Receiving annual return reminders

Get email and text reminders about your annual return

When you incorporated your company, you provided us with an email address for communication. We use this to communicate important information about your company, including sending reminders when your company's annual return is due.

If you provided a mobile phone number, we’ll also send txt reminders to your mobile phone.

How to receive annual return reminders

To help you meet your annual return deadline, we send reminders during the month your return is due.

We send email reminders

We send email reminders to the address for communication for your company. We also send an email reminder to any person with confirmed authority to act for your company.

We also send txt reminders

If you’ve provided a mobile phone number as a contact number for your company, we’ll send you a txt reminder. We’ll also send a txt reminder to any person with confirmed authority to act for your company.

When reminders are sent

A reminder is sent on the first working day of the month that your annual return is due.

For example, if your annual return is due during the month of August, we send a reminder on 1 August (or the next working day).

Second reminder

If you haven't filed your annual return by the third week of the month it's due, we send you a second reminder.

Final reminder

If you haven't filed your annual return by the last working day of the month it's due, we send a third and final reminder. Once your annual return is overdue, you must file it as quickly as possible to prevent your company being removed from the Companies Register.

When the Registrar removes your company

All help topics

Before you start a company 7 guides

Get an overview of how companies are structured, find out about the company records you need to keep, and what's involved when you incorporate with and report to the Companies Office.

Starting a company 11 guides

You need to comply with New Zealand laws when you incorporate your company with the Companies Office, including reserving a company name, appointing directors, issuing shares and registering for tax.

Keeping company details up to date 13 guides

Once your company is registered with the Companies Office, nominate who will have authority to file your annual returns, and update your name, address, constitution, director and shareholder details.

See all 13 guides for Keeping company details up to date

Shares and shareholders 7 guides

When you incorporate, you must provide details of all company shares and shareholders. As changes occur, you must update this information on your own share register and in your company's annual return.

Company directors 8 guides

Directors have responsibilities to their company and shareholders, and under the Companies Act 1993. You must register all your directors with the Companies Office and they must sign a consent form.​

Filing annual returns 8 guides

Find out about filing an annual return — the information you need to update, how to change your filing month or request a time extension — and what happens if you don't file your annual return by the due date.

Complying with the law 11 guides

Find out how New Zealand law affects the directors and shareholders of your company, and your responsibility to create and maintain accurate company records, report to us and file financial statements.

Financial reporting 7 guides

​Some large New Zealand and overseas companies, and all FMC reporting entities must submit audited annual financial statements to the Companies Office.

Managing an overseas company in New Zealand 11 guides

Before they can carry out some business activities, companies incorporated in other countries, including Australia, must register with the Companies Office and then keep their company details up to date.

Closing a company 11 guides

When your company closes down you need to remove it from the register. Your company can be removed if it amalgamates with another company or doesn't file its annual return.

Restoring a company to the register 4 guides

Only some companies can be reinstated to the Companies Register once they've been removed. Find out who can apply, what evidence to provide and if you should apply to the Registrar or the High Court.

When your company fails 9 guides

Find out about voluntary administration, receivership and liquidation (external administration), and the roles and responsibilities of those appointed to manage your company's affairs.

Managing your online account 8 guides

Creating an account with the Companies Office allows you to complete the majority of your transactions online. It's free to set up, but fees apply for some transactions, such as filing annual returns.

Getting support to use the Companies Register 8 guides

Get help with any technical problems you have using the register, such as uploading documents or searching for companies, directors and shareholders.