Registrations
File your annual return before your company lapses
Every company and close corporation has been legally required to file an annual return since 1 September 2008. Miss it by more than six months and CIPC can start deregistration, at which point your company is no longer legally recognised and cannot trade.
What you get
What the fee covers
No surprise line items. This is what is included.
Annual return filed with CIPC
Lodged and paid on your behalf so the Registrar has current information on record.
Confirmation certificate
Proof that the return was filed, for your records, your bank and your tenders.
Turnover band checked
We confirm which fee band you fall into before filing, so you are not overcharged or short-paid.
Beneficial ownership handled alongside
Since 1 July 2024 the annual return cannot be submitted unless beneficial ownership is filed in the same calendar year. We do both together.
Backlog years assessed
If you have missed several years, we work out what is outstanding before you commit to anything.
What it costs
The fee depends on your entity type and annual turnover.
Companies
Private, public, personal liability and non-profit companies.
- Turnover under R1 million — R650
- R1 million to R10 million — R950
- R10 million to R25 million — R3,000
- Over R25 million — R4,500
Close Corporations
CCs registered before the Companies Act 2008 came into force.
- Turnover under R50 million — R650
- Over R50 million — R4,500
Beneficial ownership is not optional any more
From 1 July 2024, beneficial ownership must be filed in the same calendar year as your annual return. Until it is done, the annual return cannot be submitted at all. That declaration costs R800 and we submit it alongside your return. Read what beneficial ownership means.
The process
How it works
Send us your details
Company name and registration number is enough to start.
We check your status
We confirm what is outstanding, which years, and which turnover band applies.
You approve the quote
You see the full cost, including beneficial ownership, before paying.
We submit and confirm
The return is lodged on your behalf and you get your confirmation certificate.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Why must I file an annual return?
Since 1 September 2008 all companies and close corporations are legally required to submit annual returns to CIPC. It confirms to the Registrar that your business is still active and keeps your company details up to date.
What happens if I do not file?
If you fail to submit and pay for more than six months from the due date, CIPC may start deregistration. A deregistered company is no longer legally recognised: it loses its legal standing to trade, its bank account can be frozen, and it falls out of contention for tenders and contracts.
How much does it cost?
For companies: under R1 million turnover is R650, R1 million to R10 million is R950, R10 million to R25 million is R3,000, and over R25 million is R4,500. For close corporations: under R50 million is R650 and over R50 million is R4,500.
Do I need a beneficial ownership declaration too?
Yes. All companies and CCs must submit one, and since 1 July 2024 your annual return cannot be submitted without it. It costs an additional R800 and we handle it alongside the return.
I have missed several years. What now?
Send us your registration number and we will check exactly what is outstanding before you commit to anything. Multiple outstanding years are still fixable, and it is considerably cheaper than restoring a deregistered company.
My company is not trading. Do I still have to file?
Yes. The obligation attaches to the registration, not to trading activity. A dormant company that stops filing gets deregistered the same as an active one.
Related
Often needed at the same time
Register a Company
Name reservation, MOI, COR 14.3 documents, share certificates and a free accounting officer appointment.
Read moreRegister a Non-Profit Company (NPC)
Name reservation, MOI and a free accounting officer appointment for a public-benefit company.
Read moreBeneficial Ownership
The mandatory CIPC beneficial ownership declaration. Without it, your annual return cannot be submitted.
Read moreGet started
Talk to a consultant
Or WhatsApp us on 082 082 8127 if you would rather just ask.
Enquire about Annual Returns
Tell us where your company is at. A consultant comes back with the cost, the documents we need and the timeline, before you pay anything.
Got it. We are on this.
A consultant will be in touch on the number you gave us, usually within one business day. If it is urgent, WhatsApp us on 082 082 8127.
Ready to get annual returns sorted?
Tell us what your company needs. We will tell you what it costs, what we need from you and how long it takes, before you pay anything.
Office 071 687 1601 · support@businessneeds.co.za · Pretoria