This article is for Irish company directors and secretaries who've discovered errors in their CRO filings and need to fix them quickly.
If you're wondering how to correct mistakes like wrong director addresses, financial statement errors, or share capital problems, this guide covers how to use Form H1, what can't be fixed with corrections, and why prompt action matters for your company's reputation and legal compliance.
Key Takeaways
Use Form H1 to correct most CRO filing errors by identifying the original document and clearly explaining the mistake.
Director address errors are the most common mistake and can cause you to miss legal notices even if sent to wrong addresses.
Correct errors promptly because third parties relying on wrong CRO information may have legal claims against your company.
Constitutional amendments and director appointment errors cannot be fixed with Form H1 and require specific alternative forms.
Notify affected parties directly when material errors are discovered, especially banks that relied on incorrect financial statements.
Laura Ryan is a practising Barrister at the Bar of Ireland. She graduated from the Honourable Society of King’s Inns in 2024, having previously qualified and practised as a Chartered Accountant in a big four accounting firm.
What's the most common mistake directors make when filing CRO documents?
Director address errors top the list of filing mistakes. Directors often provide old addresses after moving house or mistakenly list business addresses instead of required residential ones. Since the CRO publishes these addresses and uses them for legal notices, accuracy is crucial.
What happens if I don't correct errors on my CRO filings?
Uncorrected errors mislead banks, suppliers, and investors who rely on CRO information, potentially resulting in refused credit or lost business opportunities. Legal notices sent to wrong addresses may miss you entirely, yet you're still legally bound by them even if never received.
How do I correct a mistake on my CRO filing?
You file Form H1 through your CORE account by identifying the document using the original CRO reference number, explaining the error clearly, and attaching corrected documents where necessary. Online filings through CORE process in a few business days, while postal submissions take longer.
Can I use Form H1 to fix any type of CRO filing error?
No, Form H1 doesn't work for everything. Constitutional amendments require special resolutions and Form G1, director appointment/resignation corrections need Form B10, and annual returns filed for wrong periods require filing the correct annual return for the right period.
Is there a deadline for filing corrections with Form H1?
The Companies Act 2014 doesn't impose specific time limits for H1 corrections. However, every day incorrect information remains public, more third parties potentially view and rely on it, with credit agencies updating their databases quarterly based on CRO information.
What if someone made a business decision based on my incorrect CRO filing before I corrected it?
Third parties who rely on incorrect CRO information are entitled to assume it's accurate and might have claims against your company if they suffer losses. In extreme cases where directors knew information was wrong but delayed corrections, those directors might face personal liability.
What types of financial statement errors commonly appear in CRO filings?
Common financial statement errors include wrong figures in accounts, missing pages from uploaded documents, or attaching statements for the wrong period. These mistakes are particularly serious because banks and credit agencies review filed accounts when assessing your company's creditworthiness.
Why do companies get confused about annual return filing dates?
Directors often confuse the 56-day filing window, thinking it runs from their year-end instead of from their Annual Return Date. This date confusion causes companies to file returns for wrong periods or calculate filing windows incorrectly.
