Article
Avoiding Late Filing Penalties for Your Business
Here we look at exactly what your annual obligations are and what directors can do to avoid missing these deadlines
Updated 10 Jul 2025 | Published 1 Apr 2012
By Gearoid Condon, FCA 2 min read
Directors' Series
Your Annual Filing Obligations
1. Annual Return (Form B1)
- This form is not financial, but simply confirms your company details such as directors, secretary, registered office, and shareholders.
- If you don’t file on time, your company could be fined, and directors may face legal consequences.
2. Financial Accounts
- Apart from the first return, your annual return must include a set of accounts showing your business’s financial position.
- The accounts must be within 9 months of your annual return date.
- If your business qualifies, you can file abridged accounts, which are simpler and keep less financial information public.
Key Filing Deadlines You Need to Know
- First B1: Due 6 months after your business is registered.
- Annual B1s: Must be filed at least once a year.
- Submission Deadline: You have 28 days after your Annual Return Date (ARD) to send the form to the CRO.
If you miss the deadline, fines start at €100 for the first day, plus €3 per extra day, up to a maximum of €1,200.
Filing Fees
- Online Filing: Costs €20.
- Paper Filing: Costs €40.
- Extra Time for Online Filers: If you file online, you get an extra 28 days to submit signed documents.
How to Avoid Missing Deadlines
Set Reminders
Check Your Filing Date
Keep Good Records
Make Sure CRO Has Your Correct Email
Ask an Accountant for Help
- Handle your returns and accounts.
- Communicate with the CRO on your behalf.
- Make sure everything is done correctly and on time to avoid fines.
Final Thoughts
Looking for an accountant?
Contact TaxAssist Accountants for a free, no-obligation consultation to get a fixed fee quote
Or contact usUpdated 10 Jul 2025 | Published 1 Apr 2012
This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.
Gearoid Condon, FCA
Gearoid is a highly experienced Chartered Accountant with 25 years of expertise in business consultancy, specialising in supporting SME business owners. Gearoid has worked with start-ups and with established businesses to improve the way they run, with particular focus on growth, efficiency, and structuring operations. Through his experience Gearoid has a strong understanding of the tax system and business regulations in Ireland.
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