0800 007 269 (Toll Free)
Get Compliant from Anywhere, Easy and Fast!
0800 007 269 (Toll Free)

Get Compliant from Anywhere, Easy and Fast!

0800 007 269 (Toll Free)
Get Compliant from Anywhere, Easy and Fast!

Table of Contents

  • Business Compliance

Company Deregistration Process Initiated by CIPC

As of January 17, 2025, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has begun the large-scale deregistration of more than 800,000 companies in South Africa. This is because companies do not submit their Beneficial Ownership Declarations and Annual Returns to the CIPC.

NPO Deregistration has also started to take place due to non-compliance with over 6200 already deregistered. 

CIPC Non-Compliance Entities List
Read the CIPC Media Statement here for more information.

CIPC Legal Requirements:

Beneficial Ownership Declaration

  • This identifies the individuals who ultimately own or control a company.
  • The CIPC introduced this requirement to prevent the misuse of companies for illegal activities like money laundering and terror financing in accordance with South Africa greylisting in 2023.

Annual Returns

  • These are yearly submissions that confirm a company’s operational and financial status with the CIPC.
  • Failing to submit these returns for two consecutive years triggers the deregistration process. Even some cases it happens earlier or later.
  • You will be required to pay the applicable Annual Returns Fees based on your company turnover.
Expert tip on beneficial ownership and cipc compliance to avoid deregistration

Non-compliance with either of these requirements puts businesses at serious risk. Once deregistration begins, companies face potential loss of legal status, frozen bank accounts, and personal liability for directors.

Watch the CIPC Commissioner, Adv Rory Voller talking about the mass deregistration.

What is the AR Deregistration Process?

When a company fails to file its Annual Returns for two or more consecutive years, the CIPC marks it as non-compliant and begins the AR Deregistration Process.

While the company may still have some time to act, the risk of losing its legal status is imminent. CIPC can action a Final Deregistration at any time.

Need Help with Your Beneficial Ownership & Annual Returns?

Get Your Company's Beneficial Ownership & Annual Return Up to Date Now - Our Specialist are ready to assist!
Get a FREE Consultation
Wondering if your company has been deregistered, check the company deregistration list now

Company Already Deregistered?

When a company is fully deregistered by the CIPC, it ceases to exist as a legal entity. Directors of deregistered companies may also face severe consequences, including:

  • Frozen Bank Accounts: Financial institutions will freeze the company’s accounts.
  • Personal Liability: Directors could be held personally responsible for the company’s debts.
  • Inactive Company: The company cannot legally operate or conduct business.
  • Financial Loss: Creditors may withhold payments.

How do you Reinstate your Company?

Reinstating a company is possible but involves a detailed process. The company or close corporation need to prove that it was in business at the time of deregistration or that it has assets (e.g. property, intellectual property rights) in the company name. A court can also issue an order re-instating the company.

You can apply directly at CIPC or use Reinstatements Experts like Company Partners to ensure you follow the correct procedure.

Here is the breakdown of the requirements and steps to Reinstate a Company:

Prepare your Documents as Evidence of Economic Activity

  1. Bank statements showing legitimate transactions for a period of 3 – 4 months before and 3 – 4 months after deregistration occurred.
  2. Proof of outstanding assets or liabilities (e.g. property, intellectual property rights) at the time of deregistration.

Submit Application to the CIPC

Submit the documents proving economic activity along with your application form and the following documents:

  1. Certified ID / Passport Copies of the Directors.
  2. Completed Reinstatement Application form.

To apply at CIPC view the full application process at CIPC here.

Get assistance from Professionals!

Contact Company Partners if you have more questions or need assistance.
Get a FREE Consultation

Update your Beneficial Ownership at CIPC

You can file your Beneficial Ownership information directly on the CIPC e-services portal, which involves several steps and document submissions.

Here is a comprehensive guide to Beneficial Ownership at CIPC.

Filing all outstanding Annual Returns and paying associated fees.

Once the Reinstatement Application has been confirmed as successful. All outstanding Annual Returns must be submitted and paid. The fees charged by CIPC will consist of:

  • Outstanding Annual Returns Fees
  • Penalty Fees

Have an Inactive / Dormant Company?

Only companies with proof of economic value can be reinstated. If reinstatement is rejected, you may be forced to register a new company.

If a company was dormant or inactive and cannot meet reinstatement requirements, directors can Register a New Company with the following options:

    • Act within six months to reserve a similar company name before it becomes available to the public.
    • Alternatively, choose a completely new name for the business.

If you need help with Beneficial Ownership, Annual Returns, or Reinstatement, our Specialists are ready to assist. Save time and let us handle the details!

Contact us today!
Send via WhatsApp