Extension to File Annual Returns – District Court
When the new Companies Act 2014 commences on 1st June 2015 it will be possible to apply to extend the time to file your company’s Annual Return via the District Court (Section 343 (5)).
The costs of going to District Court will be significantly cheaper than the High Court which is currently the prescribed court for these applications.
The process is that the District Court will hear applications and subject to a positive outcome for the company, will make an Order extending the filing time.
The company should then file the Order with the CRO within 28 days. Subject to filing the order within the 28 days AND filing the Annual Return within the time specified by the District Court – the documents will be deemed to have been received on time by the CRO and consequences for late filing (such as loss of audit exemption and late filing penalties) won’t apply.