Missing your CIPC annual return deadline can result in your company being deregistered. Once deregistered, your company name, registration number, and legal status are all lost. Thousands of SA companies are deregistered every year for this reason.
Every registered company in South Africa — PTY Ltd, NPC, Close Corporation — must file an Annual Return with CIPC every year. It’s not a tax return; it’s a compliance filing that confirms your company is still active. Miss it, and CIPC will eventually deregister your company.
What Is a CIPC Annual Return?
A CIPC Annual Return is a yearly declaration filed on the CIPC e-services portal confirming that your company:
- Is still in existence and trading (or dormant but maintained)
- Has up-to-date director and address information
- Has paid the annual filing fee
It is not a tax return (that goes to SARS). It is purely a CIPC compliance requirement under the Companies Act 71 of 2008.
When Are Annual Returns Due?
Annual returns are due within 30 business days of your company’s anniversary date — the date your company was registered. For example, if your PTY Ltd was registered on 15 March 2024, your first annual return is due by approximately 28 April 2025.
Tip: Log into cipc.co.za or check your CoR14.3 registration certificate for your exact registration date. That date is your annual return trigger every year.
How Much Do CIPC Annual Returns Cost?
| Company Turnover | CIPC Annual Return Fee |
|---|---|
| R0 — R1,000,000 | R100 |
| R1,000,001 — R10,000,000 | R450 |
| R10,000,001 — R25,000,000 | R2,000 |
| R25,000,001 — R50,000,000 | R3,000 |
| Over R50,000,000 | R4,000 |
| External Companies | R3,000 |
| Non-Profit Companies (NPC) | R50 |
Most small businesses (turnover under R1 million) pay only R100 per year. That’s it. There is no excuse to miss it at that price.
What Happens If You Don’t File Annual Returns?
Missing your annual return triggers a process that ends in company deregistration:
- Year 1 missed: CIPC sends a notice of non-compliance
- Year 2+ missed: CIPC places the company in “deregistration pending” status
- Eventually: CIPC officially deregisters the company in the Government Gazette
Once deregistered, your company ceases to legally exist. You lose:
- Your company name and registration number
- Ability to issue valid tax invoices
- Access to business bank accounts in the company name
- Tender eligibility
Can a Deregistered Company Be Restored?
Yes — but it is expensive and time-consuming. CompRegSA offers a company reinstatement service. You need to file back-dated annual returns plus penalties. It is far cheaper and easier to just file on time every year.
Need Your Annual Return Filed?
CompRegSA handles your annual return fast. WhatsApp us and we’ll sort it within 24 hours.
WhatsApp Us Now → View All ServicesHow to File Annual Returns Yourself
- Go to cipc.co.za and log in to your eServices account
- Select “Annual Returns” from the menu
- Enter your company registration number
- Confirm your company details and turnover bracket
- Pay the filing fee online (EFT or card)
- Save your confirmation receipt
If you would prefer CompRegSA to handle it, WhatsApp Naledi on 063 360 3187 and we will file it for you quickly and correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my annual return is due?
Your annual return is due within 30 business days of your company’s anniversary date (the date it was registered at CIPC). Check your CoR14.3 certificate or log into cipc.co.za to check your due date. CIPC also sends email reminders if your contact details are up to date.
Can I file annual returns for previous years if I missed them?
Yes. You can file back-dated annual returns on the CIPC portal and pay each year’s fee. However, if your company has already been deregistered, you will need to go through a reinstatement process which is more complex. CompRegSA can assist with both.
Does a dormant (inactive) company still need to file annual returns?
Yes. If your company is registered at CIPC — even if you are not trading — you must still file annual returns every year and pay the fee. The only way to stop filing is to formally deregister the company with CIPC.