What Is an Annual Return?

An Annual Return (AR) is a mandatory submission to SSM that updates your company’s latest information, including:

• Directors
• Shareholders
• Registered address
• Business activities
• Company secretary details

All Sdn Bhd companies in Malaysia are required to file an Annual Return, including dormant companies.

Filing Requirement

Requirement	Timeline
Annual Return Filing	Within 30 days from company incorporation anniversary date

Example:

If your company was incorporated on 15 May 2025, your Annual Return must be filed by 14 June 2026.

Sample of Annual Return

Consequences of Failing to File Annual Return

Failure to submit your company’s Annual Return (AR) is an offence under Section 68 of the Companies Act 2016.

Possible Penalties & Consequences

Offence	Possible Penalty / Consequence
Failure to lodge Annual Return within 30 days from anniversary date	Fine of up to RM50,000
Continuing offence after conviction	Additional fine of up to RM1,000 per day
Repeated or prolonged non-compliance	Compounds issued by SSM
Failure to file Annual Return for 3 or more consecutive years	Risk of company being struck off by SSM

Sample Penalty / Compound Notice

Common Mistakes

• Assuming dormant companies are exempt
• Missing anniversary dates
• Confusing tax filing with Annual Return filing
• Ignoring SSM reminders
• Filing too late after penalties accumulate

How Altomate Can Help

Managing Annual Return (AR) filings can become stressful when business owners are already handling daily operations, finances, and compliance deadlines.

Many companies only realise they have missed their Annual Return after receiving reminders, compounds, or compliance notices from SSM.

Altomate helps simplify the process through:

• Annual Return preparation & filing
• Monitoring of incorporation anniversary deadlines
• Compliance reminders before due dates
• Digital company secretary support
• Assistance with overdue Annual Returns
• Guidance on SSM compliance requirements
• Digital document management for easier record keeping

This helps businesses reduce the risk of:

• Late filing penalties
• Missed compliance deadlines
• Accumulated compounds from SSM
• Company strike-off risks
• Last-minute filing complications

Need Assistance?

Contact Altomate on WhatsApp for assistance with:

• Late filings
• Compliance checks
• Penalty guidance
• Ongoing company secretary support