Status assessment
We check how and why the company was deregistered and confirm it qualifies for reinstatement.
CIPC reinstatement
Restore a deregistered company at CIPC.
Been deregistered for missed annual returns? Smartbook files the CIPC reinstatement (CoR 40.5), clears the outstanding returns and brings your company back to life — so you can trade, bank and access your assets again.
What you get
- CoR 40.5 reinstatement application filed
- Outstanding annual returns brought up to date
- Supporting documents prepared and lodged
- Company restored to active status
From
R490
Turnaround
3 weeks+
For
South African companies deregistered by CIPC and needing to trade again
When a company is deregistered — usually for unpaid annual returns — it legally stops existing. It can't trade, its bank accounts are frozen, and any property registered to it is stuck. The good news: if it was deregistered for non-compliance, you can apply to reinstate it and pick up where you left off.
Reinstatement runs through the CIPC CoR 40.5 process, and the company only comes back once every outstanding annual return is filed and the supporting documents are in order. Smartbook handles the whole application: we file the reinstatement, clear the returns, and get your company restored to active status.
When you need this
Reinstate your company when it was:
- Deregistered by CIPC for outstanding annual returns
- Removed while it still holds assets, property or contracts
- Frozen at the bank because of its deregistered status
- Deregistered by mistake or oversight while still trading
- Needed again for a tender, sale or ongoing obligations
What's included
CoR 40.5 application
We prepare and file the official reinstatement application with CIPC.
Outstanding returns
We calculate and file every outstanding annual return, which reinstatement requires.
Supporting documents
We compile the supporting documents CIPC needs, such as proof the company was active.
Follow-up
We track the application and respond to CIPC queries until the company is restored.
Restored confirmation
We confirm once the company is back to active status and in good standing.
How it works
Send us the details
Give us the company name or number so we can check its deregistration status.
We file and clear
We lodge the CoR 40.5 reinstatement and file all outstanding annual returns.
Company restored
We follow up until CIPC reinstates the company, then confirm it's active again.
What we need from you
- Company registration number
- Certified ID of an active director
- Proof the company was in business or has assets (where required)
- Latest turnover figures for outstanding annual returns
Common questions
Can any deregistered company be reinstated?
Companies deregistered for non-compliance (like unpaid annual returns) can generally be reinstated. Companies that were finally wound up or deregistered on other grounds may need a different route — we assess this up front.
How long does reinstatement take?
Typically three weeks or more, depending on CIPC processing and how many outstanding returns need clearing. We keep it moving and follow up on your behalf.
Do I have to file the missed annual returns?
Yes. Reinstatement requires all outstanding annual returns to be filed and paid. We calculate and file them as part of the process, so it's handled in one go.
What happens to the company's assets while it's deregistered?
Assets and bank accounts are effectively frozen while a company is deregistered. Once reinstated, the company is treated as if it never stopped existing, and access is restored.
What documents do you need?
The company details, a director's certified ID, turnover figures for the outstanding returns, and — where CIPC requires it — proof the company was still active or holds assets. We guide you through exactly what's needed.
Can you help keep it compliant afterwards?
Absolutely. Once you're back to active, we can file your annual returns on time each year and handle your ongoing CIPC and SARS compliance so it never happens again.
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.
Reinstate my company