# Annual Return (Companies Office)

Country: New Zealand
When: In the company's assigned annual return month each year. The month is determined at incorporation and remains the same every year. The Companies Office sends email reminders approximately 6 weeks before the return is due.
Tax year: 2025

Every registered New Zealand company must file an annual return with the Companies Office confirming its details are current: company name, registered office address, directors' names and addresses, shareholding structure, and share allotments. Each company is assigned a specific month at incorporation. Failure to file results in the company being struck off the register, which can trigger deemed disposal of assets and other tax consequences.

## Who this applies to

- All companies registered on the New Zealand Companies Register
- Overseas companies registered in New Zealand
- Dormant or non-trading companies: the obligation continues regardless of trading status

## What to file

Annual Return confirming company details via the Companies Office online portal. Filing fee: NZD 45.

## How to file

Online at companiesoffice.govt.nz using the RealMe or Companies Office login. If details are unchanged, the return takes less than 5 minutes to confirm.

## Payment due

NZD 45 filing fee paid at the time of online submission within the assigned annual return month.

## What happens if you miss it

Late filing fee of NZD 43 per month overdue. If the return remains unfiled, the Companies Office issues a notice and may strike the company off the register. Struck-off companies can be restored but incur restoration fees and administrative burden.

## Submission checklist

- Log in to companiesoffice.govt.nz and confirm the annual return month for the company
- Review directors' details: names, residential addresses, and whether any directors have resigned or been appointed since last year
- Confirm the registered office address is current (this must be a physical address in New Zealand, not a PO box)
- Review shareholder details and share allocations
- Pay the NZD 45 filing fee by credit or debit card

## Documents you need

- Companies Office login credentials (RealMe or Companies Office account)
- Details of any director changes (resignations, appointments, address changes) since last return
- Details of any share transfers or new allotments since last return

## Common mistakes to avoid

- Missing the assigned annual return month because the company was incorporated in an unusual month: check the Companies Office register, not a calendar assumption
- Failing to update director addresses when directors move, leaving the register with stale information
- Ignoring the Companies Office reminder email and allowing the company to be struck off, which can have serious tax consequences

Source: https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/learn-about-companies/running-a-company/annual-return