If an unlimited company (which is at least part owned by a natural person as opposed to a company) is audit exempt what does it file with the CRO?

The below response relates to companies with periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017. From that date Companies (Accounting) Act 2017 is mandatorily applicable. Even if a company early adopts certain Sections as permitted in Section 14 of Companies (Accounting) Act 2017 the company is not required or permitted to early adopt the change made to the definition of ‘designated unlimited companies in Section 1274 of Companies Act 2014. Where the period is for a period beginning on or after 1 January 2017;

For periods beginning before 1 January 2017, such an unlimited company is only required to file a Form B1 annual return. No further filings are required (S.1274 & 1277 CA 2014).

For periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017, if any beneficial owner of the ULC benefits from limited liability either directly or indirectly then the financial statements must be filed with the CRO.