NZ Company Annual Return Due Date: Complete Guide 2026
Every NZ company must file an annual return within 20 working days of its incorporation anniversary. Here is everything you need to know about deadlines, fees, and what happens if you miss it.
What is the NZ company annual return?
Every company registered in New Zealand must file an annual return with the New Zealand Companies Register each year. The return confirms your current company details: directors, registered address, and shareholding structure. It is a compliance requirement under the Companies Act 1993, not a tax filing.
When is the annual return due?
Your annual return must be filed within 20 working days after the anniversary of your company's incorporation date each year.
For example, if your company was incorporated on 15 June 2025, your first annual return window opens on 15 June 2026 and the filing deadline is approximately 13 July 2026 (20 working days later, excluding weekends).
Use the FreshFirms annual return date calculator to find your exact deadline.
How much does it cost?
- Online (recommended): NZ$45.74
- Paper filing: NZ$105.00
File online at companies.govt.nz to pay the lower fee and get instant confirmation.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
If you do not file on time, the Registrar of Companies can:
- Send a warning letter to your registered address
- Issue a notice of intention to remove the company from the register
- Strike the company off the register
Reinstatement after a strike-off costs $200 plus legal and professional fees, and can take several weeks. It is far easier to file on time.
Do you need an accountant to file your annual return?
No. Directors can file the annual return themselves at companies.govt.nz. However, many accountants include annual return filing as part of their year-end package alongside financial statements and income tax returns.
If your company has turnover over NZ$30,000 or any employees, you will also need financial statements, which most directors need professional help to prepare correctly.
What does the annual return confirm?
When you file, you are confirming that:
- All director details are current and correct
- The registered office address is current
- The company's share structure is accurately recorded
- The company is still actively trading (or dormant but still registered)
Update any changed details at the Companies Office as they happen during the year rather than waiting for the annual return.
New company? When is your first annual return due?
Your first annual return is due in the 20 working days after the first anniversary of your incorporation. If your company was incorporated in June 2025, your first deadline falls in July 2026.
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