File annual returns by April 30 or face sanctions – Registrar of Companies
The Registrar of Companies has warned that thousands of firms could face penalties and possible removal from the Companies Register if they fail to file their Annual Returns by April 30, 2026.
In a press statement, the Office of the Registrar of Companies reminded business owners, company directors, secretaries and partners of incorporated partnerships that entities whose financial year ended on December 31 must file their returns with financial statements or renew their business names before the deadline.
The directive is in line with Section 126(1) of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), as well as provisions under the Incorporated Partnerships Act and the Business Names Act.
According to the Registrar, companies that fail to file their Annual Returns will be deemed non-compliant and liable to penalties in addition to filing fees. Firms that have defaulted for five years or more face a GH¢2,000 penalty, while those in arrears between one and four years will pay GH¢1,000.
The statement further cautioned that persistent non-compliance attracts daily penalties of 25 penalty units and may result in the company being struck off the register, making it unlawful to operate.
Business names that are not renewed will lapse and may be removed from the register.
The Registrar noted that Annual Returns must be filed within 18 months after incorporation and subsequently once every year, and must contain updated information on directors, shareholders, capital structure and be accompanied by financial statements.
