Filing history check
We pull your CIPC record to see exactly which years are outstanding and what's due.
CIPC annual returns
File your CIPC annual return — before it costs you your company.
Every company and close corporation has to file an annual return with CIPC each year, or risk penalties and deregistration. Smartbook calculates the fee, files the return and your beneficial ownership, and keeps your company in good standing.
What you get
- Annual return fee calculated from your turnover
- Return filed with CIPC on your behalf
- Beneficial ownership filed alongside it
- Reminder set so you never miss next year
From
R299 / year
Turnaround
3 days
For
South African companies and close corporations registered at CIPC
A CIPC annual return is not a tax return — it's a yearly confirmation that your company is still active and its details are up to date. Every registered company and close corporation must file one within 30 business days of its incorporation anniversary, along with the correct fee based on turnover. Since 2023, your beneficial ownership register is filed at the same time.
Miss it, and CIPC starts the deregistration clock. A deregistered company can't trade, bank or sign contracts — and reinstating it is slow and expensive. Smartbook checks your filing history, works out exactly what's owed, files everything and keeps you in good standing, so this never sneaks up on you again.
When you need to file
You need to file an annual return if:
- Your company or close corporation is registered with CIPC
- You're within (or past) 30 business days of your incorporation anniversary
- You've missed one or more previous years and need to catch up
- CIPC has flagged your company as being in the deregistration process
- You're about to apply for finance, tenders or a Letter of Good Standing
What's included
Fee calculation
We calculate the correct annual return fee based on your declared annual turnover — no guesswork.
Return submission
We file the annual return with CIPC on your behalf and confirm it's accepted.
Beneficial ownership
We file your beneficial ownership register alongside the return, as CIPC now requires.
Catch-up filings
Behind by a few years? We file every outstanding return to bring you back into good standing.
Annual reminder
We diarise your anniversary so next year's return is filed on time, every time.
How it works
Send us your details
Give us your company registration number and latest turnover figure. It takes a few minutes.
We calculate and file
We work out the fee, file the return and your beneficial ownership, and clear any backlog.
You stay compliant
We confirm your filing and set a reminder so you're never caught out again.
What we need from you
- Company registration number
- Your latest annual turnover figure
- Confirmation of current directors and shareholders
- Any CIPC correspondence about outstanding returns (if you have it)
Common questions
When is my CIPC annual return due?
Within 30 business days after your company's incorporation anniversary — the same month you originally registered. Close corporations file within the anniversary month of their registration.
What happens if I don't file?
CIPC places the company in deregistration and eventually removes it from the register. A deregistered company can't legally trade, operate a bank account or sign contracts, and directors can become personally exposed.
How much does the annual return cost?
The CIPC fee is based on your annual turnover, starting from a small amount for low-turnover companies and rising with revenue. Our service fee is R299/year on top of the CIPC fee.
Is the annual return the same as a tax return?
No. The CIPC annual return confirms your company is still active and its details are current. Your tax return (ITR14) is filed separately with SARS. We can handle both.
I've missed several years — can you still help?
Yes. As long as the company hasn't been finally deregistered, we file every outstanding return and the associated fees to bring you back into good standing. If it has been deregistered, we can look at reinstatement.
Do I have to file beneficial ownership too?
Yes. Since 2023 CIPC requires beneficial ownership to be filed together with the annual return. We handle both in one go.
How long does it take?
Usually around 3 working days once we have your details and turnover figure. Catch-up filings for multiple years can take a little longer.
Related services
Last reviewed: June 2026. Smartbook keeps this page current with CIPC and SARS rules.
Ready to get this sorted?
Tell us about your company and we'll send a free compliance check.
File my annual return