The annual accounts comprise a balance sheet, an income statement and notes to the accounts. They are prepared in accordance with the accounting principles and methods defined in articles L. 123-12 et seq. and articles R. 123-172 to R. 123-208 made for their application, subject to the adaptations made necessary by the legal form or the nature of the activity of these legal entities. The charts of accounts applicable to these legal entities are set by regulation of the Autorité des normes comptables. If justified by specific features of the activity, structure or operations, adaptations may be made, in the same manner, to the provisions of these charts of accounts.
The annual accounts are submitted, together with a management report, to the governing body for approval no later than six months after the end of the financial year and are sent to the statutory auditors at least forty-five days before the meeting at which they are to be approved. The six-month period may be extended at the request of the legal entity’s legal representative, by order of the president of the judicial court, ruling on a petition.