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Incorporation

Filing Receipt

/ˈfaɪlɪŋ rɪˈsiːt/

A Filing Receipt is the official acknowledgment from the Companies Registration Office confirming receipt of your company filing, such as Form A1, providing proof of submission whilst the registry processes your application and issues formal certificates.

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What is Filing Receipt exactly?

‍A Filing Receipt is the official confirmation issued by the Companies Registration Office (CRO) immediately upon receiving your company's filing submission, such as Form A1 for incorporation. It acts as proof that your documents have been successfully lodged through the CORE online portal, providing peace of mind whilst the registry reviews and processes the application.

‍This receipt includes key details like the submission date, time, reference number, and a summary of the forms filed. Although it does not grant legal status to your company, it serves as an interim record that you have met your initial filing obligation. Founders often download and store this document as evidence during early compliance checks or due diligence processes.

‍The Filing Receipt is generated automatically in digital format, typically via email or direct download from the CORE system. It is not the final approval but a crucial first step in Ireland's streamlined company formation process, ensuring transparency and traceability from the moment of submission.

What does a Filing Receipt prove?

‍Your Filing Receipt proves that the CRO has received your exact submission on a specific date and time, which is vital for calculating filing deadlines. For instance, the 30-day window for certain notifications starts from the receipt date, protecting you from disputes over when the documents were actually lodged.

‍It also confirms the technical success of your online upload, including any attached files like director consents or constitutions. If issues arise later, such as a rejected name, the receipt helps trace the original application and supports any appeals or resubmissions.

How long after a Filing Receipt until I get the Certificate of Incorporation?

‍Processing times vary, but for standard Form A1 filings, the CRO typically issues the Certificate of Incorporation within 5-10 working days. Complex cases or high-volume periods may take longer, up to several weeks. The Filing Receipt keeps your application active during this review period.

‍You can track progress using the receipt's reference number on the CORE portal. Once approved, the certificate is emailed or available for download, marking your company's official legal birth.

What is the difference between a Filing Receipt and a Certificate of Incorporation?

‍A Filing Receipt is merely an acknowledgment of submission, with no legal effect on your company's status. It confirms receipt but does not validate the contents or create a new entity. The Certificate of Incorporation, however, is the formal document that legally establishes your company, assigns its registration number, and activates its corporate existence.

‍Relying solely on the receipt without the certificate leaves you operating in limbo, as banks, suppliers, and Revenue require the certificate for accounts and tax registration.

Where would I first see
Filing Receipt?

You'll most likely see a Filing Receipt immediately after submitting your Form A1 online via the CORE portal, either as an emailed PDF or downloadable confirmation screen, proving your incorporation documents are in the system.

Does a Filing Receipt protect against late filing penalties?

‍Yes, the timestamp on your Filing Receipt is your defence against late fees. For filings like change of registered office, the receipt date starts the clock for processing, shielding you from penalties if the CRO delays internally.

‍Always retain the receipt alongside your certificate, as it forms a complete audit trail for compliance records.

What if my Filing Receipt shows an error?

‍If the receipt contains mistakes, such as incorrect company name or missing attachments, contact the CRO helpdesk immediately with your reference number. Minor issues can often be resolved without resubmission, but significant errors may require a new filing and additional fees.

‍Double-check all details before hitting submit to avoid this, as resubmissions reset the processing timeline.

Can I use a Filing Receipt for business purposes?

‍No, a Filing Receipt alone does not authorise trading or opening bank accounts. These require the Certificate of Incorporation. Use the receipt only as internal proof of submission whilst awaiting formal approval.

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