The glossary to understand and take action

Annual accounts

Annual accounts present the entity’s financial position and result at the end of a financial year, together with the documents required under its regime.

Notion comptable, fiscale ou juridique · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

Definition and points to distinguish

The balance sheet, profit and loss account and notes must be prepared in accordance with the applicable obligations. The formats, exemptions and controls depend in particular on the legal form, size and activity.

In your file

What this changes in practice

Annual accounts present the entity’s position and performance over a financial year, in accordance with the applicable accounting framework and format. The balance sheet, income statement and notes must be read together. Their preparation is only one part of the process: the competent bodies must then complete the approval and filing steps where required. The arrangements may vary depending on the entity’s legal form, size and status.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

A manager receives a provisional balance sheet and income statement. They check the additional information, expected approvals and filing file, rather than considering those two documents as proof that an obligation has been fully met.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Identifier le schéma et les annexes applicables
  • Organiser l’approbation des comptes
  • Conserver la preuve du dépôt final

The practical question

Find out more

Pourquoi le bilan seul ne suffit-il pas à comprendre les comptes annuels ?

Le bilan décrit une situation à une date, tandis que le compte de résultat explique la performance sur la période. L’annexe apporte les méthodes et informations complémentaires requises. Lisez les documents ensemble : un solde peut changer de sens selon sa composition, la méthode de valorisation ou les engagements décrits. Les obligations de présentation dépendent de l’entité.

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

Balance sheetThe balance sheet presents, at a given date, the company's assets and the resources or obligations financing them.Income statementThe income statement, also called the profit and loss account in Luxembourg accounts, matches income and expenses for a period.eCDFeCDF is the Luxembourg platform for preparing, validating and submitting financial data in accordance with the available procedures.RCSThe Trade and Companies Register (RCS), managed by Luxembourg Business Registers, centralises registrations and filings for the persons and entities concerned.Lux GAAPLux GAAP refers to the Luxembourg accounting rules applicable to the preparation of accounts within the national framework.Accounting closeThe accounting close encompasses the work that finalises the accounts for a financial year and makes it possible to prepare the financial statements.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideAccounting obligations of an SARL in Luxembourg: organising compliancePractical guideAccounting close: preparing the year-end filePractical guideApproval of annual accounts: preparing shareholders’ decisionsPractical guideFile annual accounts: prepare eCDF and LBR

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.