What happens if I don’t file my CIPC annual return?

If you don’t file your annual return, CIPC charges monthly penalties, marks your company as non-compliant, and can eventually deregister it, removing its legal status.

When do CIPC penalties start?

Penalties begin immediately after the 30-business-day grace period following your company’s registration anniversary date.

Can my company be reinstated after deregistration?

Yes. You can reinstate your company by filing outstanding annual returns, paying penalties, and applying for reinstatement with CIPC or through Smartbook.

Can I avoid CIPC penalties once applied?

No. Once penalties are charged, they must be paid. The best way to avoid additional costs is to file all outstanding returns immediately.

How can Smartbook help if I missed my filing?

Smartbook can check your company’s CIPC compliance, calculate penalties, submit overdue annual returns, and reinstate deregistered companies quickly.

What Happens if You Don’t File Your CIPC Annual Return?

Johan De Wet
Oct 6
3 min read

Many South African business owners forget or delay filing their CIPC annual returns, often thinking it’s not a big deal.

Unfortunately, it’s a serious compliance requirement — and ignoring it can lead to penalties, deregistration, and even losing your company altogether.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly what happens if you don’t file, how long you have before CIPC takes action, and what to do if you’ve already missed the deadline.

Why Annual Returns Matter

Every registered company in South Africa must file an annual return with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).

This filing confirms that your company is still active and complying with the Companies Act of 2008.It’s not the same as your SARS tax return — it’s purely an administrative filing to keep your business registered.

What Happens When You Miss the Deadline

When you don’t file your CIPC annual return within 30 business days of your registration anniversary, the following happens:

You’re charged penalties.CIPC adds R150 per month per outstanding year on top of your normal filing fee.
Your company becomes “non-compliant.”This means your business is no longer in good standing with the CIPC.
Your company may be placed in deregistration.After a few months, CIPC starts the deregistration process — essentially removing your company from the register.
You lose your legal status.Once deregistered, your business no longer legally exists as a separate entity.

What Deregistration Really Means

If your company is deregistered:

You can’t trade under that company name anymore.
You can’t open or use a business bank account.
You can’t apply for funding or tenders.
Any contracts signed under that company may be invalidated.
Your company assets could even be forfeited to the state.

In other words, you lose your company’s legal protection and standing until it’s reinstated.

Can You Fix It After Missing the Deadline?

Yes — but the longer you wait, the more it costs.

To fix it, you’ll need to:

File all outstanding annual returns (for every missed year).
Pay all penalties and fees owed to CIPC.
If deregistered, apply for reinstatement and provide supporting documents like financials or affidavits.

This process can take weeks or even months, depending on your company’s history.

How Smartbook Can Help You Get Back in Good Standing

If you’ve missed one or more CIPC filings, Smartbook can handle the entire process for you — quickly and accurately.

We’ll:

Check your current CIPC status
Calculate all penalties and outstanding years
File all missing annual returns
Help reinstate your company if deregistered

How to Avoid This Problem in the Future

Here’s how to make sure you never deal with CIPC penalties again:

Mark your company registration anniversary date in your calendar.
File your return within 30 business days every year.
Use Smartbook’s automated annual return service to file on your behalf each year — stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long can I go without filing my annual return?

You have 30 business days after your registration anniversary. After that, penalties start immediately.

2. What happens after two years of not filing?

Your company will likely be deregistered, and you’ll need to apply for reinstatement.

3. Can I restore a deregistered company?

Yes. You can file outstanding returns, pay penalties, and apply for reinstatement through CIPC or Smartbook.

4. Will CIPC remind me to file?

Not always. It’s your company’s responsibility to stay compliant.

5. Can Smartbook file my overdue returns for me?

Absolutely. Smartbook can submit all overdue filings, clear penalties, and restore your good standing fast.

Final Thoughts

Failing to file your CIPC annual return might seem small, but the consequences are major.

From growing penalties to deregistration, it can damage your business legally and financially. If you’ve missed the deadline — don’t wait.Smartbook can help you file your overdue annual returns, clear penalties, and get your company compliant again.