What is a CIPC annual return?
The annual return confirms to CIPC that your company still exists and is trading, and updates its key information. It is not a tax return. You file it with CIPC, and you file tax returns separately with SARS.
When are annual returns due?
Annual returns are due every year in the month your company was registered. You have 30 business days from the anniversary of the registration date to file. The first return is due one year after registration.
How much are CIPC annual return fees?
Fees for companies depend on annual turnover. Filing late costs more.
| Annual turnover | On time | Late |
|---|---|---|
| Less than R1 million | R100 | R150 |
| R1 million to less than R10 million | R450 | R600 |
| R10 million to less than R25 million | R2,000 | R2,500 |
| R25 million or more | R3,000 | R4,000 |
Close corporations and non-profit companies have their own fee scales. Check CIPC's current fees before you file.
What else do I submit with the annual return?
Depending on the company, you also submit either a financial accountability supplement or, for companies that must be audited or independently reviewed, a copy of the annual financial statements. Beneficial ownership information must also be kept up to date with CIPC.
What happens if I don't file annual returns?
If a company misses two or more annual returns, CIPC can start deregistering it. A deregistered company loses its legal status. It cannot trade, sign contracts or be awarded tenders, and its bank account can be frozen. Restoring it means applying for reinstatement, which costs much more than the returns would have.
How do I file annual returns?
- Log in to CIPC eServices with your customer code
- Choose annual returns and enter the company registration number
- Confirm or update the company details and enter the turnover
- Pay the fee from your CIPC account balance
- Submit the financial accountability supplement or financial statements
- Download the confirmation for your records
Step by step
- Check the due date. Find your registration anniversary; you have 30 business days from that date.
- Log in to CIPC eServices. Use your CIPC customer code and password.
- Enter turnover and confirm details. Confirm company details and declare annual turnover.
- Pay the fee. Pay from your CIPC account balance; the amount depends on turnover and lateness.
- Submit supporting information. Submit the financial accountability supplement or financial statements.
- Keep the confirmation. Download the confirmation and diarise next year's date.