Year End Returns for Dormant Companies Ireland | CRO Compliance
What Are Year End Returns for Dormant Companies?
Even where a company has not traded, Irish company law requires annual filings with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). Year End Returns for Dormant Companies involve preparing and filing the Annual Return together with dormant financial statements to confirm the company remains compliant.
Many directors mistakenly believe that inactivity removes filing obligations. This is incorrect. Dormant companies must continue to file annually to avoid penalties, loss of audit exemption or involuntary strike off.
What Is Considered a Dormant Company in Ireland?
A company is considered dormant where it has had no significant accounting transactions during the financial year, apart from limited permitted transactions such as CRO filing fees, bank charges or share capital movements on incorporation.
Dormant status does not exempt a company from statutory obligations. Annual compliance remains mandatory.
CRO Filing Obligations for Dormant Companies
Dormant companies must file:
- Annual Return (Form B1)
- Dormant financial statements
- Audit exemption confirmation
All filings must be completed by the Annual Return Date (ARD).
What Is Included in Our Dormant Company Year End Service?
- Review of company status
- Preparation of dormant financial statements
- Completion and filing of Form B1
- CRO CORE submission
- Audit exemption checks
- Compliance review against CRO and RBO records
Annual Deadlines and Late Filing Risks
Late filing can result in penalties, loss of audit exemption for up to two years and possible strike off. Even dormant companies are subject to these risks.
Who This Service Is Suitable For
- Dormant companies
- Holding companies
- Directors unsure of CRO obligations
Pricing
Year End Returns for Dormant Accounts start from €250 + VAT. Pricing may vary based on structure and filing history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dormant companies need to file an Annual Return every year?
Yes. All Irish companies, including dormant companies, must file an Annual Return (Form B1) with the CRO each year, regardless of trading activity.
Do dormant companies have to prepare financial statements?
Yes. Dormant financial statements must still be prepared and filed, even where there has been no income or expenditure during the year.
What transactions are allowed without breaking dormant status?
Permitted transactions generally include CRO filing fees, late filing penalties, bank charges, and share capital movements on incorporation.
Does a dormant company still qualify for audit exemption?
Most dormant companies qualify for audit exemption, provided filings are completed on time and the statutory conditions for exemption are met.
What happens if a dormant company files late?
Late filing penalties apply automatically, and the company may lose audit exemption for up to two subsequent financial years.
Can a dormant company be struck off for non-compliance?
Yes. Failure to file Annual Returns can result in the company being struck off the CRO register.
Contact us today
Dormant company year end returns and CRO filings. We prepare dormant accounts, file annual returns and help you avoid penalties.
