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Short, practical guides on registering and running a business in South Africa.

Guide

What is a CIPC annual return, and why does it matter?

Every registered company in South Africa is expected to file an annual return with CIPC. The return confirms basic details about the company so the register stays accurate.

If a company does not file, it can face penalties and may eventually be deregistered. Deregistration can create problems with banks, suppliers and tender applications.

A simple habit helps: note your company's annual return period when you register, and put a reminder in your calendar well ahead of it.

The exact requirements depend on your company and may change, so confirm the current position with CIPC or ask us.

Guide

Registering a company: a practical starting checklist

Before you start, shortlist two or three company names in case your first choice is not available.

Gather identification documents and proof of address for each director, and agree who the directors and shareholders will be.

Think about your financial year-end and what you will need straight after registration, such as tax registration and a business bank account.

Requirements can change, so treat this as a general guide and confirm the details for your situation when you enquire.

Guide

Preparing supporting documents for tender applications

Tenders commonly ask for a mix of tax, B-BBEE, banking and statutory documents. Each tender sets its own list, so read the requirements carefully.

Some documents, such as tax compliance confirmation and bank letters, depend on third parties and can take time. Start well before the closing date.

Check that documents are current and that company details match across them.

Preparing documents does not guarantee an award. Each procuring organisation makes its own decision.

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Blog

What is a CIPC annual return, and why does it matter?

Registering a company: a practical starting checklist

Preparing supporting documents for tender applications

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