All registered companies and close corporations in South Africa are required to file annual returns with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Failure to do so can lead to hefty penalties or deregistration.

Filing your annual returns is not the same as submitting SARS tax returns — both are legally required and serve different purposes.

What is a CIPC Annual Return?

A CIPC annual return is a statutory requirement to confirm that a company or close corporation is still in business and complies with the Companies Act. It includes basic company details and an annual fee based on your entity’s turnover.

Why Is It Important to File Annual Returns?

• It keeps your business legally registered.
• Non-compliance leads to deregistration by the CIPC.
• You may be unable to open business bank accounts or apply for tenders.
• Administrative penalties and restoration costs can be expensive.

When Must Annual Returns Be Filed?

Annual returns must be filed within 30 business days of your company’s anniversary date (i.e., the date of registration). You can check your due date on the BizPortal.

What Information Is Required?

To file your CIPC annual return, you’ll need the following:

• Company registration number
• Financial year turnover
• Valid email and contact details
• Compliance with SARS if applicable

Penalties for Late or Non-Filing

Missing your annual return deadline can result in:

• Late filing penalties (calculated per day overdue)
• Deregistration of your company or CC
• Costly restoration processes

How Labuschagne Group of Companies Can Help

At Labuschagne Group of Companies, we offer full CIPC compliance services including:

• Annual return submissions
• CIPC amendments and director updates
• Company restorations
• Ongoing compliance consulting

Let our experienced team take the admin off your plate so you can focus on growing your business.

FAQs

Is a tax return the same as a CIPC annual return?

No. A tax return is submitted to SARS, while a CIPC annual return is a company registration compliance filing.

How much does it cost to file?

Fees vary based on turnover, starting from as little as R100. We can advise you on the exact amount.

Can I file it myself?

Yes, via cipc.co.za or BizPortal, but errors may cause compliance issues. We recommend professional assistance to avoid delays or penalties.