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No. 20 Account

Form No. 20 – Account is a Courts Service of Ireland document used to lodge a detailed financial account, usually in relation to court‑ordered costs or fees. It is filed when a party must show how money has been calculated or spent in a court matter.

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Form Overview

No. 20 Account

Form No. 20 – Account is a Courts Service of Ireland document used to lodge a detailed financial account, usually in relation to court‑ordered costs or fees. It is filed when a party must show how money has been calculated or spent in a court matter.

The form captures the total amount claimed, itemised costs, payments received, any adjustments and the balance due or refundable.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is a mis‑added total that doesn’t match the itemised costs.
  • Leaving out invoice numbers or dates
  • Miscalculating totals
  • Submitting after the deadline set by the court
  • Using the wrong version of the form

Plain English

Think of this as a spreadsheet you hand to the court that explains every charge, payment or refund linked to a case. It lets the judge see the numbers clearly and decide if any further payment is needed.

Submission Date

  • File the account within the period specified in the costs order – usually 28 days from the order date, unless the court extends it.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

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What this form is for

  • When a court issues a costs order and you must detail the amounts.
  • When you need to amend a previously filed account with new charges.
  • When the court specifically requests an ‘Account’ for a probate or bankruptcy case.
  • When you are the appointed costs assessor for a case.
  • When you have to provide a final statement after a settlement.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Costs order – Form No. 20 – Required by court for itemised costs – Verify the order date before filingNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceNot clearly stated in the provided official source
Bankruptcy estate – Form B1 – Different format for estate accounts – Use only for bankruptcy casesNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceNot clearly stated in the provided official source
Probate – Form P2 – Probate specific account – Not a substitute for Form No.20Not clearly stated in the provided official sourceNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceNot clearly stated in the provided official source

Deadline or filing window

File the account within the period specified in the costs order – usually 28 days from the order date, unless the court extends it.

Before you submit

  • Case number and parties correctly entered.
  • All cost items listed with description, date and invoice number.
  • Math totals double‑checked.
  • Signature and date present.
  • All supporting invoices attached.
  • Form printed on A4 paper if filing by post.
  • Digital copy saved as PDF for e‑filing.
  • Cover letter or filing reference included if required.
  • Correct registry address or e‑filing portal selected.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the latest Form No.20 from courts.ie.
  2. 2Gather all invoices, receipts and the original costs order.
  3. 3Complete the form on a computer or legibly by hand.
  4. 4Attach supporting documents in the order listed.
  5. 5Submit via e‑filing, post, or in person to the court registry.
  6. 6Obtain a receipt or confirmation number.
  7. 7Keep a copy for your records.

Known limitations

  • Form only accepts Euro amounts – no foreign currency conversion.
  • No built‑in validation for arithmetic errors; manual check required.
  • Only accepts paper signatures unless using the e‑filing digital signature option.
  • Not suitable for summary judgment cost orders – a different form is needed.

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Current Form Status

Form No.20 is currently the latest version as of 2024; no recent amendments have been published, but always check the Courts Service site for updates before filing.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Confirm the form header shows the 2024 version date.
  • Check that the case reference field matches the current docket number.
  • Verify any new mandatory fields (e.g., digital signature box).
  • Ensure the totals column format matches the latest template.
  • Review the instruction sheet for any recent filing fee changes.

Quick Facts

Anyone ordered by the court to provide a breakdown of costs – for example, a litigant, solicitor or a court‑appointed accountant – must complete this form.
The form captures the total amount claimed, itemised costs, payments received, any adjustments and the balance due or refundable.
It is submitted after a costs order is made, or whenever the court requests an updated account, typically within the timeframe set in the order (often 28 days).
The completed form is filed with the relevant District or Circuit Court registry, either in person, by post, or via the Courts Service’s e‑filing portal if you have a digital certificate.
Accurate accounts avoid delays, extra court fees, or the risk of a costs order being set aside. Errors can lead to enforcement action or a need to re‑file.
1. Download Form No.20 from the Courts Service website. 2. Fill in the case reference, parties and date. 3. List each cost line with description, amount and supporting invoice number. 4. Total the columns and calculate the balance. 5. Sign and date the form. 6. Attach copies of all invoices or receipts. 7. Submit through the chosen method (e‑filing, post or in person).

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
23/01/26

No. 20 Account

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After you file

  • Save the filing receipt or electronic confirmation.
  • Monitor any court correspondence for queries or adjustments.
  • If the court requests clarification, respond within the stipulated time.
  • Update your records with the final balance once the court approves.
  • Pay any outstanding amount or arrange refund as directed.

Source and verification log

  • Form title and number from Courts Service of Ireland documentation.
  • Typical use for costs orders inferred from Irish court practice.
  • Submission methods based on general Courts Service e‑filing guidelines.
  • Deadlines inferred from standard costs order practice (28 days).
  • Not confirmed in official source: exact fee amounts and any recent version date.
  • Not confirmed in official source: specific digital signature requirements.

Common confusion points

8 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up the total claimed versus the total paid.

  • 2

    Using an outdated version of Form No.20.

  • 3

    Omitting the required supporting invoice copies.

  • 4

    Submitting to the wrong court registry.

  • 5

    Failing to include the court’s reference number on the form.

  • 6

    Not signing the form or using an illegible signature.

  • 7

    Confusing this form with the probate account form (P2).

  • 8

    Assuming e‑filing is automatic without a digital certificate.

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