Avoiding Late Filing Penalties for Your Business

If you run a business in Ireland, there are important annual filing deadlines you need to meet to avoid fines. Many companies unknowingly miss their deadlines, leading to penalties and extra costs. In some cases, businesses can lose their audit exemption, meaning they must pay for an audit they wouldn’t normally need.

So, what do you need to do, and how can you make sure you stay compliant?

Your Annual Filing Obligations

Each year, businesses need to file two things with the Companies Registration Office (CRO):

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.

To check your current Annual Return Date (ARD), visit the CORE website.

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

Write down key dates in a diary or set calendar alerts on your phone or laptop.

Check Your Filing Date

Don’t assume you know your deadline, do look up your company details on CRO.ie to be sure.

Keep Good Records

Keeping track of finances helps avoid last minute stress and makes filing accounts easier.

It also helps spot financial issues early before they become serious.

Make Sure CRO Has Your Correct Email

The CRO now sends email reminders instead of paper notices.

To check your email details, log into CORE.ie.

Ask an Accountant for Help

If filing feels overwhelming, your local TaxAssist Accountant can:

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

If you miss filing deadlines, your business could face hefty fines, extra costs, or even legal issues. Staying on top of deadlines ensures your company stays in good standing with the CRO.

If you need help, it’s worth speaking to an accountant who can handle everything for you and make sure you never miss a deadline.

Looking for an accountant?

Contact TaxAssist Accountants for a free, no-obligation consultation to get a fixed fee quote

01 969 6200

Or contact us

Last updated: 10th July 2025