First annual accounts after start

At a glance: deadlines by legal form

The final publication deadline depends on your legal form. The summary below helps you orient quickly. Want to see the entire process step by step? See How it works: closing your first financial year.

After the annual accounts, the Tax return after your first financial year often follows. File your returns on time to avoid fines and tax interest.

BV: timelines and steps for the first annual accounts

A BV follows a fixed process with hard deadlines. The sequence is the same in the first year.

1. Prepare the annual accounts — no later than within 5 months after the financial year. The board prepares the accounts and signs them. The general meeting can extend the preparation period by up to 5 months if there is a valid reason.

2. Adoption by the shareholders — within 2 months after preparation. The general meeting adopts the annual accounts. This can also be earlier, as soon as all required documents are available.

3. Publication at KVK — within 8 days after adoption. You file the annual accounts digitally. KVK does not check the content — you remain responsible.

Practical example for calendar year 2025: prepare no later than 31 May 2026 — with extension 31 October 2026 — adopt no later than 31 December 2026 — file within 8 days thereafter. If adoption has not yet taken place, you must file no later than 12 months after the financial year, indicating that they have not yet been adopted.

Outsourcing is of course possible: our Accounting firm Eindhoven for your annual accounts takes care of preparing, finalizing and filing.

Exception: all shareholders are also directors

If all shareholders are also directors, a faster route applies. The annual accounts are deemed adopted as soon as all directors have signed. The final publication deadline is then 10 months and 8 days after the end of the financial year. For a calendar year ending on 31 December 2025, you must therefore file no later than 8 November 2026. Note any deviating arrangements in the articles of association.

Signing the annual accounts: who, when and what counts

The annual accounts are signed by all directors and — if any — supervisory directors. If a legal entity is a director, the natural person representing that director signs. If a signature is missing, the reason must be stated in the annual accounts.

Preparation and signing are closely linked but legally distinct. Preparation is the board decision that the annual accounts are ready. Signing is a formal confirmation by directors and supervisory directors. Signing is not part of the preparation period itself, but in practice follows immediately. Therefore, clearly record the preparation date and signing dates and include them in the file.

Electronic signing is permitted, provided the signature can be traced back to the signatory and the integrity of the document is safeguarded. If you work fully digitally, record the steps — preparation decision, signing, adoption decision — chronologically in minutes and decision documents. This prevents discussions afterwards about the exact timing.

What if deadlines slip or a director does not sign? Missing the signing date does not automatically invalidate the annual accounts, but it does increase risks. In case of late publication this may contribute to the presumption of improper management, especially in bankruptcy. Be strict with internal deadlines and justify deviations in writing. Finally: KVK does not check the content or the completeness of signatures — responsibility remains with the board.

Extended financial year for your first annual accounts

If you start halfway through the year, you can often opt for an extended financial year: your first financial year then runs until the end of the following calendar year. The maximum duration is 24 months minus 1 day and you arrange this at incorporation via the notary in the articles of association. The advantage is that you bundle everything into one set of figures — one set of annual accounts, one corporate income tax return, lower start-up costs and often clearer reports for investors.

An extended financial year is not always convenient. With pronounced seasonal patterns or within a fiscal unity, a short first year or a non-calendar financial year may fit better. If it is not in your articles, a later amendment via the notary is possible, but it brings costs and extra formalities.

Publication and filing with KVK

After adoption you file the annual accounts digitally with KVK within 8 days. If adoption is not on time, you file a non-adopted version no later than 12 months after the end of the financial year — the final version follows later. Simplified publication rules apply to micro and small BVs, but the deadlines remain the same. KVK does not assess the content — filing is and remains your own responsibility. If needed, you can submit the annual accounts directly from your accounting software via SBR.

What if you are late?

Filing late is an economic offence and may lead to fines and — in serious cases — criminal prosecution. If the BV goes bankrupt, late publication can lead to reversal of the burden of proof and personal director liability. It can also harm your creditworthiness and relationships with financiers. An extension of the preparation period can be a maximum of 5 months — the 12-month publication deadline does not move. If you expect delays, seek help early.

How Profinancials helps with your first annual accounts

With our all-in bookkeeping packages for BVs, holding companies and other legal forms, we handle your administration, corporate income tax return, VAT return and — where required — the year-end and publication documents. You get a dedicated adviser, unlimited contact and efficient digital processes. Optionally we provide a full annual report with a compilation report. We think along about the right first financial year and monitor all deadlines. Schedule a free introductory meeting and get your annual accounts right from the start. Just started? See our Support for starting entrepreneurs.

Frequently asked questions

How long may the first financial year be?

You may extend your first financial year to a maximum of 24 months minus 1 day. You arrange this at incorporation via the articles of association. Often you choose a year ending on 31 December. Example: incorporated on 14 July 2025 — your first financial year can run up to and including 31 December 2026.

What is the statutory deadline for preparing annual accounts?

The board must prepare the annual accounts within 5 months after the end of the financial year. The general meeting can extend this period by up to 5 months if there are valid reasons. Adoption by the shareholders follows thereafter.

How much time do you have to file annual accounts?

You file the annual accounts within 8 days after adoption. If not yet adopted, all legal entities must have published no later than 12 months after the financial year. If all shareholders are also directors, the practical limit is 10 months and 8 days.

What is the extension period for preparing annual accounts?

The preparation period can be extended once by up to 5 months by the general meeting. The 12-month publication deadline remains unchanged — you cannot extend it. Prepare decisions and minutes on time and record them properly.