Annual Return

In plain words

An annual return is the yearly filing of information about a company with the state register. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may be confirmation of current information on directors, members and the address, financial statements, or both. The filing deadline is tied to the date of incorporation or to the calendar year.

The key point that owners of dormant companies miss: the obligation exists regardless of whether there was any activity. A company without a single transaction in the year must still file and pay its duties. Having no turnover does not exempt you from the formalities — it only simplifies their content.

The consequences of late filing escalate gradually: first penalties, then loss of good standing, then inability to obtain certificates and carry out transactions and, in the extreme, the company being struck off the register. Restoration after striking off is not always possible, and where it is, it costs considerably more than filing on time.

Who it concerns

What the duties include

How it should work

1. 01Put the deadlines in the calendar
2. 02Gather current information
3. 03File the return
4. 04Pay the duties and the agent
5. 05Check status in the register

What you need to know

• The return is filed even when there is no activity
• The deadline is tied to the date of incorporation or the calendar
• Late filing leads to penalties and loss of status
• Striking off the register is a last resort, but a real one
• Responsibility lies with the company, not only with the agent

Common mistakes

• ✕Assuming a dormant company owes nothing
• ✕Relying entirely on the agent without your own oversight
• ✕Not updating contact details and missing notices
• ✕Forgetting to pay for the agent’s services
• ✕Finding out about late filing while preparing a transaction

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