2nd October 2023
New requirement for company directors requires accurate and timely filing
The Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD is urging early action on filing of company annual returns with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) in the context of the late November peak filing period.
While the deadlines for filing annual returns varies across companies, there is a significant peak in filing in the latter part of November. Approximately 80,000 companies will be required to file by 25 November deadline this year. However, as 25 November falls on a Saturday, the effective deadline is Monday, 27 November.
Minister Calleary said:
“I am urging those with responsibility for filing company annual returns to take early action in filing annual returns with the CRO ahead of the deadline on 27 November 2023. This is particularly important this year with the implementation of the requirement for PPS numbers to be provided for company directors. The provision of PPS numbers for directors is an important innovation which will help to reduce duplication of director information and enhance CRO efforts to guard against abuse of the register by providing assurance that the information provided relates to a real person.”
With effect from June 2023, PPS numbers must be provided for company directors when submitting forms to the CRO relating to the incorporation of new companies, the filing of annual returns and notifying changes of company directors or secretaries.
The Minister added:
“It is important that there is a realisation that this year is different. Filing of the annual return requires a PPS number to be provided for each director. If the information provided does not match the information recorded by the Department of Social Protection when the PPS number was allocated to that individual, the filing of the annual return will be rejected. Those who delay filing until the deadline and who have encountered difficulties with PPS matching may not have sufficient time to remedy the situation. So my message is clear – ensure that the information being submitted is correct and file early.”
ENDS
Notes for editors
Section 35 of the Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021 provides that a company director shall provide his/her Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), or such other information required by the Registrar of Companies, when submitting forms to the CRO relating to the incorporation of new companies, filing of annual returns, and notifying changes of company directors or secretaries.
In cases where individuals use a version of their name (for example, Irish version) as a company director which differs from that registered with the Department of Social Protection, then the latter version should also be provided on the annual return form (form B1).
Directors who do not have a PPS number can apply to the CRO for an identified person number (IPN) and use this number as an alternative to the PPS number.
In accordance with data protection requirements, PPS numbers provided to the CRO are stored securely in an irreversible hashed/encrypted format and are not accessible by CRO staff or any other party.
Further information on the PPS number requirement is available on the CRO website.
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