Question 1

What is Beneficial Ownership?

Accepted Answer

Beneficial Ownership refers to the individuals who ultimately own, control, or benefit from a company, directly or indirectly.
This is required by the Companies Act and anti-money-laundering legislation.

Question 2

Why must Beneficial Ownership be declared?

Accepted Answer

To increase transparency and prevent tax evasion, fraud, and money laundering.
CIPC now requires all companies to disclose BO information.

Question 3

Who qualifies as a Beneficial Owner?

Accepted Answer

Any person who:
 • Holds 5% or more shares
 • Controls voting rights
 • Has the power to influence decisions
 • Benefits financially from the company

Multiple individuals may qualify.

Question 4

What information must be submitted to CIPC?

Accepted Answer

• Full name of beneficial owner
 • Certified ID or passport
 • Proof of address
 • Percentage shareholding
 • Nature of control
 • Company Share Register
 • Share Certificates
 • Shareholders Resolution - Share Allotment

Question 5

When must Beneficial Ownership be submitted?

Accepted Answer

BO information must be submitted:
 • On company registration
 • Whenever ownership changes
 • Annually with CIPC returns

Question 6

What happens if a company does not submit Beneficial Ownership?

Accepted Answer

You may face:
 • Compliance notices
 • Penalties
 • Deregistration
 • Inability to update company details

Question 7

Does Beneficial Ownership apply to dormant companies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All registered companies must comply.

Question 8

Do NPOs or NPCs require BO submission?

Accepted Answer

Yes — directors or controlling individuals must still be declared.

Question 9

Can a foreign shareholder be a Beneficial Owner?

Accepted Answer

Yes — foreign individuals must provide certified passport copies and verified details.

Question 10

How often must Beneficial Ownership be updated?

Accepted Answer

Every time shareholding or control changes.

Question 11

Does BO information appear publicly?

Accepted Answer

No — it is stored privately by CIPC for regulatory purposes.

Question 12

Can a company have no Beneficial Owner?

Accepted Answer

Rare, but possible in complex structures.
In such cases, controlling individuals must be declared.

Question 13

What is a BO Register?

Accepted Answer

A BO Register is an official record maintained by the company listing all beneficial owners. 
It must be accurate and up to date.

Question 14

Can CIPC reject BO submissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes — if information is incomplete or incorrect.

Question 15

Must share certificates be uploaded?

Accepted Answer

Not always, but CIPC may request supporting documents.

Question 16

Do trusts need to submit Beneficial Ownership?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Trustees and beneficiaries with control must be declared.

Question 17

Can a company with 50+ shareholders submit BO?

Accepted Answer

Yes — but all beneficial owners with 5%+ must be listed.

Question 18

Does BO affect tax obligations?

Accepted Answer

Indirectly — SARS may use BO data for audits and compliance checks.

Question 19

Are changes effective immediately?

Accepted Answer

Yes — once submitted and approved.

Question 20

Can we handle BO submissions for multiple companies?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we manage BO compliance for holdings, groups, and multiple entities.

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