Question 1

What is a CIPC Annual Return?

Accepted Answer

A CIPC Annual Return is a mandatory annual submission confirming that your company is still trading and that its details are up to date.
Failure to submit leads to penalties and possible deregistration.

Question 2

Who must file an annual return?

Accepted Answer

All companies and close corporations registered with CIPC, including:
 • Active companies
 • Dormant companies
 • NPCs

All must comply regardless of trading status.

Question 3

When is the annual return due?

Accepted Answer

Within 30 business days of your company anniversary (the date it was registered).

Question 4

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Accepted Answer

CIPC charges penalties for every late submission and can eventually begin deregistration.

Question 5

What documents are required?

Accepted Answer

• Annual turnover information
 • Financial statements for certain companies
 • Company details
 • Beneficial Ownership updates

We ensure your information is accurate and compliant.

Question 6

What is the difference between CIPC Annual Returns and SARS Returns?

Accepted Answer

CIPC Annual Returns confirm company existence, while SARS returns relate to income tax compliance.
Both are mandatory.

Question 7

Do dormant companies need to file?

Accepted Answer

Yes — dormant companies must still file annual returns or face deregistration.

Question 8

Can deregistration affect bank accounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes — banks may freeze business accounts if CIPC deregisters your company.

Question 9

What is the cost of filing annual returns?

Accepted Answer

Costs are based on company turnover; NPCs have fixed fees.

Question 10

Do I need financial statements to file?

Accepted Answer

Yes — if your company meets certain thresholds, you must upload financial or independent review statements.

Question 11

What if my turnover is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

CIPC may request supporting documents or conduct verification checks.

Question 12

Can annual returns be corrected?

Accepted Answer

Yes — if incorrect information was submitted, we can help correct and resubmit.

Question 13

How long does it take to file?

Accepted Answer

Usually 1–3 working days, depending on complexity and supporting documents.

Question 14

What is the difference between Annual Return (AR) filing and Beneficial Ownership (BO) updates?

Accepted Answer

BO updates declare ownership details, while AR confirms company status.
Both are mandatory and now linked.

Question 15

Can annual returns be filed early?

Accepted Answer

No — they must be filed within the allowable 30-day window.

Question 16

Do NPCs need to submit annual financial statements?

Accepted Answer

Yes — NPCs must upload financials depending on their public interest score.

Question 17

What happens after filing?

Accepted Answer

CIPC issues an Annual Return Filing Confirmation, which may be required for funding or tender documents.

Question 18

Do foreign-owned companies need to file ARs?

Accepted Answer

Yes — regardless of director nationality.

Question 19

What if the company is in deregistration?

Accepted Answer

We assist with reactivation and bringing all returns up to date.

Question 20

Do we handle all CIPC submissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes — annual returns, BO updates, amendments, and company reactivations.

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