Missing a CIPC annual return is the single most common reason South African companies end up deregistered — bank accounts frozen, contracts unenforceable, and property held in the company's name at risk of being declared bona vacantia and forfeited to the state. It is also the easiest problem to prevent. We track your registration anniversary, file the annual return with Beneficial Ownership every year, and restore companies that have already been struck off.
It is not a tax return and it is not the AFS — it is a short annual confirmation to CIPC that the company still exists, that its directors and registered address are current, and a declaration of turnover for the fee scale. Since 2023, it must be filed together with the Beneficial Ownership register. The window is 30 business days from the anniversary of the company's incorporation date, not from the financial year-end.
CIPC filing fees are based on annual turnover: R100 for turnover under R1 million, R450 for R1m–R10m, R2,000 for R10m–R25m and R3,000 above R25m. Close corporation fees are lower. Late fees escalate quickly — R150 to R4,000 depending on turnover and time overdue. We calculate the correct band, pay through the CIPC customer code and pass the disbursement through at cost.
One year missed: CIPC status changes to 'AR Deregistration Process'. Two years missed: 'In deregistration'. After that: 'Final Deregistration' — the company is struck off the register. Banks close accounts, VAT and PAYE registrations lapse, contracts entered in the company name become unenforceable, and immovable property vests in the state. We monitor filing anniversaries thirty days ahead and file inside the grace period every year.
Where the company is already deregistered, we lodge the CoR 40.5 re-instatement, gather the supporting bundle (Letter of No Objection from SARS, sworn affidavit, proof of trading or asset ownership, newspaper advert), settle every outstanding annual return and penalty, and shepherd the file through the CIPC portal. Typical timeline is six to ten weeks from lodgment to full re-instatement.
Change of directors (CoR 39), change of registered address (CoR 21.1), change of company name (CoR 9.1 and CoR 9.4), amendment of MOI (CoR 15.2), share capital adjustments and voluntary deregistration where a company is genuinely finished trading. All included in our Entry and Medium packages.
Common questions about cipc annual returns in South Africa.
Bookkeeping, payroll, tax and CIPC compliance — all under one SAICA registered team.
We value your privacy
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyse traffic, and for marketing. See our Cookie Policy.