A beginner guide on ECI in Singapore (2026)

Companies incorporated in Singapore are required to submit a number of annual reports to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to inform them of their financial and operational performance. The reports include Estimated Taxable Income (ECI), Corporate Income Tax Report (Form C/CS), and several other reports. However, ECI and form C/CS are the two most important reports that businesses in Singapore need to pay attention to. Late submission or failure to submit ECI and form C/CS on time will result in various penalties that can affect the business of the company. 

The following article by GLA will help businesses understand:

• What is an Estimated Taxable Income (ECI) Statement?
• Procedure for filing estimated taxable income (ECI) reports.

1. What is an estimated taxable income (ECI) report?

Estimated Chargeable Income (“ECI”) is an estimate of a Singapore company’s taxable profit (after deducting allowable expenses) for a Year of Assessment (“YA”).

2. When to file estimated taxable income (ECI) returns

Singapore companies required to file estimated taxable income (ECI) returns within 3 months from the end of the fiscal year:

• Singapore companies will receive a notice from IRAS requiring them to file ECI in the last month of their financial year.
• If the Singapore company does not receive the notice and does not meet the conditions for exemption from filing ECI, the Singapore company must still file within 3 months from the end of the financial year.

For example, the due date for filing estimated taxable income (ECI) reports varies depending on different fiscal years ended. 

3. Procedure for submitting estimated taxable income (ECI) report

4. Cases where Enterprises do not need to pay estimated taxable income 

In Singapore, not all businesses are required to pay estimated corporate income tax (ECI). Here are some cases where businesses do not need to pay ECI:

• Annual turnover of SGD 5 million or less during the financial year; and
• Estimated taxable income is zero for the financial year (YA). The ECI must be the amount before deduction of the tax-free amount as per Singapore corporate income tax exemption or tax exemption scheme for Singapore start-up companies.

However, it should be noted that exemption from ECI does not mean that the business is completely exempt from tax obligations. The business is still required to pay Corporate income tax return (Form C/CS) annually to declare income and other items as prescribed by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

5. Late or non-payment of estimated taxable income (ECI)

If the enterprise fails to submit ECI within 3 months from the end of the fiscal year and at the same time fails to meet the conditions for exemption from submitting ECI.

IRAS will automatically estimate the business's turnover and send it Notice of AssessmentEven if you do not agree with the Tax Payment Notice from IRAS, businesses must still pay taxes within the deadline stated on the NOA if they do not want to be fined or forced by IRAS. 

6. In case of disagreement with IRAS tax payment notice

If a business disagrees with the IRAS Tax Notice, it can send Notice of Objection within two months from the date of receipt of the Notice of Assessment.

In the Complaint, the company must provide: (1) The reason for late or non-submission of ECI; (2) The exact estimated taxable income (ECI) the company needs to submit. 

Even if the company disagrees with IRAS's estimate, the tax payment must still be made within 1 month from the date stated on the Notice of Assessment.

7. How does GLA support businesses in submitting estimated taxable income reports?

As a trusted partner of entrepreneurs, GLA can help you

• Assess whether the company is required to file estimated income tax (ECI) returns in Singapore.
• Prepare estimated income tax (ECI) returns in Singapore.
• The representative of the Singapore company submits the estimated income tax (ECI) report to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). 
• Support Singapore companies to implement tax reporting, financial reporting for Singapore companies, declare GST tax, Corporate income tax, etc.

8. Frequently asked questions about reporting estimated taxable income (ECI) for Singapore companies

Highlights

• Estimated Taxable Income (ECI) Statement is an important annual filing for Singapore companies.
• ECI report must be submitted within 3 months from the Singapore company's financial year end.
• Singapore companies with annual turnover of less than SGD 5 million and estimated taxable income of zero are not required to file an ECI report.