Missing your CRO annual return deadline triggers an automatic late filing penalty of €100 plus €3 per day and — if the company has another late filing in the relevant five-year period — loss of audit exemption for the following two years. If left unresolved, it can also lead to involuntary strike-off. Here is exactly what happens and what you can do about it.
The Late Filing Penalty
The penalty structure is set out in the Companies Act 2014, Section 343:
- €100 base penalty charged on the first day after the deadline
- €3 per day for every additional day the return is outstanding
- Maximum penalty: €1,200 per annual return
The penalty applies per return. If you miss two years, the maximum combined penalty is €2,400. These penalties are not negotiable and cannot be waived by the CRO.
Loss of Audit Exemption
Since 16 July 2025, one late annual return does not by itself remove the exemption. A company that files late more than once within a five-year period loses the right to claim audit exemption for the following two years. Check the company's complete filing history before relying on the exemption and obtain professional advice where the position is material.
The small-company thresholds (2026) are: turnover ≤ €15m, balance sheet total ≤ €7.5m, employees ≤ 50 (must meet 2 of 3).
Strike-Off Proceedings
If a company fails to file annual returns for two consecutive years, the CRO can initiate involuntary strike-off under Section 726 of the Companies Act 2014. The process:
- The CRO sends a warning letter to the company's registered office
- If no response within 30 days, the CRO publishes a notice in the CRO Gazette
- After a further period, the company is struck off the register and dissolved
Once struck off, the company's assets vest in the State. Directors may face personal liability for company debts. Read our guide on restoring a struck-off company.
Can You Apply for an Extension?
The CRO does not grant deadline extensions. However, a company can apply to the District Court for an extension of time to file. The court may grant additional time if the company can demonstrate reasonable cause for the delay. Legal costs for a District Court application typically run €500–€1,500 plus solicitor fees.
What to Do Right Now
- File immediately — every day you delay adds €3 to the penalty
- Check your ARD — confirm your annual return date on Businesses.ie company search
- Prepare financial statements — accounts must be made up to a date within 9 months of the ARD
- File via CORE — online filing costs €20 and is processed faster than paper
- Budget for audit costs — if you've lost the exemption, engage an auditor early
How to Prevent This in Future
- Set a calendar reminder 90 days before your ARD
- Use the Businesses.ie Watchlist to monitor your company's filing status
- Consider using a company secretary service to manage CRO compliance
- Prepare financial statements as soon as the financial year ends — don't wait for the ARD
Summary
A missed CRO deadline costs €100 + €3/day (max €1,200). More than one late filing within five years causes loss of audit exemption for the following two years, and continued non-filing can lead to involuntary strike-off. File immediately via CORE to minimise penalties. The CRO does not grant extensions — only the District Court can extend the deadline.