Companies urged to file returns early amid ID changes
The Government is urging companies to make their annual return filings early ahead of the peak filing period next month, following the introduction of new identification requirements for directors.
Around 80,000 businesses will be due to file their returns to the Companies Registration Office (CRO) by November 25 this year.
But as that date falls on a Saturday, the effective deadline is Monday November 27.
“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 November 27 2023,” said the Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary.
“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,” he said.
As of last June, company directors have to provide their PPS numbers when they submit certain forms to the CRO.
This includes annual returns, incorporation of new companies and changes to company directors or secretaries.
Where individuals use a version of their name as a company director that is different from that registered with the Department of Social Protection, then the latter version should also be provided on the annual return form.
Directors who do not have a PPS number can apply to the CRO for an identified person number and use this number as an alternative to the PPS number.
“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,” said Mr Calleary.
“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,” he stated.
Article Source: Companies urged to file returns early amid ID changes – Will Goodbody – RTE
