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How to Check if Your CIPC Annual Returns Are Up to Date

  • Johan De Wet
  • Oct 6
  • 2 min read

Not sure whether your company’s CIPC annual returns are up to date?You’re not alone — many South African business owners forget to file or aren’t sure when they last submitted.

The good news: you can easily check your CIPC annual return status online or through Smartbook in just a few minutes.


Why It’s Important to Stay Up to Date 


Your CIPC annual return confirms that your company is still active and compliant under the Companies Act of 2008.


If you miss a filing:


  • You’ll start getting penalties (R150 per month per year).

  • Your company can be deregistered if you miss multiple years.

  • You could lose access to banking, tenders, or funding opportunities.


That’s why checking your filing status regularly is crucial — especially before applying for anything official.


How to Check If Your Annual Returns Are Up to Date 


Option 1: Check Directly on the CIPC Website


You can confirm your company’s compliance in a few easy steps:

  1. Go to https://eservices.cipc.co.za.

  2. Click on “Customer Login” (you don’t need to sign in for a basic check).

  3. Choose “Additional Services” → “Annual Returns” → “Check Annual Return Status.”

  4. Enter your company registration number (e.g. 2022/123456/07).

  5. You’ll see whether your returns are up to date, outstanding, or if the company is in deregistration.


Tip: You can also search your company name under “Company and Director Search” to see its compliance history.


Option 2: Ask Smartbook to Check for You


If you prefer a faster, simpler way, Smartbook can check your status instantly.


  • Verify your company’s standing with CIPC

  • Identify any missing annual returns

  • Calculate penalties (if any)

  • Send you a clear compliance report by email or WhatsApp


Just send us your company name or registration number, and we’ll handle the rest.


What to Do If Your Returns Aren’t Up to Date 


If you discover you’ve missed one or more filings:

  1. File immediately — the longer you wait, the higher the penalties.

  2. Pay all outstanding fees and penalties.

  3. If your company has already been deregistered, apply for reinstatement.

Smartbook can assist with all three — including penalty calculations and reinstatement filings.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 


1. How can I check if my company’s CIPC returns are up to date?

Visit the CIPC eServices portal and use the Annual Return Status check, or ask Smartbook to verify for you.


2. What does “non-compliant” mean?

It means your company has missed one or more annual return filings and may soon face penalties or deregistration.


3. Can I check using my company name instead of the registration number?

Yes. Use the CIPC Company Search function to look up by name, though the registration number is more accurate.


4. What if my company shows “in deregistration”?

That means filings are overdue. You’ll need to submit all outstanding annual returns and pay penalties before it can be reinstated.


5. Can Smartbook help me if I’m behind?

Absolutely. Smartbook can file overdue returns, clear penalties, and restore your company’s good standing quickly.


Final Thoughts

Checking your CIPC annual return status only takes a few minutes, but can save you thousands in penalties and weeks of reinstatement delays.

If you’re unsure, let Smartbook check it for you — fast, accurate, and fully compliant.

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