XBRL Filing made simple from 10-year experts (2025)

XBRL filing may initially sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you're a business owner, an accountant, or just someone tasked with filing financial statements, this guide will help you understand XBRL filing in Singapore in the simplest way possible. 

Backed by insights from over 10 years of experience in Singapore tax accounting, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from XBRL to filing requirements, common mistakes, and how to get it done efficiently.

1. What Is XBRL Filing?

1.1. What is XBRL?

Before diving into the details, let’s start with the basics: What is XBRL?

XBRL is eXtensible Business Reporting Language, an international digital financial and business data reporting standard. 

It allows companies to prepare, share, and analyze financial information in a structured, standardized, and machine-readable format. In addition, it ensures transparency and consistency in presenting financial data to the government authorities

That is why, understanding how XBRL works and why it matters is essential for businesses to stay compliant and efficient.

1.2. What is XBRL filing in Singapore?

XBRL filing is submitting your company’s financial statements in this specific format to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in Singapore. 

It ensures that the data is consistent, accurate, and easy to analyze, for ACRA and stakeholders like investors, regulators, accountants, and auditors.

1.3. What Is the XBRL file format?

The XBRL file format is a structured format that organizes financial data into tags and labels. Each piece of data (e.g., revenue, expenses, assets) is tagged with a unique code, making it easy to identify and compare across different companies. 

Unlike traditional formats like Excel or PDF, XBRL files are machine-readable, meaning computers can analyze the data instantly.

ACRA recognizes several XBRL formats to accommodate different company needs:

1. Full XBRL: Comprehensive reporting format suitable for larger companies (usually public companies on the SGX)  with complex financial data (210 data elements, including notes).
2. Simplified XBRL: Designed for smaller companies Non-publicly traded companies, SMEs, startups) with straightforward financial structures.( 120 data elements and a PDF option).
3. Other formats: 2 popular formats are XBRL FSG for banks and XBRL FSH for insurance (Around 80 data elements).

2. XBRL Filing requirements from ACRA Singapore (XBRL Filing Applicability)

In Singapore, XBRL filing is mandatory for most Singapore companies.  However, the specific requirements depend on the type and size of the company.

2.1. Who needs to file XBRL?

1. Singapore-incorporated companies (except exempt private companies and dormant companies) are required to file financial statements in XBRL format;
2. Public companies listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) must file in XBRL;
3. Non-listed companies with corporate shareholders or those that meet specific thresholds must also comply.

2.2. Who is exempt from XBRL Filing?

1. Dormant companies;
2. Companies under specific liquidation or winding-up procedures;
3. Exempt private companies (EPCs) unless they voluntarily opt to file in XBRL.

2.3. XBRL Filing Deadlines (Including Extensions)

What Is the deadline for XBRL filing?

The XBRL filing deadline in Singapore is tied to your company’s financial year-end. Generally, companies must file their financial statements in XBRL format within 6 months from the end of their financial year.

That is why, for listed companies, the deadline is within five months, while non-listed companies have a 7-month deadline. 

Can you get an extension for XBRL filing?

Yes, you can request an extension for XBRL filing under certain circumstances. However, this requires approval from ACRA, and it’s best to apply as early as possible as it can take up from 3 to 7 working days to process.

Application for exemptions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and there is no fee charged for it.

To request an extension of time for your filing with ACRA, follow these steps:

1. Log into ACRA’s online VCC registration and filing portal;
2. Navigate to the ‘Eservices’ section and select ‘Extension of Time’;
3. Submit your application.

2.4. Document for full XBRL filing

For Full XBRL reporting, companies must prepare specific documents,  including, but not limited to:

• Balance sheet;
• Auditor’s reports;
• Income statement;
• Cash flow statement;
• Director’s report.

2.5. XBRL filing fees

The cost of XBRL filing depends on whether you’re doing it yourself or engaging a professional service provider.

If you do it yourself from A to Z

Filing fees for ACRA’s BizFile+ portal are relatively low, please refer to the Bizfile+ for a complete list of service fees.

Remember that you need to have a SingPass and/or a Corpass to register to the ACRA’s BizFile+. If you do not have any, it is best to get support from your registered agent like Global Link Asia Consulting

If you outsource to a professional service provider

If you choose to outsource the process, professional fees may vary based on the complexity of your financial statements.

Global Link Asia Consulting is proud to provide you with the best XBRL filing services, no hidden fee, just cost-effective and professional.

2.6. XBRL filing criteria

ACRA has specific filing criteria to ensure that XBRL files are complete and accurate. Key criteria include:

1. Proper tagging of financial data.
2. Compliance with the latest ACRA XBRL Taxonomy.
3. Validation against ACRA’s rules to ensure no errors.
4. Failure to meet these criteria can lead to rejected filings, so it’s crucial to double-check your work.

2.7. XBRL filing software

The most commonly used software for XBRL filing in Singapore is ACRA’s BizFinx Preparation Tool. Please refer to the ACRA official URL Download BizFinx preparation tool or multi-upload tool here.

This free tool is user-friendly and designed specifically for preparing XBRL files. 

The most common process to use this BizFinx Preparation Tool is to first export financial reports from an IRAS-approved third-party tool (i.e QuickBooks Online) to Excel or PDF format and then upload them to BinzFinx.

2.8. Common filing mistakes that can cause headaches

Filing financial reports can be tricky, and even small errors can lead to big problems. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

2.9. How to file XBRL successfully?

Filing XBRL might seem intimidating, but it’s manageable if you break it down into simple steps:

2.10. How to view XBRL files in PDF?

You can convert XBRL files into PDF format using tools like BizFinx (free) or other XBRL file readers. There are several XBRL file readers available online you can search on Google, which allows you to open and analyze XBRL files. These tools are especially useful for auditors and analysts.

3. How can Global Link Asia Consulting help you file XBRL files with Ease and Professionalism?

Filing XBRL can be overwhelming, but that’s where Global Link Asia Consulting comes in. With over 10 years of experience, we provide end-to-end XBRL filing services that are:

If you are new to the Singapore business landscape and already have a strategic plan to do business here, we offer the following support as your trusted expert partner:

• Register a company in Singapore;
• Open a corporate bank account in Singapore with a 99% success rate;
• Choose the right company types for tax optimization in Singapore;
• Apply for Singapore business licenses;
• Get an affordable, professional registered office address for business;
• Support to open, authenticate, and manage Stripe Paypal Business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S;
• Handle all your tax accounting needs, timely annual filings, auditing, and more.

4. FAQs about Singapore XBRL filing

We offer a comprehensive range of accounting and tax services for Singaporean companies. Our services include:

• Tax Consulting including corporate income tax, GST tax, contractor tax, and more.
• Monthly/Annual Tax Accounting services in accordance with Singapore accounting standards (SFRS).
• QuickBooks Consulting and Licensing.
• Corporate Income Tax Return Preparation
• GST Tax Return Preparation.

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