An annual return is not a tax return. It is a separate filing to CIPC, and missing it is the most common reason South African companies get deregistered.
What it is
Every company and close corporation registered with CIPC must file an annual return confirming the entity is still trading and its details are current. It is required under the Companies Act, regardless of whether you traded or made a profit.
It is completely separate from anything you file with SARS. Filing your tax return does not file your annual return.
When it is due
Within 30 business days of your company’s registration anniversary. Not the tax year, not the calendar year. Your own registration date.
Most business owners do not know their registration anniversary. It is on your CIPC registration certificate, and it is the date the whole obligation hangs on.
What it costs
The CIPC fee is based on annual turnover, on a sliding scale. Filing late adds penalties, and the penalty grows the longer it is outstanding.
What happens if you miss it
| Stage | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Late filing | Penalty added to the fee |
| Continued non-filing | Company flagged as non-compliant |
| Extended non-filing | Deregistration process begins |
| Deregistered | Company ceases to exist as a legal entity |
Your bank can freeze the company account. You cannot legally trade or contract in the company name. Any tender bid is void. Assets registered to the company become complicated to deal with.
Reinstatement is possible but costs more and takes longer than simply filing on time.
How to file
- Log into CIPC eServices
- Select annual returns and enter your registration number
- Confirm or update company details
- Declare turnover for the relevant year
- Pay the calculated fee
You may also need to file financial accountability information alongside it, depending on your company’s public interest score.
The practical fix
Find your registration date, add a recurring diary entry 30 days before the anniversary, and treat it like any other statutory deadline. It is a small annual task that becomes an expensive problem when forgotten.
Need this filed without the admin?
Annual returns, beneficial ownership, director and address changes, registrations and reinstatements. Filed online, from R199.
General information, not legal or accounting advice. CIPC fees and requirements change. Confirm current details with CIPC before acting.