Revenue ≤ $200,000? → File Form C-S (Lite)

Revenue $200,001 - $5,000,000? → File Form C-S

Revenue > $5,000,000? → File Form C

Verification Checklist

Before you start filing, verify:

For Form C-S (Lite) or C-S:

[ ] Revenue within limit ($200K or $5M)
[ ] Incorporated in Singapore (checked ACRA)
[ ] Only 17% tax rate income (no incentives except allowed exceptions)
[ ] Not claiming group relief
[ ] Not claiming investment allowance
[ ] Not claiming loss carry-back
[ ] Not claiming foreign tax credit

All checked? Use Form C-S or C-S (Lite).

Any unchecked? Use Form C.

Special Situations

Situation: First year of operations

Follow same steps. New companies aren't treated differently for form selection.

Situation: Changed business during the year

Use revenue from entire financial year. Doesn't matter if business changed mid-year.

Situation: Multiple revenue streams

Add all revenue from principal activities. Exclude investment income (interest, dividends, rental from non-business properties).

Situation: Acquired another company mid-year

Revenue = your company's revenue for the full year. If claiming group relief for acquisition, use Form C.

Situation: Uncertain about tax incentive status

Check approval letters from IRAS or EDB. If you received tax incentive approval, you likely need Form C. When in doubt, use Form C.

What If You're Still Uncertain?

Option 1: Use Form C

Safest choice. Form C works for everyone. Just more work than necessary if you qualify for C-S.

Option 2: Ask your accountant

They should know your tax status and can determine the form quickly.

Option 3: Check IRAS website

Overview of Form C-S/C-S (Lite)/Form C has full qualifying conditions.

Don't guess. Filing the wrong form means rejection and late filing penalties.

Better to spend 30 minutes verifying than dealing with rejected filing.

Quick Reference

I have revenue of $150K, SG incorporated, no special claims: → Form C-S (Lite)

I have revenue of $3M, SG incorporated, no special claims: → Form C-S

I have revenue of $8M: → Form C

I have revenue of $2M but claiming group relief: → Form C

I have revenue of $1M with pioneer status: → Form C

I'm a foreign company with SG branch, revenue $500K: → Form C

Key Takeaway

Five steps determine your form:

Calculate revenue (main income only)
Check Singapore incorporation
Check tax rate (17% or incentives?)
Check special claims (group relief, etc.)
Apply decision based on revenue

Takes 10 minutes to verify properly. Saves hours dealing with rejected filing.

The Filing Deadline: 30 November

All three forms have the same deadline: 30 November.

Every year. No exceptions for weekends or public holidays. If 30 November falls on weekend, deadline is still 30 November (system accepts submissions).

What "30 November" Means

By 11:59 PM on 30 November.

System closes at midnight. File on 1 December = late.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline

Stage 1: Composition Offer

IRAS sends invitation to compound the offense.

Composition amount: Up to $5,000 per offense (depends on past compliance)

You must:

Pay composition fee
File the overdue return
Do both by specified deadline in notice

If you comply: Matter closed. No court.

If you don't: Proceeds to Stage 2.

Stage 2: Notice to Attend Court (Summons)

IRAS issues summons requiring company representative/director to appear in court.

To avoid court appearance:

File the return
Pay any composition amount
Complete at least 1 week before court date

If you ignore summons:

Arrest warrant may be issued for director
Further legal action

Stage 3: Court Prosecution

If convicted:

Fine up to $5,000 per offense (for company)
Director: Fine up to $10,000 and/or jail up to 12 months

Plus: Still must file the return and pay any tax owed.

Stage 4: Estimated Assessment

While enforcement proceeds, IRAS may estimate your income and issue Notice of Assessment.

How IRAS estimates:

Previous years' income
Assumes increase from prior year
Usually higher than actual

You must:

Pay estimated tax within 30 days
Even if you disagree
Even if you're objecting

To dispute:

File Notice of Objection within 2 months
Submit the actual return, financial statements, tax computation
Must still pay estimated tax while waiting

Penalty Summary

Stage	Action	Penalty
On time filing	File by 30 Nov	No penalty
Late filing	Miss deadline	Composition up to $5,000
Ignore composition	Don't pay/file	Court summons
Convicted	Found guilty	Fine up to $5,000 (company) + up to $10,000/jail (director)
Estimated assessment	IRAS estimates income	Pay estimated tax (often higher than actual)

Can You Get an Extension?

Short answer: Rarely.

How to request:

Use "Request Extension of Time to File" service at myTax Portal
Available only after 30 November (for current year)
State reasons for extension

When granted:

Exceptional circumstances only
Serious illness
Natural disaster
System issues

Not valid reasons:

Busy
Accountant delayed
Forgot
First time filing

If already have summons: Cannot request extension via portal. Must attend court to appeal.

Don't count on extension. Plan to file by 30 November.

Filing on 30 November

System gets busy on deadline day.

What to avoid:

Starting filing at 11 PM
Technical issues with no time to resolve
Discovery that you need Form C (not C-S) at last minute

Recommended: File by 25 November. Leaves buffer for issues.

First-Time Filers

When you receive Form C-S/C:

IRAS issues form around June-July
Check myTax Portal regularly
Form available to file from August

Don't wait until November. First time takes longer. Start preparing in September.

What If You File on Time But Wrong Form?

You filed by 30 November. IRAS rejects (wrong form).

Question: Does rejection count as late filing?

Answer: Yes. Rejection = not filed. You're now late.

Penalty: Still applies.

The fix:

File correct form immediately
Pay any composition fee
May need to explain to IRAS

Lesson: Verify correct form before filing.

Paying Tax After Filing

If you owe tax (chargeable income > 0):

Payment deadline = 1 month after Notice of Assessment date

Assessment usually issued within weeks of filing.

Late payment = 5% penalty if unpaid after due date.

Separate deadlines:

Filing: 30 November
Payment: 1 month after assessment

Both must be met.

Setting Reminders

September: Start preparing financial statements and tax computation

October: Finalize figures, determine which form to use

November 15: Start filing (leaves 2 weeks buffer)

November 25: Absolute latest to start filing if everything ready

November 30: Deadline (don't leave it this late)

Dormant Companies

Still must file by 30 November unless waiver granted.

Can file simplified "Form for Dormant Company" (5 minutes, 2 fields).

No waiver = must file = same penalties if late.

Key Takeaway

30 November. Every year. For everyone.

File 1-2 weeks early. Leaves buffer for issues.

What If You File the Wrong Form?

The myTax Portal asks for your revenue and eligibility criteria. You answer. System determines which form you can use.

But the system relies on YOUR answers being correct.

Enter wrong information = file wrong form = IRAS discovers during review = rejection.

How People End Up Filing the Wrong Form

Error 1: Miscalculating Revenue

What you enter: $4.8M

Actual revenue: $5.3M (included some investment income by mistake, then recalculated correctly later)

Portal allows: Form C-S

IRAS review discovers: Revenue actually exceeds $5M

Result: Rejection. Must file Form C.

Error 2: Not Understanding "Group Relief"

Portal asks: "Are you claiming group relief?"

You think: "I don't know what that is, so probably no."

You answer: No

Reality: Your parent company is transferring losses to you. That's group relief.

Portal allows: Form C-S

IRAS review discovers: You're claiming group relief in your return

Result: Rejection. Must file Form C.

Error 3: Confusing Revenue with Total Income

Your financials:

Service revenue: $4.5M
Interest income: $800K
Total income: $5.3M

You enter: $5.3M (thinking revenue = total income)

Portal says: Revenue exceeds $5M, must use Form C

You file: Form C

Reality: Should have entered $4.5M only. Qualified for Form C-S.

Result: Filing accepted (Form C works for everyone). You just did unnecessary work.

Error 4: Forgetting About Tax Incentives

Portal asks: "Does your company only have income taxable at 17%?"

You think: "Yes, we're taxed at 17%... wait, except that pioneer exemption we got last year."

You answer: Yes (you forgot)

Portal allows: Form C-S

IRAS review discovers: You have pioneer status, income partially exempt

Result: Rejection. Must file Form C.

Error 5: Not Knowing You're Claiming Loss Carry-Back

Your accountant: "We'll carry back this year's losses to last year."

Portal asks: "Are you claiming carry-back of current year losses?"

You: "I don't handle that technical stuff. Probably not."

You answer: No

Portal allows: Form C-S

Your return: Shows loss carry-back claim

IRAS review: Conflict between portal answer and actual return

Result: Rejection. Must file Form C.

What Happens When IRAS Discovers the Error

Stage 1: Review

IRAS reviews all returns. Usually within 1-2 months of filing.

For Form C-S, they check:

Does revenue match what was entered in portal?
Any group relief shown in return? (You said no)
Any loss carry-back shown? (You said no)
Tax rate correct? (You said only 17%)

Stage 2: Rejection Notice

If they find discrepancy:

"Your company does not qualify to file Form C-S because [specific reason]. Please file Form C within [timeframe]."

Stage 3: You're Now Late

Even though you filed by 30 November, rejection means not filed.

Current date is now January/February. You're 1-2 months past deadline.

Stage 4: Composition Fee

IRAS issues composition offer for late filing. Must pay + file correct form.

How to Avoid These Errors

For Revenue Calculation:

Use only main income from principal activity. Exclude:

Interest income
Dividend income
Rental from investment properties
Gains from asset sales

Double-check before entering.

For "Are You Claiming Group Relief?"

Before answering:

Ask your accountant: "Are we claiming group relief this year?"

What it means:

Parent company transfers losses to you, OR
You transfer losses to subsidiary, OR
Sister company transfers losses

If ANY of these = answer YES = must use Form C.

For "Are You Claiming Loss Carry-Back?"

What it means: Taking current year's losses and applying them to previous year's income (to get refund of last year's tax).

Before answering:

Check your tax computation. Does it show loss carry-back? Ask your accountant.

For "Income Taxable at 17% Rate"

Before answering YES:

Check if you have:

Pioneer status
Development incentive
Regional headquarters incentive
Any other tax exemption/concession

If yes to ANY = answer NO = must use Form C.

Exceptions that allow YES:

One-tier exempt dividends
Certain foreign income exempted under S13(8)

If You're Unsure About Any Question

Option 1: Don't guess. Ask your accountant.

Option 2: Answer conservatively (which routes you to Form C). Form C works for everyone.

Option 3: Call IRAS for clarification before filing.

Don't: Guess and hope it's right. Wrong answer = rejection = penalties.

Fixing Rejected Filing

When you receive rejection notice:

Step 1: Read why rejected

Notice states specific reason (revenue wrong, claiming group relief, etc.)

Step 2: Prepare correct form

If need Form C:

Gather financial statements
Tax computation
All supporting documents
Upload everything

Step 3: File immediately

Don't delay. Already late.

Step 4: Pay composition fee

When issued, must pay to avoid further action.

Step 5: Verify next year

Make sure you understand what went wrong. Don't repeat same error next year.

Prevention Checklist

Before confirming your portal answers:

[ ] Revenue calculated correctly (main income only)
[ ] Confirmed with accountant if claiming group relief
[ ] Confirmed if claiming loss carry-back
[ ] Confirmed if claiming investment allowance
[ ] Confirmed if claiming foreign tax credit
[ ] Checked if have tax incentives/exemptions
[ ] Answered all eligibility questions accurately

One wrong answer = wrong form = rejection = penalties.

Take 10 minutes to verify answers before submitting.

Key Takeaway

The portal prevents you from selecting wrong form IF you give correct information.

Wrong information in = wrong form out.

Most rejections happen because:

Miscalculated revenue
Didn't understand what portal was asking
Didn't know what accountant was claiming in return
Guessed instead of checking

Verify your answers. Ask accountant if unsure. Don't guess.

First-Time Filers: New Companies

New companies must file corporate tax returns. No grace period. No special treatment.

When You File Your First Return

Depends on your financial year-end (FYE).

Example 1: Standard 12-month period

Incorporated: 15 March 2024
Financial year-end: 31 December 2024
First financial period: 15 March 2024 to 31 December 2024 (9.5 months)
Year of Assessment: 2025
File by: 30 November 2025

Example 2: Different FYE

Incorporated: 1 June 2024
Financial year-end: 31 May 2025
First financial period: 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2025 (12 months)
Year of Assessment: 2026
File by: 30 November 2026

The rule:

File by 30 November of the year AFTER your financial year-end.

If First Period Exceeds 12 Months

Example:

Incorporated: 1 June 2023
First financial year-end: 31 December 2024 (19 months)

Problem: Each Year of Assessment covers maximum 12 months.

Solution: Split into 2 YAs.

YA 2024:

Period: 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2024 (12 months)

YA 2025:

Period: 1 June 2024 to 31 December 2024 (7 months)

Filing:

Use YA 2025 digital service
Complete fields for BOTH YAs
Due: 30 November 2025

For Form C: Submit financials and tax computation for both periods.

For Form C-S: Prepare (but don't submit) for both periods.

Which Form for First Filing?

Same rules as established companies.

Check:

Revenue for the financial period
Singapore incorporated (should be yes for new companies)
Any tax incentives?
Claiming any special items?

Apply standard form selection rules from Section 7.

New companies get no special simplified form. Use C-S (Lite), C-S, or C based on normal criteria.

Common First-Timer Issues

Issue 1: Not knowing when to file

Many think "we just started, no need to file yet."

Wrong. Must file for every financial year, even if just started operations.

Issue 2: Missing the deadline

"We didn't know about the deadline."

Not an excuse. Penalties still apply.

Issue 3: No revenue yet

"We haven't made any sales, do we still file?"

Yes. File nil return if no income. Still must file by 30 November.

Issue 4: Losses in first year

"We made losses, nothing to report."

Still must file. Report the loss. Carry forward to future years.

Issue 5: Not preparing financial statements

"We're too small to need proper accounts."

Wrong. Must prepare financial statements and tax computation for all corporate tax filings.

Timeline for New Companies

Month 1 (Incorporation):

Company registered
Financial year-end set

Throughout first financial year:

Keep proper accounting records
Save all invoices and receipts

End of financial year:

Close accounts
Prepare financial statements
Calculate tax computation

By 30 November (following year):

File corporate tax return

Don't: Wait until November to start preparing. Takes time if first time doing it.

First-Year Tax Exemptions

New companies may qualify for Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE).

Conditions:

Incorporated in Singapore
Tax resident in Singapore
Shareholders meet specific requirements (no more than 20 shareholders, at least one individual with 10% shares)
Not investment holding company
Not in certain excluded activities

Benefit:

First $100K of chargeable income: 75% exempt (pay tax on 25%)
Next $100K: 50% exempt (pay tax on 50%)

Important: This exemption applies whether you file Form C-S or Form C. Doesn't affect form selection.

How to claim: Automatically applied if you qualify. No separate application needed.

Getting Help for First Filing

DIY realistic for:

Very simple operations
Low transaction volume
You understand accounting and tax

Get professional help if:

Complex business structure
High transaction volume
First time doing accounts/tax
Want to ensure no errors

First filing sets precedent. Get it right from the start.

After First Filing

Notice of Assessment:

IRAS issues assessment usually within 2-3 months of filing.

Shows:

Chargeable income
Tax payable
Payment deadline

If you owe tax: Pay within 1 month of assessment date.

Set up for next year:

Filing isn't one-time. You're filing every year now.

Prepare:

Set reminders for deadlines
Keep better records throughout the year
Consider monthly bookkeeping (easier than year-end scramble)

Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI)

Separate from Form C-S/C filing.

What it is: Estimate of chargeable income filed within 3 months of financial year-end.

First-year companies:

May qualify for ECI filing waiver if:

Revenue ≤ $5M
Chargeable income ≤ $200K

If no waiver: Must file ECI within 3 months of FYE, then file Form C-S/C by 30 November.

Two separate filings. Two deadlines.

Key Takeaway

New companies file same forms as established companies. No simplified process for being new.

First filing due 30 November of year after your financial year-end.

If first period exceeds 12 months, split into 2 YAs and file both.

Start preparing early. First time takes longer than subsequent years.

Don't expect grace period for being new. Penalties apply same as any company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change from Form C to Form C-S next year?

Yes, if your circumstances change and you now meet all Form C-S eligibility conditions.

Examples:

Revenue dropped below $5M
No longer claiming group relief
Tax incentive expired

Check eligibility each year. Form can change year to year.

Do I need an accountant to file?

Not required by law. You can file yourself.

Realistic assessment:

Form C-S (Lite): Doable DIY if records organized and you understand basic accounting
Form C-S: Manageable DIY with accounting knowledge
Form C: Most businesses hire accountant (complex, many documents, higher error risk)

Cost of mistakes often exceeds cost of professional help.

What if my revenue is exactly $200,000 or $5,000,000?

Exactly $200,000: Qualifies for Form C-S (Lite) - the "≤" means less than or equal to

Exactly $5,000,000: Qualifies for Form C-S

$200,001 or $5,000,001: Does not qualify - must use next tier

Can I file Form C-S electronically?

Yes. All forms must be e-filed via myTax Portal.

No paper filing accepted.

Need Corppass (companies) to access portal.

What's the difference between ECI and Form C/C-S?

ECI (Estimated Chargeable Income):

Filed within 3 months of financial year-end
Estimate of your taxable income
Quick calculation

Form C/C-S:

Filed by 30 November
Actual final income
Complete tax return

Both are required (unless you have ECI waiver).

Two separate filings with different deadlines.

My company has tax incentive. Can I still file Form C-S?

Usually no.

Tax incentives mean income not taxed at standard 17% rate. Disqualifies you from Form C-S.

Exceptions:

One-tier tax exempt Singapore dividends - can still use Form C-S
Certain foreign-sourced income exempted under Section 13(8) - can still use Form C-S

Most other incentives (pioneer status, development incentives, etc.) require Form C.

Check your approval letter or ask accountant.

Do I need to audit my financial statements for Form C-S?

Form C-S filing doesn't require audit.

But Companies Act may require audit depending on company size.

Check:

ACRA requirements for your company
"Small companies" under Companies Act exempt from audit
Dormant companies exempt from audit

Tax filing requirement ≠ Companies Act requirement.

What if I disagree with IRAS assessment?

File Notice of Objection within 2 months of assessment date.

Procedure:

Use "Revise/Object to Assessment" service at myTax Portal
State reasons for disagreement
Provide supporting documents
IRAS reviews and responds

Important: Must still pay the assessed tax while objection is pending. Can't delay payment.

If objection successful, IRAS refunds overpaid tax.

Can I revise my return after filing?

Yes. File revision via myTax Portal.

Use: "Revise/Object to Assessment" digital service

When to revise:

Discovered error after filing
Forgot to include income
Claimed wrong amount

Better: File revision yourself than wait for IRAS to discover error. Shows good faith.

How long must I keep records?

5 years from end of Year of Assessment.

Records to keep:

Financial statements
Tax computation
Supporting schedules
All invoices (sales and purchases)
Bank statements
Contracts
Any documents supporting your return

Electronic or physical - both acceptable. Must be retrievable if IRAS requests.

What if I file nil return (zero income)?

Still must file by 30 November.

Show zero in income fields. File properly.

Don't skip filing because you have no income. That's late filing = penalties.

Can foreign companies use Form C-S?

No. Must be incorporated in Singapore to qualify for Form C-S.

Foreign companies with Singapore branch or operations: Must file Form C.

What if my financial year changed?

Notify IRAS when changing financial year-end.

May result in short financial period (less than 12 months). Still must file for that short period.

Next filing based on new financial year-end.

Do I need to pay tax when I file?

Not immediately.

Process:

File return by 30 November
IRAS issues Notice of Assessment (within weeks to months)
Pay tax within 1 month of assessment date

Filing deadline ≠ payment deadline.

But both must be met.

Can I claim losses from previous years?

Yes. Unutilised losses automatically carried forward.

Process:

Previous year: Reported loss on return
IRAS records the loss
Current year: Pre-filled in your return
Deduct from current year income

No separate claim needed. Automatic if previously reported.

But: To carry BACK current losses to previous year = requires Form C (can't use Form C-S).

What if I haven't filed for multiple years?

File all outstanding returns immediately.

Each year late = separate offense.

Total penalties can be substantial.

Steps:

Prepare all outstanding returns
File starting from earliest year
Expect composition fees for each late year
May need to pay estimated assessments IRAS already issued

Don't wait longer. Penalties increase.

Key Takeaway

Most questions come down to:

Understand your eligibility conditions
Keep proper records
File on time
When in doubt, ask accountant or IRAS

Prevention cheaper than fixing problems.

Making Your Decision: What's Next

You now know which form to file and how to do it.

The question: Will you file yourself or get help?

The Reality of DIY Filing

Form C-S (Lite):

6 fields
10 minutes to file (if everything ready)
But 2-3 hours preparing financial statements and tax computation
First time: Add 2-3 hours learning

Form C-S:

18 fields
20 minutes to file (if everything ready)
3-5 hours preparing documents
First time: Add 3-4 hours learning

Form C:

50+ fields
1 hour to file (if everything ready)
5-10 hours preparing and uploading all documents
First time: Add 4-5 hours learning

Time spent ≠ just filing. Most time goes to preparing accurate financials and tax computation.

The Cost of Errors

File wrong form:

Rejection = late filing
Composition fee $200-$5,000
Time fixing: 5-10 hours

Miscalculate revenue:

IRAS queries
Need to explain and revise
Possible penalties

Wrong tax computation:

Under-declare income: penalties + interest
Over-declare income: overpay tax unnecessarily

Miss deadline:

Composition fee $200-$5,000 first offense
Court summons if ignore
Estimated assessment (often higher than actual)

One error can cost $2,000-$10,000 in penalties and professional fees to fix.

When DIY Makes Sense

You should file yourself if:

Very simple business (low transaction volume)
Organized monthly records
Understand accounting and tax
Time to prepare everything properly
Confident in calculations

Realistic assessment: Less than 10% of companies should DIY.

Most business owners' time is worth more than the cost of professional help.

When to Get Professional Help

Get help if:

First time filing
High transaction volume
Complex business structure
Any tax incentives or group relief
Don't have time to prepare properly
Want to avoid errors and penalties

Cost of professional help:

Form C-S/C-S (Lite) filing: $800-$1,500
Form C filing: $1,500-$3,000
Part of yearly compliance package: Includes ECI + corporate tax + ACRA filing

What you get:

Accurate filing
No time spent
No stress about deadlines
Professional handles IRAS queries
Guaranteed no late filing

Return on investment: Time saved + penalties avoided + peace of mind usually exceeds cost.

Our Corporate Tax Filing Service

What we handle:

Form C-S/C-S (Lite) filing:

Determine correct form
Prepare tax computation
Complete all fields accurately
File by 30 November
Handle any IRAS queries

Form C filing:

Prepare complete tax computation
Compile all supporting documents
Complete all fields
Upload all required documents
File by 30 November
Respond to IRAS queries

Pricing:

Form C-S/C-S (Lite): $800-$1,500 (depends on complexity)
Form C: $1,500-$3,000
Yearly compliance package (ECI + Form C/C-S + ACRA): $1,500-$3,000/year

Timeline:

Engage us by mid-October
We prepare everything November
Filed by 25 November (leaves buffer)

Complete Compliance Package

Our monthly bookkeeping service includes all corporate tax filing:

What's included:

Monthly bookkeeping
Financial statements preparation
ECI filing
Form C/C-S filing
IR8A filing (employee tax)
ACRA annual return
All deadline tracking
IRAS correspondence handling

Pricing: $7,000-$15,000/year

Low volume: $7,000-$8,000/year
Medium volume: $10,000-$12,000/year
High volume: $13,000-$15,000/year

You get:

Zero time on accounting/tax
Monthly financial reports
All compliance handled
Direct access (WhatsApp/call)
No "busy season" delays

November Deadline Approaching?

If deadline is close:

WhatsApp us now or call +65 8856 6155

Tell us:

Your annual revenue
Which form you think you need
Your deadline situation

We'll tell you:

If we can help before deadline
Which form you actually need
Exact cost
What we need from you

Common Questions We Answer

"Can you file for me by 30 November even though it's already November?"

Depends on how organized your records are. If you have financial statements ready, usually yes. Contact us immediately to check.

"I'm not sure which form I need. Can you help?"

Yes. We'll review your situation and determine correct form. Part of our service.

"I already missed the deadline. Can you help fix it?"

Yes. We file the outstanding return and help with IRAS correspondence. The sooner you engage us, the lower the penalties.

"Do you handle IRAS queries if they ask for clarification?"

Yes. All IRAS correspondence handled as part of service.

What Happens Next

Step 1: Contact us

WhatsApp or call
Quick discussion about your situation

Step 2: We quote fixed price

Based on complexity
No hourly billing surprises

Step 3: You send us documents

Financial records
Previous returns
Any correspondence from IRAS

Step 4: We handle everything

Prepare financials and tax computation
File by deadline
Send you copies

Step 5: You're done

No stress
No deadline worry
Properly filed

Alternative: Just Help with Specific Issues

Don't need full filing service? We can help with:

Tax computation only: $300-$600

You file yourself
We prepare the calculations
Reduces error risk

Form selection consultation: $150-$300

30-minute call
Review your situation
Tell you which form to use
Answer questions

Review before filing: $200-$400

You prepared everything
We review for errors
Suggest corrections

The Bottom Line

Corporate tax filing isn't optional. It's due 30 November every year.

Your choices:

DIY (time + risk of errors)
Professional help (cost but no hassle)
Do nothing (penalties + court)

Most businesses choose option 2 once they calculate actual cost of option 1.

30 November deadline doesn't change.

File yourself or get help. But don't miss it.

Ready to stop worrying about tax filing? We'll handle it. You focus on running your business.

Still Have Questions?

Our expert team is ready to help.

Chat on WhatsApp

Last updated: October 2025. Corporate tax rate 17% for most companies. Form C-S eligibility conditions current as of YA 2025. Always verify current requirements at iras.gov.sg.

Form C vs Form C-S vs Form C-S (Lite) Singapore: Which Tax Form Does Your Company Need? [2025]

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: Which Form Should You File?

Decision Tree

Quick Comparison Table

Who Uses Which Form: Real Examples

The Most Important Rule

What "Annual Revenue" Means

Form C-S (Lite): For the Smallest Companies

Who Qualifies

The 6 Fields You Need to Complete

Documents Required

Filing Time

Audit Requirements

Can You Choose C-S or C Instead?

How to Access C-S (Lite)

When You Don't Qualify for C-S (Lite)

Key Takeaway

Form C-S: For Small-Medium Companies

Who Qualifies

What You File

Documents Required

Filing Time

Why Companies Don't Qualify for C-S

Disqualification Scenarios

Can You File Form C Instead?

Key Differences from C-S (Lite)

Audit Requirements

Key Takeaway

Form C: For Larger or Complex Companies

Who Must File Form C

Documents You MUST Submit

How Long It Takes

Common Reasons Companies File Form C

Can You Voluntarily File Form C?

Audit Requirements

The Trade-Off

Filing Extensions

If You're Uncertain Which Form

Key Takeaway

Side-by-Side Comparison

Eligibility and Requirements

Filing Complexity

Document Requirements

Deadline and Penalties

Practical Considerations

When Each Form Applies

The Decision in Practice

Document Submission Summary

Cost Considerations

Key Takeaway

Common Mistakes When Choosing Forms

Mistake 1: Filing C-S When Revenue Exceeds $5M

Mistake 2: Filing C-S While Claiming Group Relief

Mistake 3: Not Checking Tax Incentive Status

Mistake 4: Confusing Revenue with Total Income

Mistake 5: Assuming C-S (Lite) Is Only for New Companies

Mistake 6: Not Preparing Documents for C-S Filing

Mistake 7: Filing Form C "To Be Safe"

Mistake 8: Ignoring the Incorporation Requirement

Mistake 9: Starting Filing Too Late

Mistake 10: Not Saving Filing Confirmation

How to Avoid These Mistakes

Step-by-Step: How to Determine Your Form

Step 1: Calculate Your Annual Revenue

Step 2: Check Your Incorporation

Step 3: Check Your Tax Rate Status

Step 4: Check What You're Claiming This Year

Step 5: Apply the Decision

Verification Checklist

Special Situations

What If You're Still Uncertain?

Quick Reference

Key Takeaway

The Filing Deadline: 30 November

What "30 November" Means

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline

Penalty Summary

Can You Get an Extension?

Filing on 30 November