Managing your annual return

Updating your details on the Companies Register each year

An annual return is not a tax return or financial statement — it's a yearly update of publicly available information about your company on the Companies Register. To remain on the register, you must confirm or update particular information when you file your annual return.

Filing an annual return

The information you include in your annual return must be authorised by a company director, or by a solicitor, chartered accountant or by a person authorised to act on behalf of your company.

How to file an annual return

Why you need to file an annual return

Every company on the register, including overseas companies, must prepare and file an annual return. If you don't file an annual return by the due date, the Registrar of Companies can remove your company from the register.

When the Registrar removes your company

When your annual return is due

When your company becomes incorporated, we tell you which month your annual return will be due each year.

You can change your annual return filing month online and free of charge.

Changing your annual return filing month

If it's your first year after incorporation

Your company doesn't need to file an annual return in the first calendar year following incorporation with the Companies Office.

For example, if your company becomes incorporated in 2020, your first annual return won't be due until 2021.

If your company isn't trading

Regardless of whether or not your company is trading, you must file an annual return each calendar year after incorporation.

If your company has stopped trading, you may want to consider applying for removal of your company from the register. Seek professional advice before taking this step.

If your company is registered overseas

All companies on the register, including overseas companies, must file an annual return.

Annual returns for overseas companies

Get an extract of your current information

When preparing your annual return, it can be useful to download an annual return extract which shows which information must be confirmed or updated.

How to file an annual return

Requesting a time extension to file a return

You can request a time extension to prepare and file your company's annual return.

Requesting an extension to file an annual return

Receive email or text reminders

Receive regular email or text message reminders during the month your company's annual return is due.

Receiving annual return reminders

All help topics

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Get an overview of how companies are structured, find out about the company records you need to keep, and what's involved when you incorporate with and report to the Companies Office.

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Once your company is registered with the Companies Office, nominate who will have authority to file your annual returns, and update your name, address, constitution, director and shareholder details.

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Directors have responsibilities to their company and shareholders, and under the Companies Act 1993. You must register all your directors with the Companies Office and they must sign a consent form.​

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When your company closes down you need to remove it from the register. Your company can be removed if it amalgamates with another company or doesn't file its annual return.

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Only some companies can be reinstated to the Companies Register once they've been removed. Find out who can apply, what evidence to provide and if you should apply to the Registrar or the High Court.

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Managing your online account 8 guides

Creating an account with the Companies Office allows you to complete the majority of your transactions online. It's free to set up, but fees apply for some transactions, such as filing annual returns.

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Get help with any technical problems you have using the register, such as uploading documents or searching for companies, directors and shareholders.