Lisa Lokasto

Update: The Companies Registration Office (CRO) has confirmed that the new audit exemption rules for SMEs commenced on 16 July 2025.

Key points:

• Late filings before 16 July 2025 follow the old regime i.e. resulting in automatic loss of audit exemption for two years.
• From 16 July 2025 onward, under Section 22 of the Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Act 2024, a company only loses audit exemption after two late filings within five years.
• Late filing fees still apply.

This change offers welcome regulatory relief for small and micro companies in Ireland, reducing unnecessary audit costs for once-off delays.

📌 Original Post: Relief for SMEs: Audit Rule Change Takes Effect