How to file CIPC annual returns in South Africa
Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes 30 seconds
Annual returns are a key part of keeping your company compliant with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). This guide explains what annual returns are, why they matter, and how to file them easily using InfoDocs.
Annual returns are statutory filings submitted to CIPC each year to confirm that your company is still active and operating. Filing your annual return keeps your company in good standing. Failure to do so can lead to penalties and even deregistration.
Your annual return requires that you either submit a Financial Accountability Supplement (“FAS”) or Annual Financial Statements (“AFS”). Click on this article if you need some more information on the difference between AFS & FAS
The obligation to file annual returns is stipulated in the Companies Act 71 of 2008. Key legal requirements include:
Section 33(1) states that every company must file an annual return with CIPC within the prescribed period after the end of the anniversary of its incorporation.
Additionally, Regulation 30 and 28 of the Companies Regulations, 2011 provide some regulations on the requirements of different types of companies:
Private and personal liability companies must file annual returns regardless of whether they are trading or dormant.
Non-profit companies (NPCs) also need to submit annual returns, although they are not charged fees unless they are registered with members.
Public companies are required to file audited financial statements with their returns.
Additional compliance might apply based on the company's size, structure, or specific regulations, but these are the core legal sections related to annual returns.
To ensure compliance and avoid penalties:
Timely Filing: Mark your calendar with the anniversary date of your company's incorporation and set reminders to file within the stipulated period.
Accurate Information: Ensure that all company details, including registered address, director information, and financial statements, are up to date before submission.
Beneficial Ownership: Submit the Beneficial Ownership Declaration prior to filing the annual return, as it's a prerequisite for the process.
Financial Statements: Determine whether your company is required to submit audited financial statements or a financial accountability supplement, and prepare accordingly.
Use Professional Services: Consider engaging professionals or using platforms like InfoDocs to streamline the filing process and ensure compliance.
Let’s say ABC (Pty) Ltd was registered on 15 June 2020. That means their annual return is due by 30 business days after 15 June every year.
If they miss the deadline, late penalties will apply, and continued non-compliance can lead to deregistration. Filing through InfoDocs automates the process, helping avoid these risks.
InfoDocs simplifies the annual return filing process by notifying you of upcoming filing deadlines to ensure timely compliance and allowing you to submit annual returns directly through the platform, reducing the need to navigate the CIPC portal.
Annual returns are a key part of keeping your company compliant with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). This guide explains what annual returns are, why they matter, and how to file them easily using InfoDocs.
What are annual returns?
Annual returns are statutory filings submitted to CIPC each year to confirm that your company is still active and operating. Filing your annual return keeps your company in good standing. Failure to do so can lead to penalties and even deregistration.
Your annual return requires that you either submit a Financial Accountability Supplement (“FAS”) or Annual Financial Statements (“AFS”). Click on this article if you need some more information on the difference between AFS & FAS
The legal requirements of filing annual returns in South Africa
The obligation to file annual returns is stipulated in the Companies Act 71 of 2008. Key legal requirements include:
Section 33(1) states that every company must file an annual return with CIPC within the prescribed period after the end of the anniversary of its incorporation.
Additionally, Regulation 30 and 28 of the Companies Regulations, 2011 provide some regulations on the requirements of different types of companies:
Private and personal liability companies must file annual returns regardless of whether they are trading or dormant.
Non-profit companies (NPCs) also need to submit annual returns, although they are not charged fees unless they are registered with members.
Public companies are required to file audited financial statements with their returns.
Additional compliance might apply based on the company's size, structure, or specific regulations, but these are the core legal sections related to annual returns.
Tips for filing CIPC annual returns
To ensure compliance and avoid penalties:
Timely Filing: Mark your calendar with the anniversary date of your company's incorporation and set reminders to file within the stipulated period.
Accurate Information: Ensure that all company details, including registered address, director information, and financial statements, are up to date before submission.
Beneficial Ownership: Submit the Beneficial Ownership Declaration prior to filing the annual return, as it's a prerequisite for the process.
Financial Statements: Determine whether your company is required to submit audited financial statements or a financial accountability supplement, and prepare accordingly.
Use Professional Services: Consider engaging professionals or using platforms like InfoDocs to streamline the filing process and ensure compliance.
A practical example: ABC (Pty) Ltd
Let’s say ABC (Pty) Ltd was registered on 15 June 2020. That means their annual return is due by 30 business days after 15 June every year.
If they miss the deadline, late penalties will apply, and continued non-compliance can lead to deregistration. Filing through InfoDocs automates the process, helping avoid these risks.
How InfoDocs Helps
InfoDocs simplifies the annual return filing process by notifying you of upcoming filing deadlines to ensure timely compliance and allowing you to submit annual returns directly through the platform, reducing the need to navigate the CIPC portal.
Updated on: 13/05/2025
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