When an Irish company misses the time allowed to deliver an annual return, it may be able to ask the District Court for an order extending that filing time. The procedure can protect against consequences such as late fees and loss of audit exemption, but an order is discretionary and requires proper evidence and court documents.
StartCompany.ie lists a €2,500 court-application service covering preparation, supporting legal documents, court attendance arrangements and filing support. The annual return and financial statements remain separate work unless expressly included.
What the court can extend
The application seeks additional time for a specific annual return that was not delivered within the statutory filing period. CRO guidance explains that the order extends the filing time for that year rather than permanently changing the company’s ARD.
Multiple eligible outstanding years may sometimes be included, but older pre-2015 returns and dissolved companies raise different jurisdiction or legal-standing issues. Obtain case-specific advice before assuming the District Court route is available.
Evidence and application process
The company must explain the circumstances behind the failure and prepare the court notice and supporting affidavit. The Registrar may appear or object, and the court decides whether to grant the order and what new filing date applies.
If an order is made, follow its terms precisely and deliver the order and outstanding return within the time allowed. A successful hearing is not the end of the process.
- Review the CRO status and every outstanding return.
- Collect evidence explaining the missed deadline.
- Prepare and serve the court documents correctly.
- Attend the hearing and obtain the sealed order.
- File the order, B1 and accounts within the extended period.
Costs and outcomes to understand
The €2,500 service price reflects a court procedure rather than an ordinary CRO form. Confirm whether external legal, accountancy, service or court costs outside the listed scope could arise in the particular case.
No provider can guarantee the court’s decision. Directors should also correct the deadline controls that led to the application so the company does not repeat the failure.
How StartCompany.ie supports the case
StartCompany.ie reviews the filing position, prepares the application documentation and coordinates the procedural steps described on the service page. Send the company number, ARD history, notices, accounts status and a detailed chronology immediately.
Where the company has already been struck off, is in litigation or has older outstanding years, the routine service may need separate legal scoping.
StartCompany.ie service
Court Application to Extend ARD
Current listed price: €2,500
Official information and next steps
StartCompany.ie provides preparation and filing support for the service described above. Final acceptance, registration, tax treatment or court approval remains with the relevant authority. Check the current official guidance before acting, particularly where a deadline, tax position, dispute or unusual transaction is involved.