Irish Region

The Registrar of Companies has decided to extend the filing deadline for companies with an Annual Return Date falling on 30 September 2020 or later.

Any company with an Annual Return Date of 30 September 2020 or later will be deemed to have filed on time if all elements of the annual return are completed and filed by 26 February 2021.

However, the Registrar encourages entities to file as normal during this period if in a position to do so. This update does not apply to companies with earlier Annual Return Dates before 30 September 2020.

Impact of Annual General Meeting

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, section 6 of the Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) (COVID-19) Act 2020 (the “2020 Act”) allows a Company to opt to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on a date that is not later than 31st December 2020.

Should a Company opt to hold its AGM on a date up to and including the 31st December 2020 then it may not be in a position to file its Annual Return until after the date the AGM is held.  In those circumstances the company will be afforded additional time to file its annual returns up to the 26th February 2021.

If the company opts to hold its AGM pursuant to section 6 of the 2020 Act and as outlined in this note, then the company must notify the CRO in writing in order to avail of the additional time to file its annual return. Please email electronic.filing@dbei.gov.ie with the relevant details.

Further information can be found on www.CRO.ie or by contacting info@cro.ie