How do I file a CIPC annual return online?

Log in to CIPC eServices, select 'Annual Returns', enter your registration number, confirm details, submit your turnover, pay the fee, and download proof of filing.

When are annual returns due?

They are due within 30 business days of your company’s registration anniversary date each year.

What happens if I file late?

Late filings attract monthly penalties and may lead to deregistration if ignored for too long.

Can Smartbook file my annual return for me?

Yes. Smartbook can submit your annual return, handle payment, and send you official proof of submission to keep your company compliant.

How long does it take to file a CIPC annual return online?

Usually under 10 minutes once you have your company registration number and turnover information ready.

Step-by-Step Guide: Filing Your CIPC Annual Return Online

Q: What is a CIPC annual return?

A CIPC annual return is a yearly submission confirming your company is active and compliant under the Companies Act of South Africa.

Johan De Wet
Oct 9
3 min read

Filing your CIPC annual return online is a legal requirement for every registered company in South Africa. It keeps your business active and compliant — and it’s much easier than most people think.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to file your annual return on the CIPC website, how much it costs, what documents you’ll need, and what to do if you’re late.

What Is a CIPC Annual Return?

A CIPC annual return is a yearly declaration that confirms your company is still active and operating. It’s filed through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) — not SARS.

Even if your company made no income, you still have to submit it. This helps keep your registration valid and prevents deregistration.

Why File Your Annual Return Online?

Filing online saves time, money, and paperwork. You can do it anytime, from anywhere, as long as you have your CIPC login details and your company’s registration number.

It also ensures you get instant proof of submission — something banks, funders, and SARS often require.

What You’ll Need Before You File

Before starting, make sure you have:

Your company registration number
Access to your CIPC eServices account
Your latest turnover amount (from financial statements
A credit/debit card or EFT balance on your CIPC account

Step-by-Step: How to File Your CIPC Annual Return Online

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to do it yourself:

Step 1: Go to the CIPC Website

Visit https://eservices.cipc.co.za.

Click on “Customer Login.” If you don’t have an account yet, click “Register as a Customer.”

Step 2: Log In and Select ‘Annual Returns’

Once logged in, click the “Annual Returns” tab on the left-hand side of your dashboard.

This takes you to the filing section.

Step 3: Enter Your Company Registration Number

Type your company registration number (for example, 2021/123456/07).

The system will fetch your company details and display your status

Step 4: Confirm Company Details and Turnover

You’ll see your company’s registered name, address, and directors.

Confirm that the information is correct.Then, enter your annual turnover for the most recent financial year.

Step 5: Review the Fee and Make Payment

The system will automatically calculate your fee based on your turnover bracket.

You can pay via:

Credit or debit card
Pre-funded CIPC account (EFT top-up)

Turnover (R)	Annual Return Fee
0 – 1 million	R100
1 – 10 million	R450
10 – 25 million	R2 000
25+ million	R3 000

Step 6: Submit and Download Proof

After payment, click “Submit.”

You’ll get a PDF confirmation — your official proof of filing. Keep this safe for your records or compliance checks.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

If you fail to file within 30 business days after your company’s registration anniversary, the CIPC adds late penalties for each overdue month.

If your company remains non-compliant for too long, it can be deregistered, meaning you’ll lose your registration number and legal status.

You can still file late, but you’ll need to pay the penalties before your company can return to good standing

Smartbook Tip: File Automatically Every Year

Don’t want to deal with the CIPC website?

Smartbook can file your annual return for you — fast, accurate, and compliant.We handle:

CIPC submission
Payment
Proof of filing
Penalty checks

Just send your company name or registration number, and we’ll confirm your filing status instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I file my annual return myself?

Yes. You can file directly through the CIPC eServices portal.

2. What happens if I don’t file on time?

You’ll receive penalties and your company may be deregistered.

3. Can Smartbook file on my behalf?

Yes. Smartbook can handle the entire filing process for you.

4. Do I need financial statements?

You only need your latest turnover figure, but keep your statements on record in case CIPC requests them

5. How long does it take to file online?

Usually less than 10 minutes once you’re logged in.

Final Thoughts

Filing your CIPC annual return online is quick and essential for compliance. Whether you do it yourself or let Smartbook handle it, staying up-to-date protects your business from penalties and deregistration.

Need help? Smartbook can file your annual returns for you — safely and automatically every year.