How to Keep Your CIPC Company in Good Standing

Registering your company with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is only the first step. To stay legally active and avoid deregistration, you must keep your company in good standing — meaning it’s fully compliant with all CIPC requirements.

In this Smartbook guide, we’ll explain exactly what “good standing” means, the steps to maintain it, and what happens if you fall behind on compliance.

What Does “Good Standing” Mean with CIPC? 

A company in good standing means:

• It has filed all its annual returns on time.

• Its director information is accurate and up to date.

• Its registered address and contact details are current.

• It complies with the Companies Act of South Africa (Act 71 of 2008).

When your company is in good standing, it’s officially recognised as active, can trade legally, and can apply for tenders, funding, or bank facilities.

Why It’s Important to Stay in Good Standing 

Keeping your company compliant helps you:

• Avoid deregistration by CIPC

• Access business loans and funding

• Maintain credibility with clients and suppliers

• Stay eligible for tenders and government contracts

• Keep your SARS tax records aligned and active

Smartbook Tip: Most funding bodies and corporate suppliers require proof that your company is “in business” on the CIPC database before working with you.

How to Keep Your CIPC Company in Good Standing (Step-by-Step) 

Step 1: File Your Annual Returns on Time 

Every company in South Africa must file CIPC annual returns every year, within 30 business days of its registration anniversary date.

You’ll need to:

• Log in to https://eservices.cipc.co.za

• Click “File Annual Returns”

• Enter your company registration number

• Pay the filing fee based on your turnover

💡 Late filings incur R150 per month penalties per outstanding year.

Step 2: Keep Your Director Information Updated 

If directors are added, removed, or change details (e.g. ID or address), you must update this on CIPC.

Go to:

CIPC eServices → Maintain Company → Change Directors

Upload:

• Certified ID copies

• Supporting resolutions

• Completed CoR39 form

CIPC uses this information to determine who’s legally authorised to act for your company.

Step 3: Maintain an Active Registered Address 

CIPC requires a valid registered business address.If your company relocates, update it by submitting a CoR21.1 form via eServices or BizPortal.

Outdated addresses can cause CIPC correspondence to go to the wrong place, resulting in compliance issues.

Step 4: Keep Your Beneficial Ownership Records Updated 

As of 2023, all companies must declare their beneficial owners — the individuals who ultimately own or control the company.

Log into your CIPC profile and update under “Beneficial Ownership Declaration.”

Smartbook Tip: Non-compliance with beneficial ownership requirements can lead to administrative penalties or future filing restrictions.

Step 5: Renew or Update Your B-BBEE Certificate 

Your CIPC B-BBEE certificate (affidavit) is valid for 12 months.Renew it annually via https://bizportal.gov.za → B-BBEE Certificate.

An expired B-BBEE certificate can cause you to lose tender and funding eligibility.

Step 6: Keep Your SARS Records in Sync 

Your CIPC and SARS profiles are linked.If your company is deregistered or non-compliant at CIPC, SARS will eventually mark your tax number as inactive.

To stay fully compliant:

• File annual returns (CIPC)

• File tax returns (SARS)

• Keep registered representative details consistent on both systems

Smartbook can help verify that your CIPC and SARS records match.

Step 7: Download Proof of Good Standing 

You can confirm your company’s status by downloading a Disclosure Certificate from CIPC, showing:

• Company status: “In Business”

• Directors

• Registration details

If your company shows “In Process of Deregistration” or “Deregistered,” it means you’ve missed filings — Smartbook can help reinstate it.

What Happens If You Don’t Stay in Good Standing? 

If your company fails to file annual returns or update details, CIPC will mark it as non-compliant and eventually deregister it.

This means:

❌ You lose your company registration number.

❌ You can’t trade legally or open a business account.

❌ SARS may freeze your tax profile.

❌ You’ll need to apply for reinstatement (a longer, costlier process).

How Smartbook Keeps You in Good Standing 

Smartbook handles your CIPC and compliance maintenance for you:

• File annual returns before deadlines

• Update director and ownership records

• Renew B-BBEE certificates

• Maintain beneficial ownership compliance

• Check SARS alignment

Just send your company name or registration number, and Smartbook will check your status and file everything needed to keep you in good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. What does “In Business” mean on the CIPC database?

It means your company is active and up to date with all annual returns.

2. How often must I file CIPC annual returns?

Once a year, within 30 business days of your registration anniversary.

3. Can a deregistered company trade again?

Yes, but it must first be reinstated by filing outstanding returns and paying penalties.

4. How can I prove my company is in good standing?

Download your CIPC Disclosure Certificate showing “In Business” status.

5. Can Smartbook manage my annual CIPC filings automatically?

Yes! Smartbook can monitor your deadlines and file your returns on time every year.

Final Thoughts 

Keeping your company in good standing ensures you stay legally active, credible, and ready for growth opportunities.

By filing your CIPC returns, updating your details, and maintaining compliance, you’ll avoid penalties — and Smartbook can handle all of it for you.