CIPC Annual Returns 2026: Deadlines, Fees and Filing
Every South African company must file a CIPC annual return every year, and its beneficial ownership information has to be up to date before CIPC will accept it. Miss it for long enough and CIPC can deregister your company. Here are the deadlines, the CIPC fees and how to file.
Who has to file a CIPC annual return
Every company and close corporation registered with CIPC, every year. That includes companies that are not trading. The annual return confirms to CIPC that the company is still active and that its details are correct.
When your annual return is due
Your annual return becomes due every year on the anniversary of the date your company was registered.
You then have 30 business days to file it before late penalties are added.
Example: a company registered on 10 March 2024 has its annual return due on 10 March each year, and then has 30 business days to file before a penalty is added.
CIPC annual return fees
The CIPC filing fee depends on your company's annual business turnover:
Annual business turnover | CIPC filing fee |
|---|---|
Less than R1 million | R100 |
R1 million to R10 million | R450 |
R10 million to R25 million | R2,000 |
R25 million or more | R3,000 |
If you file late, CIPC adds a penalty on top of the filing fee.
Beneficial ownership: what it is and when to file
A beneficial owner is a real person who ultimately owns or controls the company, for example by holding 5% or more of its shares, or by controlling it in another way. CIPC keeps a register of these people.
You must file your beneficial ownership information:
within 10 business days of registering a new company
whenever the ownership changes
at least once a year, with your annual return
Since December 2023, CIPC's annual return system checks your beneficial ownership filing first. If it is not current, you are sent to update it before you can file the annual return.
Financial statements or the financial accountability supplement
With the annual return, a company must also submit either its annual financial statements (audited or independently reviewed, where that applies) or a financial accountability supplement (FAS). Most small private companies that are not audited or reviewed file the FAS. The turnover you enter on the annual return must match your financial statements, in whole rand.
What happens if you do not file
If a company does not file its annual returns, CIPC can start deregistration. Once deregistered, the company stops existing as a legal entity, which can cause problems with its bank account, contracts and property. Directors who keep trading through a deregistered company can be held personally liable for its debts. Restoring a company afterwards takes time and costs far more than filing on time.
How to file, step by step
Log in to CIPC e-Services (or BizPortal) with your customer code, and make sure your account has enough funds for the fee.
Check that your beneficial ownership information is current. Beneficial ownership filings are done on e-Services.
Select the company and the annual return year that is due.
Enter the company's annual business turnover, in whole rand.
Complete the financial accountability supplement, or submit your financial statements.
Pay the fee and keep the CIPC confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
Does a dormant company have to file annual returns?
Yes. Every registered company must file each year, whether or not it traded.
How much is the CIPC annual return fee?
R100 for business turnover under R1 million, R450 for R1 million to R10 million, R2,000 for R10 million to R25 million and R3,000 for R25 million or more, plus penalties if you file late.
Do I need to file beneficial ownership every year?
Yes, at least once a year with your annual return, and also within 10 business days of any change.
What happens if I miss my annual return?
Penalties are added, and if returns stay outstanding CIPC can deregister the company.
Related guides
Let us file it for you
We file your CIPC annual return and beneficial ownership declaration in 3 business days, from R974.63 including VAT, with the CIPC fee for your turnover band included. Starting a new business? We also handle company registration and director changes.
Sources: CIPC: Annual Returns FAQ; CIPC: Turnover validation and beneficial ownership on annual returns.
This article is general information based on CIPC guidance, current at September 2026. It is not advice for your specific situation.
