CIPC Annual Returns

What are CIPC annual returns?

An annual return is a yearly filing that confirms your company is still trading and updates CIPC on your company's basic details. It is not the same as filing tax returns with SARS — it's a separate, company-law requirement.

When are they due?

Annual returns must be filed within a specific window each year, based on the anniversary of your company's original registration date — not the calendar year or your financial year-end.

What happens if you don't file?

If annual returns go unfiled for an extended period, CIPC can move to deregister the company. A deregistered company can no longer legally trade, open bank accounts, or hold contracts — and reinstating it afterward is its own process.

Other ongoing compliance to keep in mind

• Beneficial Ownership (BOREG) declarations — a mandatory CIPC filing on who ultimately owns/controls the company
• Company maintenance — keeping director and shareholder details accurate and up to date with CIPC
• Share certificates and registers — legally required records for every company with shareholders

Directors who step back but stay on the register still carry personal exposure. See our guide to silent director liability in South Africa.

Stay compliant with Maltech-Africa

• CIPC Annual Returns — R550
• Inactive Company Returns Submissions — R1,550 (for dormant companies catching up)
• CIPC Compliance — R550
• CIPC Company Maintenance Services — R852 (was R1,200)
• Re-Instate a Company — R2,250 (if you've already been deregistered)

Need to appoint, resign or remove a director, or update director contact and ownership details? See our Foreign Director Compliance guide, or explore our Company Director Update service — R850 in the SA-Biz Shop.

Frequently asked questions

Last updated: 9 October 2026

My company hasn't traded yet — do I still need to file?

Yes. Annual returns are required whether or not the company has actually traded, as long as it remains registered with CIPC.

Can a deregistered company be brought back?

Yes, through a re-instatement process with CIPC — though it takes longer and costs more than staying compliant in the first place.

Is an annual return the same as a tax return?

No — annual returns go to CIPC and confirm your company's existence and details. Tax returns go to SARS and cover your actual income and tax position. Both are required, separately.

What is the Beneficial Ownership (BOREG) filing?

It is a mandatory CIPC filing disclosing who ultimately owns or controls the company. It must be kept accurate and is separate from your annual returns.

Keep your company in good standing

Browse our CIPC compliance services, or chat with us on WhatsApp and we'll file your annual returns before the deadline.