Company annual returns with BRS: what directors must file

Every company registered under the Companies Act 2015 files an annual return with the Business Registration Service (BRS). It is separate from your KRA tax returns. Many directors file one and forget the other.

What an annual return is

It confirms your company’s current details: directors, shareholders, registered office and share capital. It does not report profit or tax. The return is tied to your company’s anniversary of incorporation.

Steps on eCitizen

1. 1A director or authorised person signs in to their eCitizen account.
2. 2Open Business Registration Service and select the company.
3. 3Choose annual returns and pick the year.
4. 4Check every detail. Update directors or shareholders first through the right change process if they changed.
5. 5Pay the invoice through eCitizen checkout and save the receipt.
6. 6Download the confirmation and keep it with company records.

Why not to delay

• Late filing attracts penalties
• Unfiled returns can block other BRS changes and documents like a CR12
• Long non-compliance can lead to a company being struck off

Tip: Fell behind for several years? File the missing years in order. BRS shows the amounts due on the invoice.

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