COVID-19: Further extension for filing annual returns of Irish companies and other entities

Published 15 June 2020

Further extension

As outlined in an earlier update, the Companies Registration Office (“CRO”) previously announced that all annual returns due to be filed by Irish companies up until the end of 30 June 2020 would be deemed to have been filed on time if the annual return was duly completed and filed by that date. It will come as welcome news that the Registrar of Companies has decided to extend this arrangement until 31 October 2020.

The CRO has also decided that a similar arrangement will apply to entities that are required to file with the Registry of Friendly Societies (i.e. industrial and provident societies, friendly societies and trade unions) until 31 December 2020.

Despite the grace periods being offered by the CRO, entities are being encouraged to file on time if possible.

CRO processing times

The processing times for submissions filed with the CRO are delayed at present. All submissions received by the CRO are being processed in date order and the CRO is providing regular updates on its website and through its social media pages regarding processing times for the most frequently filed forms.

For more information or assistance please contact John Darmody, Senior Associate or another member of our Dublin Corporate and Commercial team.