ACRA and BizFile Singapore: Registration, Business profile, and company search

Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, more commonly known as ACRA, regulates the world of doing business in Singapore.

ACRA operates the BizFile+ portal, an online platform that serves as a one-stop solution for business registrations, filings, and information retrieval.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding ACRA’s BizFile+.

What is ACRA?

ACRA, standing for the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, is a regulatory body that oversees companies and public accountants in Singapore.

Suppose you're looking to establish and operate a business in Singapore. You'll first need to undergo the ACRA registration process. ACRA mandated companies to submit all applications online through BizFile.

ACRA issues a Unique Entity Number (UEN) to Singapore-registered business entities. This 9-10 digit UEN serves as a universal ID across all transactions and agencies, simplifying the identification process.

Companies must report any modifications, such as address, hierarchy, directors, or name changes, to ACRA as per the Companies Act. Non-compliance may lead to being struck off the register, affecting both the company and directors' prospects.

ACRA also assists businesses in closing operations by ensuring proper paperwork is filed to strike off non-operational companies from their register.

What is Bizfile?

BizFile is an online filing and information retrieval system provided by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in Singapore.

The platform enables businesses to manage their compliance and regulatory obligations with ease. Key features of BizFile include:

1. Company Registration: BizFile simplifies the process of registering a new business entity in Singapore.
2. Annual Returns: Companies can file their annual returns electronically through BizFile.
3. Updating Business Information: Users can update and maintain their business information, such as company name, address, and directors, on the platform.
4. Compliance Alerts: BizFile provides timely reminders for upcoming statutory obligations.
5. Business Profile and Extracts: Users can purchase business profiles, certificates of good standing, and other official documents via BizFile.

Overall, BizFile offers a convenient, centralized hub for managing various aspects of business registration, compliance, and information retrieval, making it easier for companies to navigate Singapore's regulatory landscape.

What can BizFile+ be used for?  

Businesses can use BizFile+ to complete:Online Business Registration

1. Company closure
2. File annual returns
3. Submit your company's financial statements.
4. Change your company's registered address.
5. Update changes in the company's hierarchy.
6. Modify the personal information of officers and members.
7. Utilize the ACRA central directory to search for Unique Entity Numbers.
8. Connect to key platforms like the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.
9. Obtain industry reports and insights.
10. Purchase ACRA Profiles
11. Conduct inquiries about Medisave partners, CPF owner status, and approval/referral professionals.

Who can use BizFile+?

BizFile+ is most applicable within the jurisdiction of Singapore. It is designed for use by Singapore-registered entities, including private limited companies, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and foreign companies registered in Singapore.

The platform is also utilized by corporate service providers and the general public seeking information on businesses registered in Singapore.

How can I register on BizFile Singapore?

To register your business on BizFile+, follow these steps:

1. Visit the BizFile+ website: Go to the official BizFile+ portal. Click here.
2. Log in with your SingPass: Click the "Login" button and sign in using your SingPass ID and password. If you're a foreign user without a SingPass, create a BizFile+ user account.
3. Complete the registration form: Fill out the necessary information, including your business name, type, and address.
4. Select your business activities: Specify the primary and secondary activities of your business.
5. Submit supporting documents: Upload any required documents, such as your company's constitution or identification documents for key personnel.
6. Pay the registration fee: Use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal to pay the registration fee.
7. Review and submit: Double-check your application for accuracy, then submit it for review by ACRA.
8. Receive confirmation: Once your registration is approved, you'll receive a confirmation email with your Unique Entity Number (UEN) and a Business Profile extract. After completing the registration process on BizFile+, you can access the portal's features and manage your business's compliance obligations from one dashboard.

How do I check my ACRA business profile?

To access business information on ACRA's official website, follow these steps: Visit the ACRA website:

1. Go to the ACRA website
2. Click on "Find Information"
3. Enter the business name or registration number in the search bar.
4. Browse through the search results to find the desired business.
5. Click on the business name to view its profile.

In case of any issues or if you need further assistance, contact ACRA directly: Call the ACRA hotline at 6248 6028 from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm (Monday-Friday, except for public holidays). Send your inquiries via email to ACRA Enquiry.

How can I renew my BizFile registration?

If you are a business owner and you have a valid CorpPass account, you can renew your BizFile+ registration anytime 60 days before the expiry date. The ACRA BizFile renewal fee is $30 for one year or $90 for three years.

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