Every company is obliged to file an annual return with the Companies Office each year. An annual return is simply a document which sets out details about the company such as details of its officers, shareholders, share capital, etc. The first return is usually due six months after incorporation and thereafter annually on that date.

While companies are generally required to attach a set of financial statements (either abridged or audited depending on the company) with each annual return, there is no requirement to do so for the first annual return.

The date on which a company is required to file its annual return is referred to as its annual return date or “ARD”. Each company is given a 28 day period of grace from that date to make its filings. The filing is made by completing and lodging a Companies Office Form B1 in the Companies Registration Office. The Form B1 contains general details about the company, its directors and officers, its authorised and issued share capital, its shareholders and other material details.

If a company is late in filing its annual return, it will be automatically fined €100. This fine will increase at a daily rate of €3 per day until the annual return is filed subject to a maximum fine of €1,200. In addition, for so long as the annual return is outstanding, the company will be at risk of being struck off the register of companies. However, in practice, companies are not normally struck off unless their returns have been outstanding for close to two years.

For more information on annual returns, visit Companies House.