Årsregnskapene

Årsregnskapene (the annual financial statements) are the formal financial statements that Norwegian companies prepare to document their financial position and performance for the past financial year. They are prepared in accordance with the Norwegian Accounting Act and related regulations, typically using NGAAP or IFRS for larger groups.

Contents of the årsregnskapene usually include the income statement (resultatregnskapet), the balance sheet (balanseregnskapet), and notes (noteopplysninger). A cash flow statement may be required for larger entities. Many entities also publish an annual report (årsberetning) and an auditor's report (revisjonsberetning). The core aim is to present a true and fair view of the company’s financial results and position.

Audit and size considerations vary. Whether an audit is required depends on size, legal form, and ownership. Many enterprises must have their årsregnskapene audited by an authorized auditor; smaller companies may be exempt from mandatory audit or may obtain limited assurance instead.

Filing and publication obligations are enforced through the Brønnøysund Register Centre. The statements are prepared annually and must be filed and publicly accessible, typically within about five months after the end of the financial year, with extensions possible for micro or small enterprises in some cases.

Size classifications—micro, small, medium, and large—affect presentation requirements, disclosure obligations, and audit needs. These classifications are based on criteria such as revenue, assets, and employee count.

Purpose and users of the årsregnskapene include owners, creditors, authorities, and potential investors. They provide information for evaluating profitability, liquidity, and capital structure, support taxation and economic statistics, and inform decisions about dividends and future financing.