CIPC Annual Returns: How to File in South Africa
All South African companies registered with CIPC must file annual returns each year to confirm they are still in business. Annual returns must be filed within 30 days of the anniversary of the date of registration and are submitted on the CIPC website at www.cipc.co.za. Failure to comply can result in deregistration.
What Are CIPC Annual Returns?
Annual returns are a yearly filing requirement for all companies and close corporations in South Africa. They are not the same as financial statements or tax returns. An annual return simply confirms that your company still exists and is actively trading.
Annual returns are governed by the Companies Act 71 of 2008 (for companies) and the Close Corporations Act 69 of 1984 (for close corporations).
Check your annual return due date by logging into your CIPC customer account at www.cipc.co.za or by searching your company name on the CIPC website.
When Are Annual Returns Due?
Annual returns must be filed within 30 days of the anniversary of the date on which your company was incorporated. For example, if your company was registered on 15 March 2022, your annual return for 2026 is due by 14 April 2026.
CIPC sends reminder emails to the registered email address on file. However, it is your responsibility to track the due date.
Annual Return Fees
The fee for filing annual returns depends on the company or close corporation turnover. Fees are paid from your pre-funded CIPC customer account.
| Turnover | Annual Return Fee |
|---|---|
| R0 — no turnover | R100 |
| R1 to R1 million | R100 |
| R1 million to R10 million | R450 |
| R10 million to R25 million | R2,000 |
| R25 million to R50 million | R3,000 |
| Above R50 million | R3,000 plus additional levy |
How to File Annual Returns
- Log in to www.cipc.co.za with your customer code and password.
- Click on Annual Returns under the eServices menu.
- Search for your company using the registration number.
- Confirm the financial year end and estimated turnover.
- For companies with turnover above R1 million, you may need to upload financial statements in XBRL format.
- Pay the applicable fee from your pre-funded customer account.
- Download and save the confirmation receipt.
A company deregistered by CIPC is considered dissolved. Directors may become personally liable for debts incurred after deregistration.
Consequences of Not Filing
If a company fails to file annual returns for two or more consecutive years, CIPC may deregister the company. A deregistered company can no longer trade, open bank accounts, or enter contracts.
Reinstating a deregistered company is possible but involves additional forms, fees, and time. It is always cheaper and easier to file on time.
Financial Statements and XBRL
Companies with a public interest score of 350 or more, or with a turnover above R1 million, may be required to file audited or independently reviewed financial statements.
CIPC requires financial statements to be filed in XBRL (iXBRL) format for larger companies. XBRL is a structured data format that allows automated processing of financial data.