XBRL filing — full vs simplified — Step-by-step walkthrough

XBRL filing is the way Singapore companies submit their financial statements to ACRA in a structured, machine-readable format alongside the annual return. Most companies file in either Full XBRL or Simplified XBRL, with the choice driven by company size and type. This walkthrough explains the difference, who files what, the deadlines, costs and the step-by-step process in 2026.

What XBRL filing is

XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) tags each financial line item so ACRA can read and analyse the data consistently. Companies file their financial statements in XBRL through BizFile+ together with the annual return. The requirement flows from the financial-reporting and lodgement obligations in the Companies Act 1967, which require companies to lay and file financial statements that comply with the prescribed standards.

Full XBRL versus Simplified XBRL

Full XBRL captures a comprehensive set of data elements, including the primary statements and detailed notes, and applies to larger or publicly accountable companies. Simplified XBRL captures a reduced set, essentially the primary statements plus selected information, and is available to smaller non-publicly-accountable companies. The simplified template materially reduces preparation time for qualifying SMEs.

Who files which template for XBRL filing

Smaller non-publicly-accountable companies, broadly those meeting the lower size thresholds, may use Simplified XBRL. Larger companies and publicly accountable companies file Full XBRL. Companies limited by guarantee and certain solvent exempt private companies have different requirements and may file financial statements in PDF rather than XBRL. Banks, insurers and similar entities use a specialised template (FSH).

Deadlines and timeline

A private company must hold its annual general meeting and file its annual return within prescribed periods after the financial year-end; the annual return for a private company is generally due within seven months of the financial year-end. The XBRL financial statements are filed as part of that annual return, so the practical deadline aligns with the annual-return filing date.

Cost and how to prepare

Companies prepare XBRL using ACRA’s preparation tool or outsource to a corporate services provider, with professional fees commonly in the range of a few hundred Singapore dollars depending on complexity and the number of tagged elements. The work involves mapping the audited or unaudited financial statements to the correct XBRL elements and validating the file before lodgement.

Step-by-step XBRL filing process

1. Finalise the financial statements and confirm whether Full or Simplified XBRL applies. 2. Map each line item to the correct XBRL taxonomy element. 3. Run validation to catch errors and inconsistencies. 4. Attach the XBRL file to the annual return in BizFile+. 5. Lodge before the deadline and retain the acknowledgement. Common pitfalls include mis-tagging revenue, leaving mandatory elements blank and a mismatch between the XBRL figures and the signed accounts.

Official sources

Always confirm current rules and fees against the primary sources: www.iras.gov.sg, www.asc.gov.sg, www.acra.gov.sg.

Related guides

FAQs

What is the difference between Full and Simplified XBRL?
Full XBRL captures comprehensive data including detailed notes for larger or publicly accountable companies; Simplified XBRL captures a reduced set for smaller non-publicly-accountable companies.

When is XBRL filing due?
It is filed with the annual return, which for a private company is generally due within seven months of the financial year-end.

Do all companies file in XBRL?
No. Certain solvent exempt private companies and companies limited by guarantee may file in PDF, and financial-sector entities use a specialised template.

How much does XBRL preparation cost?
Outsourced preparation commonly costs a few hundred Singapore dollars, depending on complexity and the number of elements to tag.

Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.