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News & Updates
company registration
May 25, 2022
7 Helpful Company Registration Tips for Small Businesses
Statistics show that there are over 500 million businesses worldwide. As development in various industries continues, more and more aspiring entrepreneurs start their businesses. But before one can be on top of the game, they have to undergo the company registration process.
If you are planning to establish a business, here are some steps you can take to make the procedure more efficient.
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Choose a Suitable Business Structure
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Sole Proprietorship:
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Partnership:
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Private Limited Liability Company:
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Public Company:
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Establish Your Brand
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Find a Strategic Location
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Compile the Requirements Beforehand
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Get an Employer Identification Number
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Obtain Licenses and Permits
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Open a Business Bank Account
Before you proceed with the company registration services, you must first choose the business’s structure. In doing so, make sure that it matches the nature of your enterprise. And remember, the requirements you have to submit to offices, the standards you have to meet, the taxes you pay, your liability, and your earning potential will largely depend on the business structure you have chosen.
Types of Business Structures
Also known as sole tradership or individual entrepreneurship, a sole proprietorship is a type of business owned and managed by one person. It means that the owner of the company is the one who will pay the income tax and enjoy the revenue earned.
In most countries, you don’t need to register a company established as a sole proprietorship. Still, you have to obtain the necessary permit and licenses for business legitimacy and legality. Taking that into consideration, most sole proprietors find this type of business structure the easiest to establish.
In a partnership, two or more parties agree to oversee and run a business. With that, they also share the company’s liabilities and profits. Partnerships can either be general or limited.
A general partnership means that all the parties who agree to run the business will work hand-in-hand to manage the business’s daily operations. They also share equal responsibilities, profits, and losses.
On the other hand, a general partnership includes general and limited partners. While the general partners are involved in business management, limited partners only serve as the company’s investors. Therefore, they typically don’t have the rights when it comes to decision making.
Private Limited Liability Company (Pte Ltd) is a business structure that safeguards the owners from debts, liabilities, and other personal responsibilities. The owners are therefore separated from companies and are not obligated to pay the debts of their company. With this arrangement, the assets that the creditors can pursue are only those that belong to the company, not to the members.
In law, a public company is an independent legal organization whose operations are separate from its owners. Like Pte Ltds, a corporation protects you from personal liability, but there are more regulations and requirements that you are obligated to comply with when you choose this business structure.
In deciding which business structure you will implement for your organization, make sure that you take into consideration your liability, taxes, control over the business, and the volume of paperwork involved. Choose wisely!
Your company name is the foundation of your brand. Considering its importance in the entirety of your company’s reputation, you have to think of a company name that will best represent your brand’s values. See to it that the name is easy to remember, unique, and will suit the nature of your business at the same time.
Additionally, you may add in your company name the abbreviation that corresponds with your business structure (e.g., Ltd or Limited. For corporations, Pte Ltd or Private Limited for private limited liability company, etc.). It is also important to note that names with regulated words like bank, broker, or legal may take longer to approve during the company registration process.
If you are about to build a brick-and-mortar store, choose a location that gives your business a great advantage to scale. Make sure that the area has high foot traffic so you can generate more profit. Aside from that, you also have to check if the area is safe and if the price fits your budget.
Whether you are establishing a physical or online store, bear in mind that your business’s location affects the taxes you pay, the requirements you will comply with, and the revenue you will receive.
For a more efficient company registration process, it would help to complete your requirements before proceeding with the registration. Typically, you need to submit a company constitution, signed consent to act, and documentation that reflects essential information about your company, including its name, purpose, and address.
If you start your company with ContactOne, we’ll take care of the company registration procedure for you. Just check our website to know the requirements you need to send us, so we can proceed with the registration. With our affordable company registration services, you have one less thing to worry about.
A Unique Entity Number (UEN) is a number assigned to your entity for immediate recognition by the all statutory boards in Singapore including the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Central Provident Fund Board (CPF). The UEN is thus the the identification number for the company. Obtaining a UEN is a requirement for all regulatory matters including tax reporting. Without this number, you also can’t open a bank account for your business.
A business can only have a smooth-sailing operation if it has the necessary licenses and permits asked by the state and/or country. However, note that the licenses and permits you need to have for your business vary, depending on your business activities, location, and the state and government rules. With that, the fees you have to pay and the documents you need to submit will also be different.
For this process, you must do your research to ensure that you have everything you need and to keep track of whether or not the licenses and permits need renewal after a specific period.
When you have a company, it is vital to have a bank account dedicated to the business alone. Doing so allows you to manage your cash flow. Plus, you need a business account for employee compensation.
In most cases, banks require you to submit proof of identity of you and your partners who own more than a certain % of the business depending on the bank you are opening the account with. Also, you need to present the Company Constitution other the details of your Company.
Save Time, Skip the Line, Start Your Company with ContactOne!
We hear you! Setting up a company consumes your time and energy. That is why ContactOne is here to help you with your company registration at a price that you can surely afford. Give us a call now, dial 8666 3633 for company registration and secretarial matters or send an email at [email protected].
May 25, 2022
Top Reasons to Set Up a Business in Singapore
The location of your business plays a significant role in its success. Remember, no matter how much you take care of the internal factors of your company, it will still face threats of failure if you don’t look into the internal environment. For this reason, you need to choose a place that will only give you little to no hassle from company registration to operations.
Well-developed countries like Singapore give company owners and aspiring entrepreneurs a conducive environment for business success. Here’s why:
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Ease of Doing Business
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Provides a Strategic Location
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Excellent Tax Structure
- Income Tax
- Goods and Services Tax
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Reliable Legal System
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Access to Exceptional Talent Pool
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World-Class Infrastructure
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Availability of the Latest Communication Technology
Singapore constantly clinches one of the top spots when it comes to the best countries in the world to do business. As featured in Forbes, Singapore ranked eighth in 2018, while it is first in trade freedom and sixth in property rights in the same year.
Not only that, data from The World Bank revealed that Singapore ranks second in the ease of doing business index in 2019, right next to New Zealand. The reason being is that the country has business-friendly regulations.
Singapore has continuously proved these findings by being efficient in the company registration process and requiring only 1 Singaporean Dollar for paid-up capital. It will only take you about two days to incorporate your business in the country as long as you prepare the requirements beforehand.
Being in the central part of Southeast Asia, Singapore opens doors to countless opportunities for entrepreneurs. In addition, the country’s world-class ports pave the way for convenient flights to over 330 major cities in the world, which ultimately established connections with prominent countries.
For these reasons, Singapore’s logistics performance is among the best in the world—making it easier for businesses to complete economic transactions.
The country is also home to approximately 120 commercial banks, 30 merchant banks, and 600 capital markets services license holders. Therefore, business owners have a stable location and less risky investment possibilities.
One thing that adds a burden to business owners is the tax they have to pay to the government. In most cases, these are the types of taxes a business must pay:
– It is the money levied by the government based on the income a business earns. To determine how much tax t are obliged to pay, they need to file an income tax return on a yearly basis.
– It is the money collected by the government for the sale of goods and services. This is the additional percentage that the consumers have to pay when purchasing goods or acquiring services. However, businesses don’t directly pay sales tax to the authorities since the retailers collect it during the point of sale, then transfer it to the government. *You only need to account for GST if you are a GST registered entity.
So, what makes Singapore different in terms of taxes?
The simplicity and rationality of the country’s tax system is something that merits an acknowledgement. The governing body in Singapore doesn’t levy tax on a business’ capital gains and dividends. Moreover, Singapore’s headline corporate tax rate is only 17% as of this writing.
Based on data from Forbes, Singapore ranks sixth as the least corrupt country in the world as of 2018. The country’s officials and its citizens value transparency, giving business owners an assurance that there will be no fiscal distortions and financial damage is less of a possibility.
Furthermore, the strong legal system of Singapore protects both investors and business owners from fraud.
For a corporate entity, skilled workers are the lifeblood of their operations. Without these people, it will be impossible to deliver quality products or services to the customers.
In Singapore, the lack of skilled employees is not something you have to worry about. The country has exceptional talents, who are mostly bilingual—establishing effective communication between parties. The workers in Singapore are also productive and efficient, who follows good conduct and ethics.
Singapore’s world-class infrastructure is a great advantage for business owners. First, it enables the workers to report to work safely and on time. Also, it helps customers to go to your stores more easily.
The country’s world-class airport also provides a smoother path for trading, which can power business. Apart from ports, it also has an advanced highway system, towering commercial buildings, and modern subways.
Now that we are in the modern era, having fast internet speed is essential, especially in the field of communication. It fosters good relationships and enables collaboration between teams. In Singapore, this is something you can enjoy. In fact, about 99% of the citizens have access to the country’s broadband network.
Start a Business Today!
Data from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) showed that Singapore has over 547,000 registered business entities as of July 2021. It is an increase of approximately 8,000 registrants from the 539,000 registered businesses last January 2021. As the country’s economy continues to rise, more and more entrepreneurs establish their businesses in Singapore.
Now that you know the advantages of setting up a business in Singapore, are you planning to follow the paths of the business people who succeeded in the country? If so, leave the company registration process to our skilled company registration consultants. Take care of your business plans while we set up your company in Singapore. Call us on 8666 3633 for company registration and secretarial matters, and let’s do business.
March 29, 2022
5 Things to Look for in a Company Registration Service Provider
A company registration service provider plays a crucial role in achieving success for new businesses. You can achieve short- and long-term goals through a reliable provider that can help form your business. However, because many companies offer business supports in Singapore and all of them are vying for new clients, choosing the right one for your enterprise can leave you scratching your head. That is why finding the company registration service provider that matches your business needs is essential.
There are several key points to look out for before outsourcing a service provider. Aside from weighing which service provider to turn to and who their previous clients are, it would also be best to know how they will help set up and handle your business. Always keep in mind that not every corporate service provider will suit your business’s structure. Hence, before you hire a service provider to help with company registration, here is a list of things to remember:
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Identify the Specialty of the Service Provider
A company specialising in the services that a business offers or the products they sell increases productivity and provides an advantage compared to a company that handles everything haphazardly. With this level of familiarity, business owners can focus on certain areas of the field they operate in and guarantee high-quality services. Based on your business, hire a company registration service provider who specialises in whatever you want to achieve.
Moreover, service providers also offer additional business support on top of company registration, such as corporate secretarial, accounting, and tax services, among others. In case you are considering many services at once, ensure that the service provider you work with offer these services under specialised departments.
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Don’t Miss Out on Good Organisation
Although Singapore is one of the best places to start a business, challenges are still inevitable. Most of the time, the challenges come from the ever-changing laws and regulations over the business industry in the country. And it can be difficult to keep up, especially for a startup owner who is a newbie and has limited knowledge about the statutory requirements of Singapore.
A company registration service provider with a good organisation can easily find its way around the legal requirements and other paperwork. You can tell if a service provider has a well-organised company by assessing its inventory and interviewing the customer service department.
Do not hesitate to turn down an offer if you think a service provider is internally challenged based on your assessment. It will save you time and resources. Move on to finding another company registration service provider instead. For sure, you will find the best one for your enterprise if you know where to look.
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Always Consider Reliable Communication
Forming a company in Singapore involves a lot of liaising works. A good deal of information is exchanged with the client during various transactions. And, sometimes, a corporate service provider has to confirm some details on behalf of the client. With good communication, it is easier to negotiate and ensure that goals are achieved.
As a client looking for reliable business support services, good communication should be something you should take a closer look at. Work with a service provider that has a customer care desk and an open communication channel to cater to customer concerns all the time.
In addition, effective communication helps foster a good relationship between a business owner and a service provider. Without proper communication skills, it leaves all parties involved unsatisfied and unaccomplished in doing their respective tasks. It is the last thing you want to happen as a startup trying to emerge in a business hub like Singapore.
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Dig a Little Deeper into the Firm’s Reputation
Some of the best recommendations come from referrals, or what most of us know as word-of-mouth. What other businesses say about a service provider they worked with is the most honest marketing tool.
Before signing a contract, ask a service provider for a list of past clients. If you reach out to that reference list, past clients will tell you about their experiences. When it comes to finding the right corporate service provider for your business, leave no stone unturned and always conduct a thorough assessment.
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Let Transparency and Assurance Seal the Deal
As a new business in Singapore, you should turn to a service provider with the intention to set up your business successfully. That is why is it vital that you outsource a company that is willing to be open about all the transactions and other processes they will take on to form your business. If a service provider does not do so, it is your wake-up call to discontinue working with them.
What makes an excellent service provider is their willingness to be transparent of their plans to help your business become its best version. Lack of transparency means lack of trust moving forward. And it would be best if you avoid this.
Working with a qualified service provider that matches the effort you need to register your company can give you an edge in achieving your business goals. More than that, your business ensures compliance with statutory regulations, which every business in Singapore needs to work towards corporate success and sustainability.
Get the Best Company Registration Services in Singapore from ContactOne!
Why choose ContactOne? As a country experiencing constant growth in businesses and startups, Singapore welcomes new investors who want to start their businesses. Although it has been said that Singapore is business-friendly, some things should be taken considered, too. ContactOne is well-aware of these things and ready to take on the job to help form your business.
We are approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). And that is how you know we guarantee the best results if we act on behalf of your business in company registration and secretarial lodgment needs. To know more about ContactOne and our services, call us on +65 6333 0633 or +65 8666 3633. We will get things done for your business on time!
March 29, 2022
How Company Registration Services Can Make the Registration Process Easier for Business Owners
Singapore is consistently acknowledged as a good place to start a business. The city-state has a significant role as an epicentre of trade in Asia. How did Singapore come this far?
Many factors are contributing to Singapore’s success in being a global business hub. These are impressive infrastructures, stable politics, open business policies, a skilled workforce, and a high English fluency rating, among others. All this puts Singapore on top of the list of excellent places to start a business.
The Common Problem of Starting a Business in Singapore
However, setting up an enterprise is not as easy as it seems, even in Singapore. Although the country always welcomes new business ventures from investors, many things should be taken care of before a business owner can successfully establish a local company. One of the most common difficulties a startup may face is company registration. Because registration kicks off the entrepreneurship process, it can be challenging, especially for inexperienced people with limited knowledge of running a company in Singapore.
The good thing is that there is a solution to problems connected with company registration. A company registration services provider can help register your company in Singapore and provide additional supports, such as company secretarial, accounting, and tax services. Company registration is now less hassle and cost-efficient if you turn to company registration services.
Continue reading the list below and find out how company registration services can make the registration process easier for business owners. Let us take a closer look.
Company Registration Services Make Company Formation in Singapore Easier
There are many Singapore-based service providers that can help with company registration. With many service providers trying to win over clients, it can be difficult to choose one. Finding the right company registration services provider is very crucial because it can make or break your company. It is important to understand what you are getting into by determining what services you can get from these service providers.
Here is how the company registration services help make business formation easy in a business landscape like Singapore:
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Uses Professional Methods
The laws and regulations governing businesses in Singapore are ever-changing. Sometimes, it can be hard to keep up with these changes on top of the daily business operations. A firm working with a company registration services provider is no longer required to process legal requirements because the service provider will do this.
With an extensive knowledge of what documents are required by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), a company registration services provider can single-handedly comply with the laws on your company’s behalf. Only professionals understand the ins and outs of running a business. Thus, it is only right to hire a service provider today.
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Assists in Setting Up an Enterprise
Try to picture this—after successfully setting up your business, it is easy to think you know how to run it. But the truth is, it is only the start of the real challenge. After days, weeks, and months of doing everything from taking phone calls to hiring trusted employees to look after various business operations, you can quickly justify your business knowledge. But in case there is an operation you and your employees cannot handle, a service provider can.
When it comes to setting up an enterprise in Singapore, a provider of company registration services can help establish a robust business foundation. This takes away some of your responsibilities; thus, you can focus on other key elements essential for business growth. Always put your best foot forward, especially in company registration, because it is one of the avenues that help your business succeed.
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Offers Affordable Solutions
Believe it or not, hiring a service provider to handle company registration saves time and money. Running a business requires hefty financial resources. And if you employ more people than your business can pay, the possibility of overspending is high. A corporate services provider can easily get things done with their expertise and knowledge about the business industry. Their experiences are equivalent to a team composed of several members. Thus, a business can cut costs by outsourcing than hiring full-time employees.
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Promotes Time-Bound Solutions
According to the World Bank’s Doing Business 2019, Singapore is one of the world’s best places to start a business. This result is from a survey conducted in 189 economies around the world. With that said, it is easier and quicker to form a company in Singapore. Given all the proper requirements, the process of business registration only takes one day. But things could be an uphill battle if the government changes some laws. This circumstance is when a company registration services provider becomes more beneficial than ever.
Forming a company on your own is a time-consuming task. You have to understand the business laws and Singapore’s legal issues. In doing just that, you would not have time to go through the process of company registration and other business activities. It is best to entrust the entire registration process to a service provider. You can rely on them to go above and beyond, accomplish your goals by taking care of legal matters relevant to your business. There is no other perfect time like the present to turn to a company registration services provider.
Are You Looking for a Service Provider That Will Help in Forming Your Business?
Turn to ContactOne to provide you with corporate services. We understand that running a business in a competitive business landscape like Singapore is not easy to take on personally. Because of that and the ever-changing business industry, we tailored our services to guarantee the best results.
Being registered under ACRA, we are accredited to act on behalf of other businesses or represent them in legal transactions. Let us work together and incorporate your business with our professional methods. Call us now on +65 6333 0633 or +65 8666 3633. If you want to leave a message, send it through [email protected].
December 2, 2021
4 Things to Consider When Hiring Secretarial Services in Singapore
Everyone would agree that hiring the right talents paves the way to a profitable business. Among the employees that should be on board, your company is a competent and qualified secretary. Whether you manage a startup, run an existing corporation, or plan to penetrate the bustling Singaporean business hub, a corporate secretary plays a crucial role in a successful business venture. However, considering that you are in a competent and saturated corporate landscape, be reminded that your business can encounter several challenges that might distract success. In this circumstance, exploring all available avenues that could be helpful to push your business to be better is critical. One of the options you have is to consider hiring company secretarial services Singapore.
There are many providers of company secretarial services in Singapore. For that reason, hunting for one may be a tricky task. Even though top firms highlight the need for qualified individuals with the ideal skills, experience, and commitment, it is essential to look deeper into your needs and demands as a corporation. If you search for secretarial services, here is a list of things you need to consider:
1. Assess Knowledge of Rules and Regulations
One of a secretary’s many duties has something to do with providing legal assistance to a company. That is why it only makes sense to hire a service provider knowledgeable of Singapore’s laws and regulations. Other duties include maintaining an office set up, arranging annual general meetings, filing taxes, and maintaining company records.
2. Ensure Proper Qualifications
As businesses grow and develop corporate governance, the role of a corporate secretary also evolves. Outsourcing a service provider, as a result, is beneficial. It allows you to focus on core functions and strategic opportunities. So, make sure your corporate secretarial service provider meets proper qualifications.
Basically, these requirements are part of the standard procedure for hiring new employees or engaging with a service provider. The list below is just a suggestion and can be adjusted based on your business specifications. Make sure to consider them if you are switching service providers. (All these requirements are based on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority or ACRA).
- Must be a resident of the country where your business is headquartered.
- Must have several years of secretarial experience before the appointment; or
- Must be a qualified individual as mandated by the law, or
- Must be a public accountant registered under the law, or
- Must be a member of Singapore’s Institute of Certified Accountants, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators Association of Singapore, the International Accountants Association Singapore, and the Singapore Institute of Company Accountants.
3. Verify Comprehensive Portfolio of Services
When hiring company secretarial services in Singapore, the third thing to consider is the provider’s ability to present a comprehensive portfolio of services. As a customer, you should know what you are paying for and understand what you are getting into. Apart from ensuring knowledge of laws and regulations and proper qualifications, it pays if your provider has everything you need.
There are many service providers of secretarial services in Singapore. If you want the best partner that can offer services designed to assist you with seamless business operation, turn to ContactOne Professional Services.
We are one of Singapore’s premier service providers of corporate secretarial services. We specialize in business formation, compliance management, accounting and taxation, payroll management, and other corporate administrative services for startups and small-to-medium enterprises.
4. Get the Value for Your Time and Money
We want to get the value for our money every time we spend on something. The same goes for hiring secretarial services. Funding a starting business is one thing. But in the long run, it becomes costly. Hiring a secretarial service provider will help you cut costs somewhere in your existing operations.
To be more cost-effective, engage in firms that can provide you with more than the standard secretarial services. Service providers in Singapore, like ContactOne, offer various services to help run your business better and unleash its full potential. Our services are tailored to our client’s unique demands and needs.
Why does it pay to engage in company secretarial services Singapore?
Although investing in a permanent secretary for your business is often much costlier, the solution is more straightforward once incorporated. Still, there are various benefits when you outsource company secretarial services, especially in a competitive yet regulated market like Singapore.
With a company secretary, you will gain a trusted, accurate, and consistent management of administrative requirements. Most service providers deploy highly competent individuals with skills and efficiency.
You will be able to meet administrative needs with ease and convenience if you hire the right service provider of secretarial services. They will ensure that your business complies with Singapore’s stringent regulations and requirements.
The right firm will provide the secretarial services on time. One of the main reasons to outsource this type of service is that you can entirely rely on them to give the ideal secretarial service for your business.
You can cost-effectively access high-quality corporate secretarial services if you engage in a corporate secretarial service provider in Singapore. Not hiring an in-house corporate secretary will save you time and cost because you are not required to undergo the hiring process, training, and whatnot. Keeping these resources will confer your business a competitive advantage.
Wrapping Up
Keep in mind the four things to consider before hiring a company secretarial service provider in Singapore to guarantee the best results. If you hit everything on our list, you will end up with a dependable secretary, a partner in ensuring success for your business.
For more details about ContactOne’s services, call +65 8666 3633 for company registration and secretarial inquiries, +65 8877 2223 for AGM and annual return filing, or +65 8813 3833 for accounting and tax inquiries.