Keep the company on the calendar
CRO requires annual returns whether a company trades or not. Dormant audit exemption has specific conditions and a recorded board decision; no revenue alone is insufficient. Ask the accountant to assess the actual transactions and position rather than labelling the company dormant simply because you have not issued an invoice.
Explain the activity that did occur
Tell the accountant about bank charges, subscriptions, purchases, loans or other movements, even if the commercial launch never happened. Provide the records instead of assuming small amounts do not count. The adviser can determine which entries matter under the applicable rules. An empty sales ledger is only one piece of the picture.
Review tax registrations separately
Ask which Revenue registrations and returns remain applicable and whether a registration should change through the correct process. Do not stop responding to notices because trading is paused. Keep the contact details for the person handling official correspondence current, particularly if the registered-office service is provided externally.
Choose an intentional future plan
If the company will restart, keep records and renewal arrangements ready for that decision. If the founders no longer need it, discuss an appropriate closure route with an adviser. Letting deadlines pass is not a planned closure. Record the board’s intended next step, responsible person and review date so an inactive company does not become an unnoticed administration burden.
Your practical checklist
- Keep annual return dates active
- Give the accountant all transactions, not just sales
- Assess any dormant exemption against current conditions
- Review tax registrations and official notices
- Agree a restart, review or closure plan
Sources and editorial notes
Official guidance and any referenced service information checked 11 October 2026. These are original preparation notes with illustrative examples; they do not replace individual legal or tax advice.
Author and publisher: Ireland Company Formation, operated by COMMERCIAL ADMINISTRATION BUREAU LIMITED. For a correction or question, contact the team.
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