If you’re shortlisting accounting or payroll software for your Singapore business, ASR+ listing status is the first filter to apply — not the last.

IRAS’ Accounting Software Register Plus (ASR+) isn’t a marketing badge. It’s the Singapore tax authority’s official validation that a software solution meets compliance standards for GST reporting, audit trails, and corporate income tax filing. Buying software without checking ASR+ status is a compliance risk you don’t need.

This guide compares the leading ASR+-listed accounting and payroll options for Singapore SMEs, starting with Rockbell’s own solutions, then covering the strongest alternatives.

What ASR+ Actually Means (And Why It Matters)

ASR+ is maintained by IRAS and structured across three tiers. Tier 1 vendors get a listing on the IRAS website. Tier 2 vendors get promotional exposure at IRAS roadshows and workshops. Tier 3 vendors get the highest level of recognition — exposure on IRAS channels, access to the IRAS Digital Integration Incentive, and broader rights to use IRAS’ name in marketing.

To qualify for any tier, a vendor must have at least 20 existing Singapore clients and be integrated with at least one IRAS digital product. The listing is renewed annually, so a vendor appearing on the register this year may not be listed next year — always verify on the official IRAS ASR+ page before signing.

For your business, the practical benefits of choosing ASR+-listed software include:

• GST F5 return generation and direct submission to IRAS
• IRAS Audit File (IAF) support for audit-ready records
• SeamlessFilingFromSoftware (#SFFS) for Form C-S corporate income tax returns
• InvoiceNow/Peppol e-invoicing compatibility (mandatory for new GST registrants from November 2025)
• Automatic 15-day CIT filing extension (for YA 2023 to YA 2027) when filing via ASR+-listed software

Companies with annual revenue of S$5 million or below, incorporated in Singapore, and deriving income taxable at the 17% corporate rate are the primary beneficiaries of the #SFFS Form C-S pathway. If your company fits that profile, using ASR+-listed software directly reduces your compliance workload.

Rockbell: AutoCount Accounting — ASR+-Listed, Locally Supported

Rockbell is a Singapore-based software reseller and implementation partner. Their headline accounting product is Million Accounting, but for GST InvoiceNow compliance and cloud deployment, AutoCount Cloud Accounting is their frontline recommendation for Singapore SMEs.

AutoCount Accounting (Cloud)

AutoCount is ASR-approved and built with Singapore compliance requirements in mind. Rockbell supplies, implements, and supports AutoCount Cloud Accounting, covering:

• GST-compliant invoicing and GST reports
• InvoiceNow/Peppol e-invoicing integration (GST InvoiceNow Ready)
• Inventory management modules (for retail, wholesale, and distribution businesses)
• Point-of-sale integration via AutoCount POS and AutoCount OneSales POS Cloud
• Modular expansion — add CRM, payroll, or HR modules as your business grows

AutoCount has an established presence in Singapore and Malaysia. For businesses migrating from an on-premise accounting system, AutoCount’s modular structure means you don’t have to switch everything at once.

Million Accounting (Desktop/Perpetual)

Million is Rockbell’s flagship desktop product. It runs on a perpetual licence model, which suits businesses that prefer not to pay recurring cloud subscription fees. Million Accounting includes inventory management and integrates with Rockbell’s payroll suite.

Rockbell Payroll & HR Suite

Rockbell offers five distinct Million-branded HR and payroll products covering:

• Payroll processing (CPF calculations, IR8A/IR21 generation)
• Leave management
• Claims processing
• Appraisal management
• Time attendance (including biometric hardware supply)

This is a full HR stack, not a single module. For SMEs that want one vendor to handle both accounting and payroll, Rockbell’s combined offering is worth a direct quote.

Professional Services That Reduce Adoption Risk

Rockbell’s value doesn’t stop at software licences. Their implementation services include setup, staff training, data migration from legacy systems, customisation, and PSG/EDG grant facilitation. For SMEs applying for the Productivity Solutions Grant (up to 50% funding for pre-approved solutions), having a vendor who manages the grant application process removes a real operational burden.

Get a demo or quote for AutoCount or Million Accounting at Rockbell’s AutoCount page.

The Comparison: 5 ASR+-Listed Options Side by Side

Beyond Rockbell’s AutoCount, the following vendors appear consistently on IRAS’ ASR+ register and are widely adopted by Singapore SMEs.

Xero

Xero is the most widely adopted cloud accounting platform among Singapore SMEs, with market presence that far exceeds most competitors. It carries ASR+ listing status through local implementation partners, supports GST F5 returns, generates IRAS Audit Files, and connects to Singapore’s Peppol network via apps like Invoici from Xero.

Strengths: Extensive local bank feed integrations (DBS, OCBC, UOB), large ecosystem of add-ons, strong accountant collaboration tools, very user-friendly for non-accountants.

Limitations: Payroll is handled through third-party add-ons rather than a native Singapore payroll module. Pricing scales up significantly with additional users and features. Support is primarily self-serve or partner-routed — you’re not getting the same hands-on local service that a Singapore reseller like Rockbell provides.

Best for: Startups, e-commerce businesses, and SMEs whose accountants already use Xero.

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online carries an IRAS ASR-listed version for Singapore. It includes built-in GST tracking, customisable tax codes, real-time financial dashboards, and a strong mobile app.

Strengths: Familiar interface for businesses with international operations, solid mobile functionality, good for freelancers and service businesses.

Limitations: Less localised than AutoCount or Xero for Singapore-specific workflows. Payroll requires separate setup. Local support network is smaller than Xero’s in Singapore.

Best for: Freelancers, small service-based businesses, companies with US parent entities.

Zoho Books (Singapore Edition)

Zoho Books launched its Singapore Edition in 2025, with automatic GST calculations, IRAS-ready F5 returns, and Peppol e-invoicing support built in. It sits within the broader Zoho ecosystem, which includes CRM, inventory, and HR tools.

Strengths: Competitive pricing, part of an integrated business app ecosystem, InvoiceNow-ready.

Limitations: Singapore Edition is relatively new — the local implementation and support ecosystem is still maturing. Deeper customisation typically requires the broader Zoho suite, which adds cost.

Best for: Budget-conscious SMEs, tech-savvy teams already using other Zoho products.

Financio

Financio is explicitly marketed as IRAS-compliant and designed for business owners without accounting backgrounds. Its Essentials plan starts at SGD 1/month, making it the most affordable entry point among ASR+-listed options. It supports GST F5 returns, IAF files, and is GST InvoiceNow Ready.

Strengths: Very low cost of entry, simple UI, strong compliance coverage for its price point.

Limitations: Limited scalability for businesses with inventory, multi-currency needs, or complex payroll. Not suited for businesses planning significant headcount or operational growth.

Best for: Micro-businesses, sole proprietors, and very small teams with straightforward accounting needs.

ABSS (Formerly MYOB)

ABSS has a long-standing presence in Singapore with a network of local resellers, trainers, and implementers. Some businesses run ABSS on-premise; cloud-hosted versions are available. It carries IRAS compliance and is familiar to accountants who trained on MYOB.

Strengths: Strong local reseller support, well-understood by Singapore-trained accountants, proven track record.

Limitations: The product has evolved more slowly than cloud-native competitors. UI feels dated compared to Xero or Zoho. Cloud migration path requires careful planning.

Best for: Established SMEs with existing ABSS setups, or businesses whose accountants prefer the ABSS environment.

Quick Comparison Matrix

Pricing: What to Expect

Public pricing for ASR+-listed software varies widely. Financio starts at SGD 1/month. AutoCount Cloud and Xero both operate on tiered subscription models — exact pricing depends on user count, modules, and whether you engage a local reseller.

PSG funding can cover up to 50% of qualifying software costs for pre-approved solutions. To access PSG, you must apply before signing any agreement or making payment. Your vendor must be on the IMDA pre-approved list, and the package must match the PSG listing exactly — no customisations.

Rockbell assists with PSG and EDG grant applications as part of their professional services. If grant facilitation matters to you, ask your vendor explicitly whether they manage the application process or simply point you toward the portal.

How to Choose: Three Questions Worth Asking

1. Do you need payroll in the same system? If yes, Rockbell’s combined AutoCount + Million Payroll stack is worth comparing directly against standalone payroll add-ons for Xero or QuickBooks. Having one vendor for both accounting and HR reduces integration complexity.
2. Are you comfortable with self-service support? Xero and QuickBooks are well-documented, but support is largely self-serve or partner-routed. If you want a Singapore-based team to handle setup, training, and troubleshooting, a local reseller like Rockbell adds tangible value.
3. Are you planning to claim PSG or EDG? Grant facilitation requires knowing which packages qualify and completing the application correctly before any purchase. Vendors who handle this in-house save you time and reduce the risk of a rejected claim.

Take the next step: compare AutoCount Cloud and Million Accounting packages, or ask Rockbell about PSG grant eligibility for your business at rockbell.sg/autocount-software or the AutoCount Accounting Promotion page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ASR+ and why does it matter when choosing accounting software in Singapore?

ASR+ stands for IRAS Accounting Software Register Plus. It’s IRAS’ official register confirming that a software solution meets compliance standards for GST reporting, audit trails, and corporate income tax filing in Singapore. Choosing ASR+-listed software reduces compliance risk and unlocks benefits like automatic CIT filing extensions and direct submission of Form C-S returns.

What are the three tiers of ASR+ listing and what does each mean?

Tier 1 gives vendors a listing on the IRAS website. Tier 2 adds pitching opportunities at IRAS roadshows and workshops. Tier 3 is the highest level, offering exposure on IRAS channels, access to the IRAS Digital Integration Incentive, and broader rights to use IRAS’ name in marketing materials.

Does Rockbell’s AutoCount software support InvoiceNow (Peppol) e-invoicing?

Yes. AutoCount Cloud Accounting, supplied and implemented by Rockbell, is GST InvoiceNow Ready and supports Peppol e-invoicing — which is being phased in as a requirement for new voluntary GST registrants from November 2025.

Can I use PSG funding to offset the cost of ASR+-listed accounting software?

Yes, PSG funding covers up to 50% of qualifying software costs for pre-approved solutions. You must apply before signing any agreement or making payment. Rockbell offers PSG and EDG grant facilitation as part of their professional services.

Which ASR+-listed software is best if I also need payroll management?

Rockbell’s combined AutoCount Cloud Accounting and Million Payroll/HR Suite covers both accounting and payroll in a single vendor relationship, including CPF calculations, IR8A/IR21 generation, leave management, claims, appraisals, and time attendance. Other vendors like Xero and QuickBooks handle payroll through third-party add-ons, which adds integration steps and potentially separate contracts.