Strike Off Procedure for a Company in Singapore

Strike Off Procedure for a Company in Singapore

If you’re ready to close your local company, striking it off via ACRA is often a straightforward and cost-free way to do so. This guide breaks down the process clearly. Here’s how you can proceed.

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1. Check if You Qualify

First and foremost, it’s essential to make sure you meet the criteria. ACRA may approve your request only if there’s reasonable cause to believe your company isn’t carrying on business. Specifically, you’ll need to ensure:

• The company hasn’t commenced trading since incorporation or has already ceased operations.

• There are no outstanding obligations to IRAS, CPF Board, or other government agencies.

• There are no charges, ongoing legal proceedings, or regulatory or disciplinary actions pending.

• The company holds no assets or liabilities, including any contingent ones.

• Finally, all or the majority of directors must authorize the application.

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2. Resolve Outstanding Tax Credits

Importantly, if the company has any outstanding tax credit, sort this out first. Once the company is struck off, any such credit will be transferred to the Insolvency and Public Trustee’s Office (IPTO). Shareholders may still claim it from IPTO, though there may be associated fees.

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3. Submit Your Application Through BizFile

After confirming eligibility:

• Log in to BizFile using your CorpPass credentials.

• Submit the striking‑off application. This may be done by a director, company secretary, or a corporate service provider on behalf of the company.

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4. Navigate the Review Process

Once ACRA approves your application, the process unfolds as follows:

1. A striking‑off letter is sent to the company’s registered office, officers, IRAS, and CPF Board.

2. If there are no objections, ACRA will publish the First Gazette Notification in the Government Gazette.

3. Sixty days later, if still no objections are lodged, the Final Gazette Notification is published—at which point the company is officially struck off.

In total, expect this process to take at least four months.

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5. What If Someone Objects?

In some cases, an interested party may object:

• Objections can be submitted via BizFile, free of charge.

• You must state the reasons and provide supporting documents; incomplete submissions may be rejected.

• If accepted, the company has 2 months to resolve the issue.

• If unresolved, the striking‑off application lapses, and a new application must be made.

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6. Clearing Objections

Should an objection be lodged:

• The objector must log in to BizFile and clear the objection within 2 months of lodging it.

• Only then can ACRA proceed with the striking off.

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7. Withdrawing Your Application

At any point after approval but before final gazette, the application can be withdrawn via BizFile—again with no fee. Note:

• Only the original applicant (director, company secretary, or CSP) can withdraw.

• For CSPs, it must be someone from the same firm that filed the application.

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8. Restoring a Struck-Off Company

Even after a company has been struck off, all is not lost:

• A company can be restored within six years by obtaining a Court Order.

• Simply lodge this Order via BizFile, and the company status will revert to “live”—again, with no filing fee.

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Summary Table

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By following these structured steps—and with a blend of careful preparation and attention to timing—you can confidently walk through the striking-off process. If you’d like help drafting the application or navigating BizFile, feel free to reach out!

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute any professional advice. Feel free to contact us to consult with our professional advisors team for personalized advice and guidance.

Sources: https://www.acra.gov.sg/how-to-guides/striking-off-a-local-company