Functions of the CRO

Companies, and to a lesser extent business names, have an obligation under law to file certain documents with the CRO. These documents include details of changes of registered office, changes of company officers (director or secretary), or a number of other changes which affect the company.

Companies are also required to file annual returns, and in most cases they must also file annual accounts. The CRO also keeps details of mortgages and charges imposed on companies.

Unfortunately, not all companies comply with their obligations to file documents. The CRO can take a number of measures to deal with companies who fail to file their annual returns, including prosecution of the company or directors, or striking the company off the register.

Companies who fail to file annual returns may be struck off the register of companies. If a company is struck off, the protection of limited liability no longer exists and individuals can be held personally liable for any debts incurred after strike off. Also, the assets of such a company will become the property of the State.

While it is usually possible to reinstate companies which have been struck off, this can be an expensive process.

Companies wishing to avoid such a fate should ensure that their annual returns are filed on time.

Most of the information filed with the CRO is available for public inspection. Depending on the information sought, a small fee maybe charged.

Information on Companies, including company name and registered office address, can be searched on CORE.

Details of Business Names are also available using CORE.

Basic statistics are available in the annually published Annual Reports.

The Registrar of Companies is also the Registrar of Friendly Societies

Please visit the Register of Friendly Societies website for more information.