Annual Return
Quick Answer
What is Annual Return?
A CIPC annual return is the yearly filing confirming a company still exists, due within 30 business days of its registration anniversary.
Annual Return explained
Fees run from R100 to R3,000 by turnover, with higher late fees. Dormant companies must still file nil returns. A current beneficial ownership declaration is a hard prerequisite.
Who it applies to: Every company and close corporation.
Cost: R100 – R3,000 per year (more if late).
Related terms and guides
Official source: CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission)
Always verify this information with official South African government sources. Rules, fees and thresholds change. Check SARS, CIPC, the Department of Employment and Labour or gov.za before you act.
About BizAnswers: BizAnswers is a privately owned South African company – not a government department. Our guides are free to read and show you how to do things yourself through official channels. If you would rather have the paperwork handled for you, we assist individuals and businesses with filing their South African tax returns and staying compliant, which is a paid service, not a free government service. Contact us for help.
Last reviewed: September 2026 by the BizAnswers editorial team. How we write and check our guides.