What Are CIPC Annual Returns?
Every registered company and close corporation in South Africa must file an Annual Return with CIPC each year. This is a statutory requirement under the Companies Act 71 of 2008 and the Close Corporations Act 69 of 1984.
The annual return confirms to CIPC that the company still exists and is conducting business. It is not a tax return — it is a separate compliance obligation with CIPC.
When Are CIPC Annual Returns Due?
Annual returns are due within 30 business days of your company's anniversary date — the date your company was first registered.
Example: If your company was registered on 15 April 2022, your annual return is due by 15 May every year.
CIPC Annual Return Fees (2026)
Fees are based on the company's turnover (annual income):
| Annual Turnover | Annual Return Fee |
|---|
|---|---|
| R0 – R1 million | R100 |
|---|---|
| R1 million – R10 million | R450 |
| R10 million – R25 million | R2,000 |
| R25 million – R50 million | R3,000 |
| R50 million + | R4,000 |
Close Corporations (CC): Flat fee of R100 for turnover under R1 million.
What Happens if You Don't File Annual Returns?
Non-compliance carries serious consequences:
- Penalty fees added to your account (increasing over time)
- Deregistration notice issued by CIPC after 2 consecutive missed returns
- Final deregistration — your company is removed from the CIPC register
- Once deregistered, you lose your company name — anyone can register it
- You may lose banking facilities, contracts, and tender eligibility
🔴 **Important:** CIPC deregisters **thousands of companies every month** for non-compliance. Don't let yours be one of them.
How to File CIPC Annual Returns: Step-by-Step
Option 1: Online via CIPC e-Services
- Visit cipc.co.za and log into your e-Services account
- Click "Annual Returns" from the menu
- Select your company registration number
- Confirm your annual turnover
- Pay the applicable fee via credit card or EFT
- Download your filing confirmation
Option 2: Use Amashad's Compliance Service
Amashad will file your annual returns accurately and on time — you don't need to worry about deadlines or penalties.
Annual Return vs Tax Return: Key Difference
| CIPC Annual Return | SARS Tax Return |
|---|
|---|---|---|
| Filed with | CIPC (cipc.co.za) | SARS (efiling.co.za) |
|---|---|---|
| Due date | Based on registration anniversary | Annual (October for individuals) |
| Purpose | Confirm company still exists | Declare income and pay tax |
| Mandatory? | Yes | Yes |
Stay Compliant with Amashad
Amashad's compliance packages include annual return filing, SARS tax submissions, and BEE certificate renewals so you can focus on running your business.
Contact Amashad today to manage all your CIPC compliance needs.