Registrations
Beneficial ownership filed for R800
CIPC requires every company and close corporation to declare the individuals who ultimately own or control it. Until yours is filed, your annual return cannot be submitted at all.
What you get
What the fee covers
No surprise line items. This is what is included.
Beneficial owners identified
We work through your shareholding to establish who holds 5% or more, directly or indirectly.
Declaration prepared and filed
Lodged with CIPC in the correct format for your entity type.
All entity types covered
Private companies, close corporations, personal liability companies and NPCs, with up to 10 directors or shareholders online.
Filed with your annual return
Handled together so nothing blocks the other.
Who counts as a beneficial owner
Any individual who directly or indirectly holds a beneficial interest of 5% or more. That includes people who own 5% or more of the issued shares; people who own 5% or more of a corporate shareholder, including a foreign one, that holds a stake in your company; and trust beneficiaries who hold a significant interest.
What non-compliance costs you
Compliance notices, administrative fines, investigations, and potential disqualification of directors. On top of that, you cannot file your annual return until the declaration is in, which puts you on the road to deregistration.
The process
How it works
Map the ownership
We identify every individual holding a beneficial interest of 5% or more, including through corporate shareholders and trusts.
Collect supporting detail
Identity details and the nature of each interest.
Prepare the declaration
Compiled in the format CIPC requires.
File and confirm
Lodged with CIPC and confirmed back to you.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a beneficial ownership declaration?
A statutory requirement introduced by CIPC to identify the natural individuals who ultimately own or control a corporate entity, directly or indirectly. It comes from the General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act 22 of 2022, which amended the Companies Act 71 of 2008 and took effect on 1 April 2023. Its purpose is to give authorities the information they need to combat money laundering and financial crime.
Who qualifies as a beneficial owner?
Any individual holding a beneficial interest of 5% or more, whether directly or indirectly. That covers individuals holding 5% or more of the issued shares, individuals owning 5% or more of a corporate shareholder including foreign entities, and trust beneficiaries holding a significant interest.
What happens if my company does not submit?
Compliance notices, administrative fines, investigations and possible disqualification of directors. Under the enforcement mechanism introduced on 1 July 2024, you also cannot submit your CIPC annual return until the beneficial ownership filing is complete, which directly threatens your company's legal standing.
Which business structures can you file for?
Private companies (Pty) Ltd, close corporations, personal liability companies (Inc) and non-profit companies (NPC), supporting entities with up to 10 directors or shareholders through our online form.
How often must it be filed?
It must be filed within the same calendar year as your annual return filing, and updated when your ownership changes.
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 moreAnnual Returns
Annual returns filed with CIPC plus a confirmation certificate, keeping your company active and out of deregistration.
Read moreGet started
Talk to a consultant
Or WhatsApp us on 082 082 8127 if you would rather just ask.
Enquire about Beneficial Ownership
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 beneficial ownership 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