The Annual Return (Form B1) is a mandatory yearly filing that every company registered in Ireland must submit to the Companies Registration Office (CRO). In most cases, this filing must be accompanied by the company’s statutory financial statements (accounts).

Filing the Annual Return is a legal obligation under Irish company law and is essential to keep your company in good standing.

What Is Included in the Annual Return?

The Annual Return usually consists of two parts:

1. Form B1

This form confirms key company information, such as directors, shareholders, registered office address, and share capital.

2. Financial Statements (Accounts)

For most companies, the Annual Return must include financial statements prepared in accordance with Irish regulations. These typically include:

• Balance sheet (Statement of Financial Position)
• Profit and loss account
• Notes to the accounts
• Director’s report (where applicable)
• Auditor’s report or audit exemption statement (if eligible)

Newly incorporated companies usually do not need to attach accounts to their first Annual Return, but accounts are required from the second filing onward.

Deadlines You Need to Know

Each Irish company has an Annual Return Date (ARD) registered with the CRO.

• The Annual Return must be filed within 56 days of the ARD.
• If financial statements are required, the effective deadline is the earlier of:
• • ARD + 56 days, or
  • Financial year-end + 9 months + 56 days

Missing this deadline can trigger penalties and other serious consequences.

How Does Companio Help?

Companio supports you throughout the entire Annual Return process by:

• Preparing compliant financial statements.
• Managing the filing workflow and deadlines.
• Guiding you through approvals and signatures.
• Coordinating the submission to the CRO once everything is ready.

Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible while ensuring full compliance with Irish regulations.

What Do You Need to Do as a Client?

When submitting your Annual Return with Companio, your main responsibilities are:

• Provide complete and accurate accounting records for the financial year.
• Review and approve the draft financial statements prepared by our accountants.
• Sign the Annual Return electronically when it’s ready.
• Respond promptly if additional clarification or documents are requested.

Companio handles the preparation of the accounts and guides you step by step through the process, but your collaboration is essential to meet legal deadlines.

What Happens If You File Late?

Late or incorrect filing can lead to:

• Late filing fees (starting at €100 and increasing daily).
• Loss of audit exemption for future years.
• Possible fines or legal enforcement.
• In extreme cases, strike-off proceedings.

For this reason, it’s important to start the process early and ensure all required information is ready on time.

Updated on: 19/12/2025