Late entries after GST approval should trigger a review of the affected period, figures and filing status. Internal approval and submission to IRAS are separate milestones. Preserve the approved working and ask the authorised preparer what must change before the return is filed or an existing submission is corrected.

Accounting records, calculator and glasses on a desk
Illustrative photograph by Cht Gsml.

Confirm the actual status

Keep the approved draft, supporting schedules and any submission acknowledgement. Identify the accounting period and person responsible for filing. Do not describe a return as filed merely because a manager approved the figures.

Record when the late invoice, credit note or adjustment arrived and which transaction it concerns. Document receipt date separately from its accounting or tax period.

Assess the impact before changing figures

Give the preparer the original approved amounts and a schedule of proposed changes. Explain the supply, tax treatment and supporting document rather than reporting only a net difference.

If the return is unfiled, use the company’s review process to approve revised figures. If it has been submitted, the reviewer should assess the applicable IRAS error-correction process and any relevant conditions. Do not assume every difference can simply go into the next return.

Example: a purchase invoice arrives after sign-off

The finance manager has approved a draft when an older supplier invoice arrives. Check its authenticity, relevant period and input-tax conditions. A later receipt does not automatically prove either that the earlier return was wrong or that the invoice belongs in the next period.

Avoid silently replacing the approved spreadsheet while leaving its sign-off attached.

Retain the final chain

Keep the original approval, impact assessment, revised approval and actual filing or correction evidence. Reconcile the accounting entries with the accepted return treatment. The trail should explain both what changed and which version the authorised person ultimately submitted.

Related practical guidance

For the surrounding records and responsibilities, see bookkeeping basics, company records to keep, bookkeeping and accounting.

Official guidance: IRAS official guidance.

Help with your company records

For accounting, bookkeeping and related compliance support, contact Raffles Corporate Services at [email protected] or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133. Tell us which records or process need attention so we can discuss the relevant next steps.