Verification of Identity VIF or Identified Person Number IPN

The Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act of 2021 mandates that all directors of Irish companies provide their Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) on specific CRO forms or if abroad acquire a Verification of Identity VIF or Identified Person Number IPN

However, recognizing that many directors of Irish companies are non-resident in Ireland and may not possess a PPSN, the CRO has implemented an alternative solution known as the Identified Person Number (IPN). To obtain an IPN, directors are required to complete a Verification of Identity for CRO and RBO form (VIF).

This newly introduced process serves the dual purpose of safeguarding directors’ identities and preventing potential identity theft. The Verification of Identity VIF or Identified Person Number IPN is designed to be confidential, visible only to the individual completing the form and not accessible to the general public. Furthermore, the CRO stores this number in a secure, hashed format.

Directors who lack a PPSN, RBO, or IPN should anticipate some delays when submitting forms A1, B1, B10, and B69 to the CRO. It is important to note that, prior to company incorporation or appointment as a director, individuals must possess either a PPSN or an IPN.

During the annual return filing process, all directors are required to provide either a PPSN/IPN or an RBO number to ensure compliance with the law.