Spring marks the period when many companies begin preparing and submitting their annual accounts for the previous accounting year. As the calendar approaches April and May, this becomes a natural area of focus for management, financial controllers and accountants. Proper planning is essential to ensure accurate figures, clear notes and that all information required by Norwegian authorities is submitted on time. In this article, we take a closer look at what an annual financial statement is, which companies are required to submit one, the deadlines that apply in 2026, and why the annual financial statement plays such an important role for both business and society.
What are the annual accounts?
The annual accounts provide a comprehensive overview of the company’s financial position at the end of the year. It serves as a summary of the company’s operations throughout the year and the financial resources it holds. The most common components of an annual financial statement include:
- Income statement, which presents revenues and expenses and shows whether the company achieved a profit or loss for the year.
- Balance sheet, which shows the company’s assets, liabilities and equity.
- Notes, which provide additional explanations and clarifications to make the financial figures easier to understand.
For bigger companies, additional requirements apply. Big companies must prepare an annual report, which describes the company’s development and risks, as well as an auditor’s report, where the auditor confirms that the annual accounts have been prepared correctly. Companies with a revenue exceeding NOK 70 million must also include a cash flow statement, showing how money has moved in and out of the business throughout the year.
Which companies need to submit the annual accounts?
Several types of entities are required to submit the annual accounts, including:
- Private limited companies (AS), public limited companies (ASA) and Norwegian branches of foreign companies (NUF) that are tax liable in Norway
- Housing cooperatives and building associations
- Foundations
- State enterprises
- Securities funds
- Partnerships formed as “partrederi”
For sole proprietorships (ENK) the requirement applies if the business has assets exceeding NOK 20 million or more than 20 full-time equivalents on average. Regardless of whether an ENK is required to submit the annual accounts, they must still submit a tax return.
Deadlines for the annual accounts in 2026
For the 2025 accounting year, the following deadlines apply:
- Approval of the annual accounts
The annual accounts must be reviewed and approved by the general meeting no later than 30 June 2026. - Submission to the Register of Company Accounts
Submission must be completed through Altinn no later than 31 July 2026. Failure to submit may result in enforcement fines, so it is important to meet the deadline.
What’s new in 2026?
It is still possible to submit the annual reports manually through Altinn, but submissions must follow standardized forms. Most companies are encouraged to use a modern, digital accounting system that supports automatic submission. Systems such as Tripletex make the process faster, more user-friendly and reduce the risk of errors by retrieving information directly from the accounting records.
Digital submission also simplifies communication between the company and the auditor or accountant, as documentation is exchanged electronically and in real time.
Why do companies need to submit the annual accounts?
The annual accounts play a key role in maintaining financial transparency in Norway. The submitted figures become publicly available, making it easier for different stakeholders to assess the company’s financial stability and risk profile. This includes:
- Customers evaluating whether to buy goods or services
- Suppliers assessing creditworthiness
- Investors seeking insight into profitability and growth potential
- Job seekers wanting to understand the company’s situation
The figures are made public through services such as Proff and Purehelp, contributing to a more transparent and trustworthy business environment.
Contact us
Do you have questions about the annual accounts, deadlines or the requirements that apply to your business? Or would you like a review of your accounts along with support for both annual reporting and ongoing bookkeeping? Our advisors can guide you through the entire process: from preparation and documentation to submission via Altinn. Our goal is to give you confidence that everything is accurate, complete and submitted on time.
Contact us today, and we will find the solution that benefits your company.
