How do I file a CIPC annual return?

# How to File a CIPC Annual Return in South Africa **CIPC annual returns must be filed within 30 business days of your company's anniversary date each year.** All South African companies and close corporations are legally required to submit these returns to maintain good standing. ## Filing Requirements and Deadlines **Companies:** File within **30 business days** of your incorporation anniversary date. **Close Corporations:** File within **30 business days** of your registration anniversary date. **Critical Update:** Since **1 July 2024**, CIPC will not process any annual return if your **Beneficial Ownership (BO) declaration** has not been filed first. ## CIPC Annual Return Fees (2024) Filing fees are based on your company's annual turnover: - **Turnover under R1 million:** R165 - **Turnover R1-5 million:** R385 - **Turnover R5-25 million:** R1,100 - **Turnover over R25 million:** R3,000 ## Step-by-Step Filing Process ### 1. Register for CIPC eServices - Visit the official CIPC website at cipc.co.za - Create a customer account if you don't have one - Verify your email address ### 2. File Beneficial Ownership Declaration (if required) - Complete the BO declaration before attempting the annual return - This became mandatory from 1 July 2024 - Failure to file BO will block your annual return submission ### 3. Access Annual Returns Section - Log into your CIPC account - Navigate to "File Annual Returns" - Enter your company registration number ### 4. Complete Required Information - **Company details:** Confirm registered address and business activities - **Share capital:** Update any changes to authorised and issued share capital - **Directors and members:** Verify current appointments and shareholdings - **Financial information:** Declare annual turnover bracket ### 5. Submit and Pay - Review all information carefully - Pay the applicable fee online - Download your compliance certificate ## Late Filing Penalties **Companies filing late face automatic deregistration.** CIPC will issue a final notice, and if not resolved within 60 business days, your company will be deregistered. **Restoration fees:** R200 plus original filing fees if your company gets deregistered. ## Required Documents - **Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI)** (if amended during the year) - **Annual Financial Statements** (for public companies) - **Beneficial Ownership declaration** (mandatory since July 2024) ## Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid - Filing without completing BO declaration first - Incorrect turnover bracket selection - Outdated director information - Wrong registered address details **WeekdayApp automatically tracks CIPC filing deadlines alongside SARS compliance dates, ensuring your practice never misses critical submission deadlines.** ## What Happens After Filing Once submitted successfully, CIPC will: - Issue a compliance certificate - Update your company status to "In Business" - Send confirmation to your registered email address Your company remains in good standing for another year, maintaining your ability to conduct business, open bank accounts, and enter contracts legally.