What is changing
The CRO restarted involuntary strike-off in January 2026. It is targeting around 200 companies a week, and aims to begin strike-off proceedings against every non-compliant company by the end of 2026. It has also said it plans to resume prosecuting companies and directors who do not file their annual returns.
A company only needs to miss one annual return to be at risk.
Your annual return in brief
- Every Irish company must file an annual return (Form B1) with the CRO each year.
- Each company has an annual return date. You must file within 56 days of that date.
- Most returns must include the company's financial statements.
What happens if you file late
| Consequence | Detail |
|---|---|
| Late filing fee | €100, plus €3 for every day the return is late, up to €1,200 per return. This is on top of the normal €20 filing fee, and it is not tax deductible. |
| Loss of audit exemption | If you file late more than once in five years, your company loses its audit exemption and must have its accounts audited. |
| Prosecution | The company, its directors and its secretary can be prosecuted. Fines can reach €5,000. |
| Strike-off | The company can be struck off the register and dissolved. |
What strike-off means for you
- Company assets pass to the State. Money in the company's bank account and any property belong to the Minister for Public Expenditure once the company is dissolved.
- You lose limited liability. If the business keeps trading, the owners can be personally liable for its debts.
- Directors can be disqualified. The Corporate Enforcement Authority can ask the High Court to disqualify the directors of a company struck off with debts outstanding.
- Bank accounts are usually frozen once the bank learns the company no longer exists.
Watch your registered office address
The CRO only has to send one warning, and it goes to your company's registered office. If your company was set up through a formation agent and uses their address, or you have moved, you may never see that letter. Check that your registered office is correct and that someone reads the post sent there.
What to do now
- Check your status. Search for your company on the CRO website. Look at the annual return date and whether returns are shown as overdue.
- Get your accounts ready. Most annual returns need financial statements, so start these first.
- File the overdue return. Filing stops the daily fee from growing and takes your company out of the strike-off process.
- Already struck off? It may be possible to restore the company, either through the CRO or through the courts. Act quickly, because restoration gets harder and more expensive the longer you wait.
- Set reminders for next year. Or ask your accountant to manage the date for you.
Need help? We prepare overdue accounts, file late annual returns and get companies back on track, including companies set up through formation agents and owned by directors living abroad. See how we take over your company's filings or contact us for a free consultation.