Want to close a dormant business the right way? Many directors wonder whether removal from ACRA’s register is quick or risky. This guide answers that and shows the practical route.
ACRA allows a director to apply when there is reasonable cause to believe the firm is not trading. Key checks include no debts to IRAS or CPF Board, no assets or liabilities, no charges and no active legal matters. File the online application via BizFile and await ACRA’s review.
The journey is administrative but criteria-driven. Application approval is not the same as dissolution; Gazette notices and objection windows mean the whole timeline typically takes at least three months. Expect eligibility checks, housekeeping tasks, BizFile submission, director endorsements, ACRA review, Gazette notices and final removal.
Key Takeaways
- Removal means deletion from ACRA’s register for inactive or ceased entities.
- Strict eligibility rules reduce compliance risk; inaccurate statements carry consequences.
- Approval of an application does not equal immediate dissolution; Gazette periods apply.
- The end-to-end route covers checks, filings on BizFile, reviews and notices.
- Main authorities include ACRA, IRAS, CPF Board and the Government Gazette.
Understanding your options to close a company in Singapore
Choosing the right exit path saves time and avoids needless filings or liabilities. Directors should first confirm whether the entity is truly dormant and free of obligations before applying for removal.
- Removal for inactive entities: Best when there is no ongoing trading, no assets and no outstanding obligations to government agencies. It is quicker and less costly if eligibility is clear.
- Formal winding up or insolvency: Necessary where there are material liabilities, creditor disputes or legal proceedings. Solvent firms that can settle debts within 12 months may use members’ voluntary winding up; insolvent cases may need creditors’ voluntary or compulsory winding up.
Legal or regulatory matters often make removal unsuitable. Under the Companies Act and the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act framework, professional advice will help avoid rejected applications or later challenges.
“If liabilities are modest, new schemes such as SIP 2.0 (from 29 January 2026) may offer alternative relief.”
Strike off company in singapore process: eligibility checklist before you apply
A correct application starts with a clear checklist: confirm trading status, debts, charges and legal exposures first.
Has not commenced business since incorporation usually means no revenue, no active contracts, no staff and no operational commitments. Cessation of trading means trading stopped and no new business activity is planned.
Confirm there are no outstanding debts to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), CPF Board or any other government agency. Check final tax filings and CPF accounts before you assume zero balance.
- Charges: These are security interests such as fixed or floating charges. Any entry in the charge register prevents filing.
- Legal proceedings: Active claims or overseas proceedings normally bar removal because the company must remain available to respond.
- Assets and liabilities: At the date of application there should be none, including contingent items. Document how you verified this.
- Director approval: All or a majority of directors must authorise the applicant; false declarations can prompt investigation.
| Eligibility item | What to check | Why it matters | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading status | No revenue, contracts or staff | Shows dormancy since incorporation | Collect bank statements and contracts |
| Government debts | IRAS, CPF Board, other agencies | Outstanding debts block the application | Obtain clearance or final notices |
| Charges | Search charge register | Registered security prevents filing | Discharge charges and update register |
| Legal/regulatory matters | Local and overseas proceedings | Company must be contactable for claims | Resolve or disclose cases before applying |
Pre-application housekeeping to avoid delays or rejection
A structured tidy-up of records and accounts prevents most common delays.
Confirm outstanding tax with IRAS
Check corporate filings and request a clearance or statement of account from IRAS. Ensure tax liabilities and any outstanding tax are settled so the application is not challenged.
Cancel GST if you have ceased trading
If you are GST registered but no longer carrying on business, apply to cancel registration with IRAS before filing. This aligns records across government agencies and avoids later queries.
Settle payroll, vendor debts and bank accounts
Pay final salaries, clear vendor balances and close corporate bank accounts. Removing residual assets and liabilities reduces the chance of objections or reopenings.
Discharge charges and update BizFile contacts
Ensure any registered charge is cleared and the register is updated. Also update the registered office address and company email in BizFile so notices reach the right contact.
Check for summons or legal notices
Search for ongoing summons or hearings and resolve them early. Unresolved legal actions will delay or block the filing.
| Action | Why it matters | Quick step |
|---|---|---|
| Tax clearance | Prevents late objections | Obtain IRAS statement and pay balances |
| GST cancellation | Aligns government records | File cancellation with IRAS |
| Discharge charges | Charge entries block filing | Obtain discharge documents and update register |
| Update BizFile | ACRA sends notices to listed contacts | Change address and email on BizFile |
Documents and internal approvals to prepare
Prepare a concise bundle of records to support the declarations directors make. ACRA does not require uploads for the online filing, but you should retain proof that the entity meets eligibility criteria.
Distinguish between what you must upload (usually none) and what you must keep. Keep documents to answer queries and handle objections from agencies or third parties.
Resolutions and minutes
Board minutes or shareholder resolutions should confirm the decision, state that there are no liabilities, and authorise the nominated filer. Note the date, attendees and the exact authorisation.
Financial and tax records
Retain the latest financial statements, management accounts and bank closure evidence. Keep IRAS correspondence, past tax filings and any GST cancellation confirmation.
| Record type | Purpose | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Board/shareholder minutes | Authorise filing and confirm eligibility | Company minute book or digital records |
| Financial statements | Show no assets or liabilities | Accounting software, auditors’ files |
| Tax correspondence | Prove tax matters settled | IRAS letters, e‑filing history |
Also keep evidence of dormancy: terminated contracts, closed leases, and cessation of invoices. Well‑kept data can shorten the months you may otherwise wait if ACRA or another agency seeks clarification.
Need assistance preparing these records? Contact us now for guidance on documentation and the filing checklist.
Who can submit the strike off application with ACRA
Only authorised officers may lodge the application to remove a registered entity. ACRA permits the firm’s directors and the appointed company secretary to submit the online form through BizFile.
Directors and secretary eligibility
Either a director or the secretary listed on ACRA may act as the filer. The individual must be properly appointed and recorded on the register at the time of filing.
Using a Corporate Service Provider as your filing agent
Engaging a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) is practical when directors are overseas, when external compliance is already managed, or when endorsement coordination is needed. A CSP can manage reminders, prepare documentation and submit the application on behalf of the firm.
Importantly, directors remain responsible for ensuring the entity meets eligibility criteria and that declarations to any government agency are accurate. Majority authorisation from the board is still required, and the filer should hold clear internal confirmation before submission.
How to apply via BizFile: online filing steps
Start the filing by confirming who will log into BizFile and when endorsements will be gathered. This reduces last‑minute delays and ensures the correct officers can act on the chosen date.
Access and the eService
Log into BizFile using Singpass or Corppass. Select the “Apply to strike off business entity” eService and follow the on‑screen prompts.
What you will need
Keep the entity UEN, officer names and contact details at hand. Prepare a short confirmation that eligibility checks were completed, even though uploads are not required.
Fees, documents and timing
There is no filing fee and ACRA does not need supporting documents for the online form. However, internal compliance and advisory costs may still apply.
Director endorsements and the 14‑day rule
The application must be endorsed by all or a majority of the directors within 14 days of the application date. If endorsements are not completed, the application will lapse and you will lose valuable time.
“Agree the target date and confirm directors can access BizFile before submitting.”
Practical tips: set an internal deadline, avoid submitting just before leave or public holidays, and remember the entity stays on the register until final removal. Maintain statutory vigilance until the outcome is complete.
What happens after filing: ACRA review and notifications
When the application is lodged, ACRA runs eligibility checks and cross‑references agency records to spot any outstanding matters.
ACRA review focuses on whether there is reasonable cause to believe the company is not carrying on business and whether the declared criteria appear satisfied.
Strike‑off letters to officers and government agencies
If ACRA proceeds, written notices are sent to the firm’s registered office and to officers at the addresses on file.
Letters also go to IRAS and the CPF Board. That is why accurate officer contact data matters: tax or CPF issues can surface during this stage.
Timeline expectations: why it usually takes at least three months
Even a clean application commonly needs at least three months to complete. Public notice requirements in the Government Gazette and any objections add to the time required.
Directors should check BizFile and postal addresses regularly. Monitor messages and be ready to respond if legacy creditors or similar‑named entities raise concerns.
“Keep contact details current so notices reach the right people and any queries can be dealt with promptly.”
Government Gazette notices and the time to strike off
Gazette publications act as an open alert to anyone with a claim against the business. These notices give creditors and other interested parties a clear chance to object before the firm is removed from the public register.
First Gazette Notification and the public notice period
The First Gazette Notification starts the formal public notice period. Once the firm’s name is published, directors should immediately re‑check for overlooked liabilities, open contracts or unpaid creditors.
Do this quickly: review bank closures, confirm final tax positions and contact known counterparties. Early action reduces the risk that an objection will delay completion.
Final Gazette Notification and the date the company is struck off the register
If no objection arises, ACRA republishes the name after 60 days. That 60‑day interval is a fixed part of the time needed to reach final removal.
The Final Gazette Notification is decisive. The firm is listed as struck off the register on the stated date in that final notice.
“An objection during the Gazette period can pause or derail completion, so be proactive and transparent with known stakeholders.”
- Purpose: public notice lets creditors object before dissolution.
- Start point: First Gazette publication — review records immediately.
- Interval: 60 days between first and final notices, contributing to total time.
- Decisive act: Final Gazette Notification — the date the firm is struck off.
- Risk: any objection can delay or stop the outcome, so keep stakeholders informed.
Application approval vs successful strike off: what your company status means
Approval of the application signals that ACRA will process the case, but the legal status does not change immediately.
What “Live” status means during processing
The entity remains listed on the ACRA register and continues to be a legal company. Directors must keep monitoring mail, filings and statutory duties.
What changes once the company is removed
When the final notice is published and the firm is company struck, it ceases to exist as a legal company. Contracts, asset ownership and claims are affected and third parties should be notified where relevant.
Important note on outstanding tax credit and IPTO claims
If there is an outstanding tax credit at dissolution, ACRA transfers it to the Insolvency & Public Trustee’s Office (IPTO). Shareholders must claim any refund from IPTO, which may charge a handling fee.
| Item | Effect | Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application approved | Processing starts; remains live | Keep records and monitor notices | Days to weeks |
| Company struck | No legal existence | Notify counterparties; settle outstanding matters | Final Gazette date |
| Tax credit | Paid to IPTO | File claim with IPTO (fees may apply) | After strike date; may take years |
Note: Under the Companies Act restoration is possible, but reinstatement brings statutory obligations back. For extra clarity on terms, see our terms and conditions.
Objections, withdrawals, and restoring a struck-off company
An objection can halt removal quickly, so know who may object and why.
Who can object: creditors, contractors, claimants or any interested person with a legitimate claim may lodge an objection via BizFile at no fee. Objections protect real interests and prevent unfair deletion of a name.
How to lodge an objection in BizFile
Log into BizFile and file an objection, state clear reasons and attach supporting evidence. If the lodger omits proof, ACRA may reject the objection or ask for more information.
Common supporting documents
- Invoices, purchase orders, bank statements
- Lease or utility bills, contracts or approved licences
- IRAS assessments, CPF records, court writs or liquidator notices
| Event | Effect | Required action |
|---|---|---|
| Objection approved | Application paused | Company notified; resolve within 2 months |
| Not cleared in 2 months | Application lapses | Reapply only after clearance |
| Withdrawal | Application stopped before final notice | File withdrawal in BizFile (no fee) |
“Only the lodger sees objection status in their BizFile inbox and must clear it to let the filing continue.”
If needed, restoration is possible within six years by Court Order filed via BizFile. The entity returns to live status and must meet statutory duties such as annual returns and filings.
Conclusion
Plan each step carefully to avoid delays and unexpected objections during the final stage. Follow a clear sequence: confirm eligibility, tidy accounts and records, submit the online filing via BizFile, then secure director endorsements promptly.
Key risk reducers: settle tax and CPF matters, discharge registered charges, close bank accounts and keep documentary proof ready even if uploads are not required.
Remember the timeline logic: ACRA’s review plus First and Final Gazette notices means the whole route commonly takes at least three months. The entity remains live until the Final Gazette Notification, so duties continue after submission.
If there are unresolved liabilities, disputes or active proceedings, consider formal winding up or insolvency alternatives rather than forcing an ineligible removal. See the ACRA guide for official detail.
FAQ
What are the simple steps to apply for a company to be struck off the ACRA register?
When is a strike-off suitable for an inactive or dormant business?
When should I consider winding up or insolvency instead of a strike-off?
What eligibility checks must be completed before applying?
What happens if false declarations are made on the application?
How should I confirm outstanding tax and GST matters with IRAS?
What pre‑application housekeeping avoids delays or rejection?
Which documents and approvals do I need to prepare?
Who may submit the application on BizFile?
How do I file through BizFile and what are the key online steps?
What fees and supporting documents should I expect to supply?
What happens after filing and how long does ACRA take to review?
What are Government Gazette notices and how do they affect timing?
What does the company’s status show during processing?
Can outstanding tax credits or Intellectual Property Office claims affect the outcome?
Who can object to an application and how is an objection lodged?
What evidence might ACRA request to support an objection?
What happens if an objection is approved and a two‑month resolution window applies?
How can a company withdraw an application before completion?
Is restoration possible after removal and what is the time limit?
Dean Cheong, CEO of VOffice, is a Singapore-based specialist in scaling B2B businesses. His work centers on optimizing sales operations, launching effective go-to-market strategies, and leveraging CRM tools to drive consistent revenue expansion. With a foundation in business banking and finance from Nanyang Technological University, Dean brings both strategic insight and real-world execution to every engagement.