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5 (More) Mistakes When Incorporating a Company in Ireland

Corporate Governance

5 (More) Mistakes When Incorporating a Company in Ireland

Avoid critical post-incorporation traps in Ireland. Learn why founder agreements and IP rights are essential to protect your new company from day one.

What is an Annual Return?


An Annual Return is a statutory document filed with the CRO that provides a snapshot of your company's information — directors, secretary, registered office, and shareholders. It is not the same as your tax return or your financial statements, though both may be attached.

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"Filing our annual return in Ireland used to be a hassle, often taking weeks to complete. Thanks to this comprehensive guide, the process is now straightforward and quick, saving us time and avoiding unnecessary stress. It's made compliance so much easier for our team."

Evelyn Harper, Chief of Patient Services, AnswersNow

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Frequently asked questions

Here's everything you need to know to get started, manage your account, and troubleshoot the most frequent issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When should I put a founders' agreement in place?

Ideally the day of incorporation, but you can start working and agreeing on the terms while you wait for the company to be set up. The agreement should be signed by all founders as close to the incorporation date as possible.

Can I be exempt from filing an RBO return?

No, all Irish companies must file RBO returns. Even if no individual owns 25% or more, you must still file stating that senior managing officials are the beneficial owners.

What happens if I miss my annual return date?

You'll face immediate penalties starting at €100, with €3 daily increases up to €1,200. More significantly, you'll lose audit exemption for two years, requiring expensive external audits.

How do I track all these post-incorporation deadlines?

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