Annual company administration

The formation price covers the first year. After that, in most countries the annual costs are paid on the company’s anniversary, while bookkeeping and any audit are done and paid for the year that has ended. For a US company, annual costs are paid before 31 May: a company formed between 1 January and 31 May pays on its anniversary, and one formed between 1 June and 31 December pays for the year ahead by 31 May each year. We let you know in good time.

For EUR 300 a year you get two scheduled 45-minute calls by video or phone and up to six written questions over 12 months. We answer a written question within two business days, or five for a complex one, and unused calls and questions do not carry over. Topics include your company structure, a change of owner or place of management, bank and KYC requests, CRS and FATCA self-certification, annual obligations and referral to a lawyer or accountant. Legal or tax opinions, tax returns, accounting, registry filings, representation, government and agent charges and any bank approval are not included.

We can review the company, its records and its existing provider arrangements. A transfer depends on the jurisdiction, company status, documentation and any outstanding work. The review establishes what is possible before responsibilities change.

Only where the agreed scope says so. Registered-agent or address renewal is different from preparing accounts and tax filings. Off-Shore coordinates tax-related and compliance support where applicable; the proposal must identify the particular work and responsible provider.

A company can have renewal, recordkeeping or filing obligations without trading income. For example, U.S. reporting for certain foreign-owned entities depends on reportable transactions, not simply profit. The actual company and its activity need to be reviewed.

Send the notice, due date and any payment or filing evidence promptly. The next steps depend on the obligation and current status. Penalties, reinstatement or additional professional work may be involved; paying an ordinary renewal fee may not be sufficient.

Document copies, certificates and certification requests can be coordinated where available. First confirm what the recipient requires and where the document will be used. Availability, processing and costs depend on the jurisdiction and the document.

Tell us about the proposed change and timing. Corporate records, identification checks and bank notifications may need attention. The paperwork should reflect the actual change and be coordinated with any professional advice needed for the transaction.

It reports the status or compliance matters covered by the issuing registry at a particular time. It does not by itself prove that all tax, accounting, licensing or banking obligations everywhere have been satisfied. Check what the requesting party needs it to establish.

Stopping payments is not the same as formally closing a company. Share your plans and any outstanding obligations before deciding what to do. Closure requirements and the treatment of debts, records and bank accounts need to be assessed for the relevant jurisdiction.