Keeping your company in good standing
Short answer
A registered company or close corporation must file a CIPC annual return every year, keep its beneficial ownership information filed, and keep its SARS tax compliance status in good standing. Miss the annual return and CIPC can deregister the business.
Do these once a year and your company stays active, bankable and tender-ready. Written for: directors and members of registered companies and close corporations, including dormant ones.
Guides in this checklist last checked 3 November 2026. Confirm on each official portal before you submit.
How to file your CIPC annual return
Why this step: Due every year, even for dormant companies. The fee depends on turnover and on filing on time.
Every company and close corporation must file a CIPC annual return each year, even if dormant. Companies file within 30 business days after their registration anniversary. Close corporations file from the start of the anniversary month to the end of the next month. Fees run from R100 to R4,000, and your beneficial ownership must be current first.
R100 to R4,000 depending on turnover and timing30 business days after your anniversary (companies)Every year including dormant businesses
How to file beneficial ownership with CIPC
Why this step: CIPC expects the real owners on record. It is tied to filing the annual return.
Every company and close corporation (co-operatives excluded) must file its beneficial owners with CIPC on eServices. A beneficial owner is a natural person who ultimately owns or controls the company, with 5% or more shown. File within 10 business days of registration and of any change, and update it with each annual return.
5% or more ownership or control must be declared10 business days to file after registration or a changeAnnually with the annual return, even if nothing changed
How to get your SARS tax clearance certificate (TCS PIN)
Why this step: Banks, buyers and CSD ask for proof of good standing with SARS. Keep your returns and payments up to date.
SARS no longer issues a paper tax clearance certificate. It issues a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN instead. Log in to eFiling, open My Compliance Profile, request the Good Standing type and submit. If your tax affairs are in order, SARS issues the PIN immediately. There is no SARS fee.
No SARS fee to request the PINInstant if your tax affairs are in orderLive status buyers see it on the day they check
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