If you are a company director in Ireland, you may have heard of the new CRO requirement to provide your PPS number or IPN number when filing certain documents with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). But what is an IPN number and why do you need it? How can you obtain it and what are the benefits of having it?
In this blog post, we will answer all these questions and more. We will also explain how Peak Accounting Solutions can help you with your IPN number application and other company formation services. Let’s Dive in!
What is an IPN number and why do you need it?
An IPN number is an Identified Person Number that is assigned to non-resident directors of Irish companies. Unlike a PPS number, which is assigned to Irish residents only, an IPN number is used for identity verification purposes only and does not give permission to use social benefits services, public services and information within the state.
You need an IPN number if you are a director of an Irish company and you do not have a PPS number or an RBO number.
An RBO number is a Register of Beneficial Ownership number that is issued by the RBO portal to identify the beneficial owners of Irish companies and societies.
The new requirements for PPSN for Irish company directors
The new requirement for PPSN or IPN numbers for Irish company directors came into effect on June 11th 2023, following the implementation of the Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021. This act introduced several changes to company law in Ireland, including the establishment of the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) in place of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE).
The main reason for requiring PPSN or IPN numbers for Irish company directors is to enhance transparency and accountability in corporate governance and to combat fraud and money laundering.
By providing your PPSN or IPN number when filing certain documents with the CRO, you are confirming your identity and ensuring that your personal details match those held by the Department of Social Protection.
How to obtain an IPN number from CRO
If you are a non-resident director of an Irish company and you do not have a PPS number or an RBO number, you will need to apply for an IPN number from the CRO.
To apply for an IPN number from the CRO, you will need to complete a Form VIF – Declaration as to Verification of Identity.
- You will need to provide your name, date of birth, nationality and address on this form.
- You will also need to attach a copy of your current passport or national identity card as evidence of your identity.
- The Form VIF must be witnessed and signed by both you and a notary public.
- The CRO does not accept digital or electronic signatures on this form
The CRO will process your IPN application within 10 working days and send you an email with your IPN number. You can then use this number to file the required documents with the CRO.
What is the difference between PPS, IPN and RBO numbers?
As a company director in Ireland, you might come across other identification numbers such as PPS (Personal Public Service) and RBO (Register of Beneficial Ownership) numbers. It is important to understand the distinctions between these identification codes:
PPS Number:
The PPS (personal public service number) is an identification number used for various social welfare and taxation purposes. It is also used to access public services and information in Ireland.
A PPS number is always 7 numbers followed by either one or two letters.
IPN Number:
The IPN (identified person number) is an identification number used for identity verification purposes only. It is assigned to non-resident directors of Irish companies who do not have a PPS number or an RBO number.
An IPN number is always 8 numbers followed by either one or two letters.
RBO Number:
The RBO (register of beneficial ownership number) is an identification number used to register the beneficial owners of Irish companies and societies on the RBO portal.
A beneficial owner is a natural person who ultimately owns or controls a legal entity, directly or indirectly, through a shareholding, voting rights, or other means. An RBO number is always 8 numbers followed by either one or two letters.
How to use your IPN number for CRO filings
Once you have obtained your IPN number from the CRO, you can use it to file the following documents with the CRO:
- Form A1 – Company formation
- Form B1 – Annual return
- Form B10 – Change of director and/or secretary, or a change in their particulars
- Form B69 – Notification from an individual that they cease to be a company director or secretary
When filing these documents, you will need to enter your IPN number in the appropriate field. The CRO will verify your identity and match your personal details with those held by the Department of Social Protection.
If there are any discrepancies or errors, the CRO will reject your filing and send you a letter explaining the reason for rejection.
How to use your IPN number for RBO filings
You will also need to use your IPN number when filing your beneficial ownership details with the RBO portal.
The RBO portal is the central repository of statutory information required to be held by relevant entities (corporate or legal entity incorporated in the State) in respect of the natural persons who are their beneficial owners/controllers, including details of the beneficial interests held by them.
You can file your beneficial ownership details online through the RBO portal by creating an account and logging in. You will need to provide your company name, company number, and company type. You will also need to provide the name, date of birth, nationality, address, and IPN number of each beneficial owner of your company. You will also need to indicate the nature and extent of their interest in your company.
The RBO portal will verify your identity and match your personal details with those held by the Department of Social Protection. If there are any discrepancies or errors, the RBO portal will reject your filing and send you an email explaining the reason for rejection.
What are the benefits of having an IPN number?
Having an IPN number has several benefits for non-resident directors of Irish companies, such as:
Compliance:
By obtaining and using your IPN number, you are complying with the new requirements for PPSN or IPN numbers for Irish company directors under the Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021. This will help you avoid any penalties or fines for non-compliance.
Transparency:
By providing your IPN number when filing certain documents with the CRO and the RBO portal, you are enhancing transparency and accountability in corporate governance and helping to combat fraud and money laundering.
Convenience:
By having an IPN number, you can easily file your required documents with the CRO and the RBO portal online without having to visit their offices in person or send them by post. This will save you time and money.
Security:
By using your IPN number for identity verification purposes only, you are protecting your privacy and personal data from being misused or accessed by unauthorized parties.
Frequently Asked Questions about IPN Number
How long does it take to get an IPN number?
It usually takes 10 working days for the C RO and the CRO to process your IPN application and send you an email with your IPN number. However, this may vary depending on the volume of applications and the availability of staff. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for your IPN number as soon as possible to avoid any delays or complications.
How long is an IPN number valid?
An IPN number is valid for as long as you remain a director of an Irish company and you do not obtain a PPS number or an RBO number. If you cease to be a director of an Irish company, you will need to notify the CRO by filing a Form B69 and providing your IPN number. If you obtain a PPS number or an RBO number, you will need to update your personal details with the CRO and the RBO portal and provide your new identification number.
Can I use my IPN number for other purposes?
No, you cannot use your IPN number for any other purposes than identity verification when filing certain documents with the CRO and the RBO portal. Your IPN number does not give you permission to use social benefits services, public services and information within the state. It also does not affect your tax status or obligations in Ireland or in your country of residence.
What if I change my name, address or nationality?
If you change your name, address or nationality, you will need to update your personal details with the CRO and the RBO portal and provide your IPN number. You will also need to provide evidence of your change of name, address or nationality such as a marriage certificate, a deed poll, a utility bill or a passport. You can update your personal details online through the CRO portal at [this link] and the RBO portal at [this link].
Contact Peak Accounting Solutions today to get your IPN number
If you are a non-resident director of an Irish company and you need an IPN number, Peak Accounting Solutions can help you with your IPN application and other company formation services. We are a professional accounting firm that specializes in Irish company formation, accounting, taxation and compliance. We have extensive experience and knowledge in dealing with the CRO and the RBO portal and we can handle all the paperwork and formalities for you.
We can help you with:
- Applying for your IPN number from the CRO
- Filing your company formation documents with the CRO
- Filing your annual return and financial statements with the CRO
- Filing your beneficial ownership details with the RBO portal
- Registering your company for tax purposes with Revenue
- Preparing and submitting your tax returns and payments with Revenue
- Advising you on the best tax structure and planning for your company
- Providing ongoing accounting and bookkeeping support for your company
We offer competitive prices and fast turnaround times for our services. We also offer free consultation and quotation for our potential clients. Contact us today at contact@peakaccountingsolutions.ie or call us at +353 83 835 441 to get started. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
