In Ireland’s dynamic and highly regulated business environment, staying compliant with corporate law is not optional—it’s essential. From filing annual returns to maintaining accurate company records, compliance is an ongoing responsibility. This is where Chern & Co Solicitors, a trusted name in Irish business register services, plays a crucial role. For both local entrepreneurs and international investors, understanding how Chern & Co ensures compliance can be the difference between smooth operations and costly penalties.

This guide explores the core compliance services offered by Chern & Co and explains what every Irish business owner must know to operate legally and efficiently in 2025.

Who Are Chern & Co?

Chern & Co Solicitors is a Dublin-based law firm specializing in company formation, corporate compliance, and legal advisory services. The firm has built a reputation for guiding Irish and international clients through the intricacies of Irish corporate law. Their expertise spans:

Company registration and structuring
Annual compliance and secretarial services
Tax registration and advisory
Director services and legal representation
Non-resident business support

Chern & Co stands out for offering end-to-end legal and compliance solutions tailored to the needs of small businesses, startups, and multinational clients.

Why Compliance Matters in Ireland

Running a business in Ireland requires adherence to strict regulations set by the Companies Registration Office (CRO), Revenue Commissioners, and various legislative frameworks, including the Companies Act 2014. Failing to comply can result in:

Late filing penalties
Loss of audit exemption
Striking off of your company
Personal liability for directors

Chern & Co ensures your business stays on the right side of the law by managing your compliance calendar, preparing necessary filings, and offering strategic legal guidance.

Key Compliance Areas Covered by Chern & Co

1. Annual Returns and Financial Statements

Every Irish company is required to file an Annual Return (Form B1) with the CRO. This return provides up-to-date information about directors, shareholders, and company capital. It must be filed:

Within 6 months of incorporation (first return, no financial statements required)
Annually thereafter, along with abridged financial statements

Chern & Co:

Tracks your filing deadlines
Prepares and submits Form B1
Assists with compliant financial statement preparation
Advises on maintaining audit exemption status

Missing an annual return can result in a €100 late fee and daily penalties thereafter, as well as an enforced audit requirement for two years.

2. Company Secretarial Services

Corporate governance in Ireland requires each company to maintain certain registers and documents, including:

Register of Members
Register of Directors and Secretaries
Minute books for Board and General Meetings
Constitution and share certificates

Chern & Co offers company secretarial packages that include:

Maintenance of statutory registers
Preparation of board resolutions and AGM documents
Filing of changes in company officers or shareholders (e.g., Forms B10, B73)
Keeping your records CRO-compliant and up to date

These services are vital for businesses without an in-house legal or compliance team.

3. Registered Office and Business Address Services

All Irish companies must maintain a registered office address in the Republic of Ireland, where legal correspondence and official CRO notices can be delivered. Chern & Co provides:

Use of their Dublin office as your registered address
Mail forwarding services
A business correspondence address if you don’t have a physical presence in Ireland

This is particularly helpful for non-resident business owners needing a professional Irish base of operations.

4. Non-Resident Director Compliance

Irish law requires that at least one director of a company be an EEA-resident. If your company does not meet this requirement, you must secure a Section 137 Non-Resident Director Bond, which:

Acts as a financial guarantee to the Irish government (typically €25,000)
Ensures that fines or penalties for non-compliance can be recovered

Chern & Co facilitates the arrangement and renewal of this bond and advises non-residents on how to remain compliant with local requirements.

5. Beneficial Ownership Filing (RBO)

Since the implementation of EU anti-money laundering directives, Irish companies are required to disclose their Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) in the Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO).

Failure to file can lead to:

Fines up to €500,000
Criminal charges for directors

Chern & Co assists in:

Identifying UBOs
Preparing and filing RBO submissions
Keeping ownership data updated as changes occur

6. Revenue Compliance and Tax Registration

Beyond corporate filings, businesses must also meet their tax obligations, which include:

Corporation Tax registration
VAT registration (if applicable)
PAYE/PRSI registration for employers

Chern & Co handles the tax registration process, helping you obtain your Tax Reference Number and ensuring that filings with Revenue are completed correctly and on time.

7. Strike-Off Prevention and Reinstatement

If a company fails to meet its compliance duties, it can be struck off the register, meaning it legally ceases to exist. Chern & Co:

Provides regular compliance checks to avoid involuntary strike-off
Assists with voluntary strike-off if you wish to close your business properly
Can help restore a company that has been struck off, via the High Court or administrative route

Digital Compliance Tools and Support

Chern & Co utilizes modern digital platforms to manage filings and documentation securely. Their clients benefit from:

Automated deadline reminders
Secure document storage
Real-time updates on filing statuses
Personalized compliance roadmaps

This digital approach ensures transparency and reduces the risk of human error or overlooked deadlines.

Why Irish Business Owners Choose Chern & Co

Trusted Legal Experts: All services are solicitor-led, ensuring accuracy and legal soundness.
Personalized Service: Tailored compliance solutions for startups, SMEs, and non-resident owners.
Transparent Pricing: Clear fee structures with no hidden costs.
Global Reach: Specialist support for international clients setting up Irish operations.

Final Thoughts

For any business operating in Ireland, staying compliant with company law is not just a legal duty—it’s a strategic necessity. With the complex and evolving nature of Irish regulations, it’s wise to partner with a firm that offers legal depth, practical support, and local expertise.

Chern & Co helps Irish business owners meet all their corporate compliance obligations efficiently and professionally, ensuring that you can focus on growing your business, not worrying about legal pitfalls.

Visit registercompany.ie to learn more about their compliance packages and get started with a free consultation.

Understanding Chern & Co Compliance: What Every Irish Business Owner Must Know