When is the CIPC annual return due?

Within 30 business days after the anniversary of your company's incorporation date. For example, a company incorporated on 15 March must file by around mid-April each year.

How much is the CIPC annual return fee?

For a private company (Pty) Ltd, the standard fee is R100 if filed within the 30-day window. Late filing fees escalate depending on how overdue the return is.

What happens if I don't file my annual return?

CIPC can flag the company for deregistration, charge escalating late fees, and the company may lose good standing, which affects tenders, funding, and contracts.

Can I file a CIPC annual return on BizPortal?

Yes. You can file annual returns through the CIPC eServices portal or via BizPortal.gov.za once you have linked your customer code to the company.

How to File CIPC Annual Returns in South Africa (CoR30.2)

Q: What is a CIPC annual return?

A CIPC annual return (form CoR30.2) is an administrative filing that confirms your South African company is still active and that its registered details are correct. It is not a financial statement.

Every registered company in South Africa must file a CIPC annual return within 30 business days after its anniversary of incorporation. The return confirms that your company is still active and that its registered details are accurate.

Don't confuse CIPC annual returns with SARS tax. CIPC annual returns are a separate filing from SARS income tax, VAT, or provisional tax. You must do both.

What is a CIPC annual return?

The CIPC annual return (form CoR30.2) is not a financial statement. It is an administrative return that updates the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission on:

Registered office address and postal address
Directors and company secretary
Share capital and issued shares
Auditor or accounting officer details
Whether the company is still carrying on business or has assets

Filing on time keeps the company in good standing, which is essential for tenders, bank finance, supplier contracts, and business rescue proceedings.

When is it due?

The annual return is due within 30 business days after the anniversary of the company's incorporation date. For example, if your company was incorporated on 15 March 2020, your return is due each year by around mid-April.

Incorporation month	Example deadline	Note
Jan	Incorporated 15 Jan → due by ~24 Feb	30 business days after anniversary
Feb	Incorporated 20 Feb → due by ~31 Mar	Watch for public holidays
Mar	Incorporated 10 Mar → due by ~18 Apr	Easter can shift the deadline
Apr	Incorporated 25 Apr → due by ~3 Jun	May public holidays
May	Incorporated 12 May → due by ~20 Jun	Youth Day included
Jun	Incorporated 18 Jun → due by ~27 Jul	30 business days
Jul	Incorporated 05 Jul → due by ~13 Aug	30 business days
Aug	Incorporated 22 Aug → due by ~30 Sep	30 business days
Sep	Incorporated 14 Sep → due by ~23 Oct	Heritage Day
Oct	Incorporated 09 Oct → due by ~17 Nov	30 business days
Nov	Incorporated 28 Nov → due by ~10 Jan	Christmas/New Year holidays extend window
Dec	Incorporated 03 Dec → due by ~13 Feb	Holiday shutdown extends deadline significantly

The exact date depends on public holidays and weekends. Use the CIPC portal to confirm the precise deadline for your company.

How much does it cost?

For a standard private company (Pty) Ltd, the CIPC annual return fee is R100 when filed within the 30-day window. Late filing fees escalate the longer the return is overdue.

CIPC annual return fee at a glance

On time: R100 (Pty Ltd)
Late: Additional penalties apply based on overdue period
Reinstatement after deregistration: Separate application with higher fees

Always check the latest fee schedule on cipc.co.za or bizportal.gov.za, as fees can change.

Step-by-step: how to file online

1
Log in to CIPC eServices or BizPortal
Go to eservices.cipc.co.za or bizportal.gov.za and sign in with your customer code. If you don't have a customer code, register first.
2
Link your customer code to the company
If you are filing for a company you are not the main customer of, the customer code must be linked to the company via the 'Customer Management' section.
3
Select 'Annual Returns' and enter the company number
Use the full CIPC registration number (e.g. 2024/123456/07). The system will show the company name and its filing status.
4
Confirm company details
Check the registered address, directors, share capital, and auditor details. Update anything that has changed before submitting.
5
Answer the compliance questions
Confirm whether the company is carrying on business or has assets. For most active companies, answer 'Yes'.
6
Pay the annual return fee
Pay online by card or EFT. The standard fee is R100 for a private company. Print or save the payment receipt.
7
Download the CoR30.2 certificate
Once filed, download the filed annual return certificate (CoR30.2) and store it with your company records.

Penalties for late filing

Late filing fee

Escalates based on how many months the return is overdue.

Deregistration risk

CIPC may begin deregistration proceedings after prolonged non-compliance.

Loss of good standing

Banks, funders, and tender boards may refuse to deal with the company.

Director liability

Directors can face personal liability for company debts if the company is deregistered while still trading.

Pre-filing checklist

Customer code linked to the company
Company registration number ready
Registered address confirmed
Director details up to date
Share capital unchanged or updated
Payment method ready (card or EFT)
CoR30.2 downloaded and filed

Related guides

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How to file your CIPC annual return (CoR30.2)