CIPC Media Statements

• CIPC Media Statement 2 of 2024: Notification of security compromise as per section 22 of POPIA

  Published: 29 February 2024 CIPC has detected an attempted security breach compromising the personal information of clients and employees. Immediate measures were taken to mitigate potential damage, and the affected systems have been restored. Clients are advised to monitor their credit card transactions closely and approve only known and valid requests. The extent of the data exposure is under investigation, and further details will be communicated promptly. CIPC is committed to ensurFeatured

• CIPC Media Statement 1 of 2024: CIPC emphasises the need for multi factor authentication for director amendments

  Published: 8 January 2024 Effective 4 December 2023, CIPC has implemented identity verification and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for director amendments to enhance security and prevent unauthorised changes. Over 8000 applications have been processed successfully since the implementation at the time of this statement's publication. Customers are advised to update their contact details before filing a Director Amendment to ensure a smooth process. This new measure addresses risks relatFeatured

• Media Statement 4 of 2024: CIPC to enforce beneficial ownership declaration with annual return filings for companies and close corporations

  Published: 28 June 2024 On 24 May 2023, CIPC implemented the filing of Beneficial Ownership information annually or within 10 days of a change occurring along with the Annual Return of the company or close corporation. This was introduced due to the amendments brought by the General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act 22 of 2022, which amended the Companies Act 71 of 2008 (“the Act”). Initially, customers were able to file their Annual Returns withFeatured

• CIPC Media Statement 3 of 2024: CIPC introduces eco-friendly solution for counterfeit goods, boosting SMME jobs

  Published: 17 May 2024 The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has launched a pilot project aimed at addressing counterfeit goods in an eco-friendly and cost-effective way, while creating job opportunities for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). Traditional methods of destroying counterfeit goods are costly and environmentally damaging. To combat this, CIPC is partnering with stakeholders to recycle and upcycle these items into new products, such as toys and theFeatured

CIPC Practice Notes

• CIPC Practice Note 1 of 2024: Proof of physical address of Companies and Close Corporations

  Published: 21 February 2024 Section 23(3) of the Companies Act, 2008 (Act 71 of 2008) (“The Act”) requires each company or external company to maintain at least one office in the Republic and register its address. From March 1, 2024, the CIPC will require certified evidence of the registered address or principal office for certain applications to ensure the correctness and reliability of submitted information. Registration of External Company (CoR20.1 and supporting documentation) LongFeatured

Guidance Notices

• Guidance Notice 1 of 2024: CM forms vs COR forms

  Published: 10 June 2024 CIPC has noted that some financial institutions and foreign embassies question the validity of CM forms from the previous Companies Act (Act 61 of 1973) for companies incorporated before the current Companies Act (Act 71 of 2008). According to Schedule 5, Item 2 of the current Act, pre-existing companies under the 1973 Act continue to exist as if incorporated under the 2008 Act, retaining their original names and registration numbers. Therefore, CM forms from the 19Featured

CIPC Notices

• 2023 CIPC Notices

  2023 CIPC NoticesFeatured

• CIPC Notice 2 of 2024: Filing of Director Amendments Applications

  Published: 15 January 2024 The CIPC has launched an enhanced director amendments process as of 4 December 2023. To assist with common queries, CIPC has provided step-by-step guides available on their website. Key instructions include updating identification from a passport to an ID, handling overseas director addresses, resolving ID issue date errors, and correctly inputting international cellphone numbers. CIPC Notice 2 (https://www.cipc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DirectorAmendFeatured

• CIPC Notice 37 of 2024: Foreigner assurance service

  Published 30 May 2024 The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) emphasizes the need for accurate details of foreign nationals on the Foreigner Assurance platform. Correctly capturing this information is vital for maintaining the integrity of the company registry and ensuring compliance with security measures and public regulations. This is particularly important for verifying the eligibility of directors and members to prevent involvement in illegal activities. While the nFeatured

• CIPC Notice 12 of 2024: Beneficial ownership register

  Published: 22 February 2024 The CIPC has announced important updates following the FATF's recommendations on beneficial ownership transparency in South Africa. These changes, stemming from the General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act, 22 of 2022, have led to amendments in the Companies Act, 71 of 2008. On April 1, 2023, the CIPC launched the Beneficial Ownership Register, requiring all registered corporate entities to file their beneficial ownersFeatured

• CIPC Notice 18 of 2024: New customer verification process

  Published: 4 March 2024 CIPC has implemented a new verification process for customers. The new process includes multiple steps to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the information provided. Clients are required to follow the detailed steps for a smooth registration experience: Customers with a South African ID number: Login with existing credentials. Provide the information requested by CIPC. Once the information has been verified, you will need to update your passworFeatured

• CIPC Notice 13 of 2024: Foreigner assurance process integration with beneficial ownership

  Published: 22 February 2024 CIPC has implemented new measures to enhance the accuracy and compliance of beneficial ownership information. These updates follow amendments from the General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act, 22 of 2022. On December 1, 2023, the CIPC launched the online Foreigner Assurance service on its eServices platform. This service allows foreign nationals to submit their information and certified passport or foreign ID copies fFeatured

• CIPC Notice 10 of 2024: Acceptable proof of physical address in terms of requirements of practice note 1 of 2024

  Published: 21 February 2024 CIPC has updated the guidelines for acceptable proof of physical address documents. Customers are required to submit valid and current documents such as utility bills, bank statements, or municipal rates and tax invoices. These documents must clearly display the customer’s name and physical address to be deemed acceptable and not adhering to the requirements will result in applications being rejected by CIPC. CIPC Notice 10 (https://www.cipc.co.za/wp-content/uFeatured

• CIPC Notice 1 of 2024: Disparity of registration numbers and incorporation dates

  Published: 5 January 2024 Due to CIPC's automation system, applications received in 2023 will have 2023 on the registration number but will show 2024 as the incorporation date. This notice aims to clarify the process and ensure that users understand the distinction between the year of registration and the incorporation date. CIPC Notice 1 of 2024Featured

• CIPC Notice 9 of 2024: Delay in processing company and CC re-instatement applications and responding to enquiries

  Published: 21 February 2024 Due to the final deregistration of companies and CCs in January 2024 for non-compliance with annual return submissions, there has been a high volume of re-instatement applications and inquiries. This has impacted the service standards set by CIPC. Whilst there is a high volume of applications and inquiries, the turnaround time for company and CC re-instatement applications, re-instatement inquiries and deregistration inquiries will be 10 working days. CIPC NFeatured

• CIPC Notice 45 of 2024: CIPC enquiries system not available - alternative processes

  Published: 10 July 2024 The CIPC enquiry system is currently unavailable so customers are advised to use the email addresses provided to submit any queries they may have. Your email should include: Your customer code Enterprise number Tracking number (if applicable) CIPC Notice 45Featured

• CIPC Notice 3 of 2024: Unauthorised use of CIPC name, abbreviation and logo

  Published: 23 January 2024 Unauthorised use of the CIPC's name, abbreviation, and logo is strictly prohibited. Entities or individuals found using these identifiers without proper authorisation may face legal consequences. CIPC emphasises the importance of maintaining the integrity and official use of its brand to prevent misuse and confusion. Stakeholders are urged to report any unauthorised use to CIPC. CIPC Notice 3 (https://www.cipc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NoticeUnauthorisFeatured

• CIPC Notice 23 of 2024: Rejection of Re-instatement applications - unverified profiles

  Published: 12 March 2024 Customer are notified that re-instatement applications will be rejected if the customer code on the COR40.5 form has not been verified as per CIPC Notice 18 of 2024 as from 14 March 2024. If rejected, ensure you have the correct supporting documents before resubmitting the application. CIPC Notice 23 (https://www.cipc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NoticeRejection-of-Re-instatemenFeatured

• CIPC Notice 40 of 2024: Masking of information on COR39 proposed changes

  Published: 5 June 2024 CIPC has introduced the masking of personal information on COR39 proposed changes when filing director changes in the event that the filer is not authorised to file the director change for the company. The filer will update the information and the final COR39 document will display the correct information. CIPC Notice 40Featured

• CIPC Notice 16 of 2024: Challenges with CO-OP registration and business rescue system

  Published: 29 February 2024 CIPC is currently facing system challenges that affects certain services. The following services are currently unavailable: Co-operatives registration Business rescue CIPC Notice 16Featured

• CIPC Notice 38 of 2024: Payment reference for direct deposits

  Published: 14 May 2024 The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) emphasizes the importance of using the correct reference when making direct deposits or Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT) to their ABSA bank account. The correct reference, specifically the customer code, is crucial for CIPC to allocate the funds to the correct customer. Without the correct reference, deposits remain unallocated. CIPC Notice 38 (https://www.cipc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Payment-ReferenFeatured

• 2024 CIPC Notices

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• CIPC Notice 31 of 2024: Verification of customers when appointing directors

  Published: 5 April 2024 In its ongoing effort to enhance efficiency and maintain the integrity of registry data, CIPC has updated the customer verification process for appointing directors. Recently introduced verification measures have caused some clients difficulties, particularly during the second phase of verification when processing director changes. To address this, CIPC has streamlined the director verification process to be handled on the back end. This change aims to alleviate fruFeatured

• CIPC Notice 39 of 2024: Incorporating beneficial ownership information with annual return filings for companies and close corporations

  Published: 4 June 2024 On 24 May 2023, CIPC implemented the filing of Beneficial Ownership information annually or within 10 days of a change occurring along with the Annual Return of the company or close corporation. This was introduced due to the amendments brought by the General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act 22 of 2022, which amended the Companies Act 71 of 2008 (“the Act”). Initially, customers were able to file their Annual Returns withoFeatured

• CIPC Notice 33 of 2024: Preparation and approval of annual financial statements

  Published: 10 April 2024 The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is responsible for promoting compliance with the Companies Act, 71 of 2008. This includes the effective enforcement of the Act. CIPC has noted that many companies fail to comply with Section 30 (1) of the Act, which requires annual financial statements (AFS) to be prepared and approved within six months after the financial year-end. Section 30 (1) mandates that companies must prepare AFS within six months afFeatured

• CIPC Notice 17 of 2024: CIPC Closure to the Public for Easter Weekend

  Published: 1 March 2024 The CIPC will have a semi-closure on 28 March 2024 in observance of the Easter weekend. During this period, essential services will continue to operate, but there may be delays in processing non-essential services. Clients are advised to plan their submissions and inquiries accordingly to avoid any inconvenience. Full services will resume on 2 April 2024. CIPC Notice 17 (https://www.cipc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/signed-CIPC-semi-closure-notice-re-28-March-2Featured

• CIPC Notice 32 of 2024: CIPC processed transactions from 17-21 April 2024

  Published: 8 April 2024 Below are the statistics of the transactions that have been processed by CIPC from 17-21 April 2024Featured

• CIPC Notice 36 of 2024: Delay in processing re-instatement applications and responding to re-instatement enquiries

  Published: 30 April 2024 Reference is made to CIPC Notice 9 of 2024. The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) provides an update on the delay in processing re-instatement applications (Form CoR 40.5). High volumes of new applications and unintentional resubmissions are causing continued delays. The CIPC has indexed all incoming applicatioFeatured

• CIPC Notice 34 of 2024: Delay in processing re-instatement applications and deregistration enquiries

  Published: 24 April 2024 Reference is made to CIPC Notice 9 of 2024. The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) provides an update on the delay in processing re-instatement applications (Form CoR 40.5). High volumes of new applications and unintentional resubmissions are causing continued delays. The CIPC has indexed all incoming applicatioFeatured

• CIPC Notice 44 of 2024: Rejection of BRP license renewal applications pending the filing of status reports

  Published: 9 July 2024 The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) emphasizes the importance of compliance with the Companies Act 71 of 2008, specifically regarding the responsibilities of business rescue practitioners. Many practitioners are not adhering to Section 132(3)(a)-(b) of the Act, which mandates the submission of monthly progress reports for ongoing business rescue proceedings. These reports must be prepared if the proceedings extend beyond three months and updatedFeatured

• CIPC Notice 4 of 2024: Deregistration of companies and close corporations in annual return deregistration process

  Published: 1 February 2024 CIPC has issued a final deregistration notice for January 2024, listing companies facing deregistration due to non-compliance with the Companies Act. This notice serves as a last warning for affected entities to rectify their status promptly to avoid potential legal consequences and dissolution. Companies are urged to take immediate action to ensure compliance, as failure to do so may result in severe penalties and the discontinuation of business operations. CFew readers

• CIPC Notice 28 of 2024: Customer code update process

  Published: 3 April 2024 CIPC has changed the process for updating customer code details. If the email or cellphone number linked to the customer code is outdated, the following documents need to be sent to resetpassword@cipc.co.za: Customer update form Certified ID which is not older than 3 months. Please note: The request to update the information must come from the new emaFew readers

• CIPC Notice 5 of 2024: Enforcement of beneficial ownership filings and securities registers

  Published: 7 February 2024 The Beneficial Ownership Enforcement Notice for 2024, emphasises the importance of companies complying with regulations regarding beneficial ownership. It stresses the accurate reporting and disclosure of beneficial ownership information to combat financial crimes like money laundering and corruption. Non-compliance may lead to severe penalties or legal action. Additionally, starting from 1 July 2024, CIPC will implement a hard-stop functionality preventing entFew readers

• CIPC Notice 24 of 2024: Update on customer verification

  Published: 13 March 2024 CIPC Acknowledges that the implementation of the new customer verification process has caused delays and frustration but assures customers that this process is necessary to protect customer profile information. Occasional Department of Home Affairs (DHA) unavailability has caused challenges with completing the customer verification process but customers are advised to retry until the verification has been completed. Customer verification is advised to be completFew readers

• CIPC Notice 26 of 2024: Incorporating beneficial ownership information with annual returns

  Published: 18 March 2024 On 24 May 2023, CIPC implemented the filing of Beneficial Ownership information annually or within 10 days of a change occurring along with the Annual Return of the company or close corporation. This was introduced due to the amendments brought by the General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act 22 of 2022, which amended the Companies Act 71 of 2008 (“the Act”). Initially, customers were able to file their Annual Returns witFew readers

• CIPC Notice 46 of 2024: Delays in processing re-instatement applications (form COR40.5) and common causes for non-processing

  Published: 10 July 2024 The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) announces delays in processing re-instatement applications due to high volumes and multiple submissions. Customers are urged to follow document and process requirements to avoid further delays. Please note: The mailbox re-instatements@cipc.co.za is dedicated only to re-instatement applications (Form CoR40.5 and court orders). Do not send general enquiries or other applications to this address. IncorrectlyFew readers

• CIPC Notice 20 of 2024: Security compromise of the CIPC - Business Continuity

  Published: 6 March 2024 The CIPC experienced a security breach, which is part of a broader trend of increased cyber-attacks in South Africa. Upon discovering the breach, the CIPC complied with the Protection of Personal Information Act by notifying relevant authorities and issuing a media statement. Measures are being taken to protect the CIPC's systems and ensure continued service to clients. Despite the attack, the CIPC remains committed to its core mandate and has invested in advancedFew readers

• CIPC Notice 27 of 2024: Update CIPC enquiries system not available – alternative processes

  Published: 19 March 2024 The CIPC enquiry system is currently unavailable so customers are advised to use the email addresses provided to submit any queries they may have. Your email should include: Your customer code Enterprise number Tracking number (if applicable) CIPC Notice 27Few readers

• How to update director contact details on CIPC

  Directors must update their contact details on CIPC to receive OTPs for director changes and other transactions.Featured

• How to submit an enquiry to CIPC

  Estimated reading time: 30 seconds You will need to send an email to CIPC to an email address based on the enquiry you want to submit. In the email, you'll need to include the followingFeatured

• How to verify a foreigner on CIPC (aka Foreigner Assurance)

  Foreigners must be verified on CIPC before they can be appointed as directors or beneficial owners.Featured

• How to file annual returns with FAS

  Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute Step 1: Choose the company you would like to submit an annual return for and on the right-hand side of the dashboard click File Annual ReturnFeatured

• How to create a CIPC account (with customer code)

  Register for a CIPC account to update your contact details for director changes and more.Featured

• How to reinstate a company

  If your company has been deregistered, you have two options: Apply for reinstatement or register a new company.Featured

• How to submit a total authorised share change to CIPC

  Estimated reading time: 1 minute and 40 seconds If you haven’t created a share class yet, start off by clicking on tFeatured

• How to convert a close corporation

  The Companies Act has made provisions for CCs to be converted into profit companies. This is a comprehensive step-by-step guide on the process.Featured

• How to submit a similar name reservation

  Estimated reading time: 1 minute Step 1: Sign in to your CIPC eServices account or register if you're a new user. To initiate the similar name reservation process, access CIPC onlineFeatured

• What are the CIPC requirements for certification?

  The CIPC have specific requirements for certified documents such as IDs, passports, etc.Featured

• How to register a new company

  Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute 30 seconds Step 1: From the Portfolio page, click Add Company and then  New Company Registration. We currently only support company registrations with a standard MOI. To proceed, click  Register Company with standard MOI. (https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/d5b93bFeatured

• How to file annual returns with AFS

  With InfoDocs you can manage and submit all your annual returns from one place.Featured

• How to resign a company secretary

  Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes Step 1: Simply navigate to the Directors tab in your company profile, click on the Company secretary you wFeatured

• How to appoint a company secretary

  Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes Step 1: Simply navigate to the Directors tab and under Actions, click on Appoint Officer. (https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/d5b93bf079ae8Featured

• How to change a financial year end

  Step 1: Head over to your Company tab and on the left hand side, click Diary Dates. Step 2: Once you're on Diary Dates, click Change Financial Year End. (https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/d5b93bf079ae8000/screenshot-2023-04-13-at-112251io0b2Featured

• How to deregister a dormant company

  Estimated reading time: 40 seconds Deregistration will begin automatically when a company fails to file two or more annual returns. The CIPC will then notify the company to inform them of their deregistration statFeatured

• How to appoint an auditor

  Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute Step 1: From the Company tab navigate to Company Administration and under Actions, click on Appoint Auditor. (https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/d5b93bf079ae8Featured

• 2022 CIPC Notices

  Published by CIPCFeatured

• How to manage your annual returns

  Estimated Reading Time: 1min Your annual return requires that you either submit a Financial Accountability Supplement (“FAS”) or Annual Financial Statements (“AFS”). Click on this articleFeatured

• If I do a transaction on InfoDocs will it reflect on CIPC?

  You are able to view the status of the transaction. To see How to check the status of a CIPC transaction, click here.Featured

• What to do if your company has been deregistered

  For more information on company registration, read the article How to register a new company To apply for reinstatement with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), follow these steps: Ensure the company was active or had immovable property at the time of deregistration. If not, we recommend registeringPopular

• When is the deadline for CIPC beneficial ownership?

  Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes According to the latest information on the CIPC website, companies must file their beneficial ownership within 30 days of their next anniversary date (similar to annual returns) or within 10 days of incorporation if they were registered after 24 May 2023. To see whePopular

• How to transfer a name reservation to another customer code with CIPC

  Estimated Reading time: 1 minute Step 1: Go to the CIPC website and log in to your account using your customer code and password. Step 2: Go to Transact and click on the Name Reservation tab on the left-hand side of the screen, and then select Manual NaFew readers

• How to transfer a name reservation to another customer code using a COR document

  Estimated Reading time: 1 minute Step 1: Compile the COR11.1 with the following documents Name, Address and identity number of transferor Name, Address and identity number of transfereeFew readers