Quick answer: Every company and close corporation must file an annual return with CIPC each year, even if it didn't trade. Companies file within 30 business days after their registration anniversary. Close corporations follow CIPC's separate annual-return filing window. You file online with your CIPC customer code, and your beneficial ownership filing must be up to date first, or CIPC won't accept the return.
What is a CIPC annual return?
An annual return confirms to CIPC that your company is still active and that its details are correct. It's not a tax return. SARS is separate, and you must file both. Failing to file annual returns can lead to your company being deregistered.
Deadlines
Companies: within 30 business days after the anniversary of the registration date.
Close corporations: follow the filing window CIPC prescribes for close corporations.
Your anniversary date is the date the company was registered. You can see it on your registration certificate or by searching your company on CIPC.
2026 fees for companies
The fee depends on your turnover and whether you file on time:
| Annual turnover | Filed on time | Filed late |
|---|---|---|
| Less than R1 million | R100 | R150 |
| R1 million to less than R10 million | R450 | R600 |
| R10 million to less than R25 million | R2,000 | R2,500 |
| R25 million or more | R3,000 | R4,000 |
Close corporations have a separate fee structure, with late charges when applicable. Check CIPC's current fee schedule before filing. If your fee looks higher than expected, use the CIPC annual-return fee calculator.
Before you start, have these ready
CIPC customer code and password. The customer code must be allowed to file for the company.
Beneficial ownership filed and up to date. See our beneficial ownership service.
Your turnover figure for the relevant financial year. Use turnover (revenue), not profit.
Your financial information: a Financial Accountability Supplement (FAS) if your company isn't required to be audited, or annual financial statements if it is.
Enough funds in your CIPC customer account to cover the fee.
Correct company details: address, directors and contact details.
Step-by-step: filing the annual return
Log in to CIPC's annual returns platform, eServices or BizPortal with your customer code.
Deposit funds into your CIPC customer account if needed, and wait for them to reflect.
Open the annual returns section and enter your enterprise (registration) number.
Confirm the company details. If anything is out of date, you may need to file an amendment separately.
Enter your turnover and complete the financial information (FAS or financial statements).
Select the year(s) you're filing and confirm the fee.
Pay and submit.
Download and save the confirmation. Banks, tender offices and suppliers sometimes ask for proof that your annual returns are filed.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| The return won't submit | Check that beneficial ownership is filed and current. CIPC requires current beneficial ownership before accepting the return. |
| "Insufficient funds" | Deposit into your CIPC customer account and wait for it to reflect before trying again. |
| You can't access the company | Your customer code may not be linked to the company or to a director. |
| Several years are outstanding | Each outstanding year must be filed and paid, usually at the late rate. See our annual returns service. |
| The company shows a deregistration status | File the outstanding returns immediately, or apply for reinstatement if it's already deregistered. See our reinstatement service. |
Frequently asked questions
Do dormant companies have to file annual returns?
Yes. Every registered company files each year, even with no turnover. A dormant company files at the lowest fee.
Is the CIPC annual return the same as a tax return?
No. The annual return goes to CIPC; tax returns go to SARS. You need both.
What happens if I don't file?
You pay late fees, and CIPC can deregister the company. A deregistered company can't trade, bank or contract properly until it's reinstated.
Can I file several years at once?
Yes. Each year is filed and paid separately, usually at the late rate.
Want it handled for you?
Smartbook files annual returns and beneficial ownership on time every year and catches up outstanding years. Because we also do your bookkeeping, your turnover and financial information are ready when the return is due. See our annual returns service or email hello@smartbookie.co.za.
Last reviewed: 2 October 2026. General guidance, not legal advice. Fees are subject to change; confirm on CIPC's current fee schedule.