5 Steps to File CIPC Annual Returns Online

Q: What documents do I need to file my annual return?

To file your return, you need your registration number, turnover totals for the past year, and login credentials. Login via the cipc annual returns login page and confirm your profile is updated. Ensure payment access through EFT or card.

Q: How much are cipc annual return fees in 2025?

CIPC annual return fees are based on your turnover. Companies under R1M pay R100, R1M–R10M pay R450, R10M–R25M pay R2,000, and over R25M pay R3,000+. Fees are calculated automatically in the cipc login annual returns portal.

Q: Can I file my annual returns after the deadline?

Yes, but expect penalties. CIPC gives 30 days from your anniversary date to file. After that, daily penalties are added. Use the cipc annual returns login page immediately to avoid risk of deregistration.

Q: Where can I get help with my CIPC filing?

EasyCIPCRegister helps with login, calculations, and compliance. We handle the cipc biz portal login process, submit your annual return, and send your certificate. Book a free consultation today.

EasyCIPCRegister
Jul 5
5 min read

Updated: Jul 21

Trying to figure out how to file annual returns on CIPC? Learn how to complete the process easily using the CIPC login annual returns system and avoid costly penalties.

Author: written by the EasyCIPCRegister team, experts in South African company registration and compliance. Trusted by hundreds of readers, EasyCIPCRegister delivers up-to-date, practical advice on how to start and manage a successful business.

Key Takeaways

You must file your annual returns with CIPC every year.
Use the CIPC Biz Portal login to access your company profile.
Penalties apply for late submissions or non-compliance.
Fees vary based on your company’s annual turnover.
CIPC filing is 100% online and available year-round.

Wondering How to File Annual Returns on CIPC?

You’re not alone. Thousands of South African business owners scramble to meet CIPC filing deadlines each year. According to the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), over 200,000 companies missed the deadline in 2023 and faced penalties.

Late filings affect your compliance status and can disrupt operations like funding, banking, or tender submissions. Annual returns are a legal requirement, and filing them is straightforward when you know the steps.

A step-by-step guide titled "Filing Annual Returns on CIPC" with seven steps outlined in colored boxes. Step 1 (blue): Understand Filing Requirement - Recognize the legal obligation to file annual returns. Step 2 (green): Gather Necessary Documents - Collect all required documents for filing. Step 3 (cyan): Access CIPC Portal - Log into the CIPC online portal. Step 4 (lime): Complete Online Form - Fill out the annual return form online. Step 5 (yellow): Submit Return - Submit the completed form to CIPC. Step 6 (orange): Receive Confirmation - Obtain confirmation of successful submission. Step 7 (red): Maintain Compliance - Ensure ongoing compliance with CIPC regulations. The image is created with Napkin and has a dark background. Explore annual returns services from EasyCIPCRegister

What Are CIPC Annual Returns and Why They Matter

CIPC annual returns confirm your company is active and compliant. You must file them once a year on the anniversary of your company’s registration. The process is handled through the CIPC Biz Portal login system.

Filing shows the government that your business is still operating. It also updates your status on the public register. Companies that fail to file risk deregistration and may face legal trouble or issues opening bank accounts. Filing helps you maintain a good standing with the CIPC and assures stakeholders of your operational credibility. Explore the 10 types of business entities in South Africa.

Who Must File Annual Returns on CIPC?

All companies registered with the CIPC must file annual returns. This includes:

Private companies (PTY LTD)
Close corporations (CCs)
Incorporated companies
Non-profit companies (some exemptions apply)

If you are unsure about your filing date, log in via the CIPC annual returns login section and check your registration anniversary. Filing is required regardless of your company’s income or trading status. Learn more on how to register a business in South Africa

Step-by-Step Guide: How to File Annual Returns on CIPC

Follow these steps using the CIPC login annual returns portal:

Go to the CIPC Biz Portal Login: Visit bizportal.gov.za and select "Login". Use your ID number and password to access the system.
Select the "Annual Returns" Option: After logging in, click on "Services" and select "File Annual Returns". The system will prompt your company details.
Confirm Company Information: Make sure your address, email, and contact info are up to date. Incorrect info can lead to penalties.
View and Accept CIPC Annual Return Fees": CIPC calculates fees based on your company’s turnover. Fees range from R100 to over R3,000. See the table below for a breakdown:

Annual Turnover	Annual Return Fee
Less than R1M	R100
R1M - R10M	R450
R10M - R25M	R2,000
Over R25M	R3,000+

Pay and Download Your Certificate: Pay via EFT, credit card, or PayFast. Once the payment is received, you can download your CIPC registration certificate for proof.

When to File Your Annual Return

You must file annually on the anniversary of your registration date. For example, if your business was registered on 10 May 2021, your filing date will be every 10 May. Use the CIPC Biz Portal login to check your filing due date if you’re unsure.

CIPC allows a 30-day grace period. Miss it, and penalties start adding up. Companies not filing for two years in a row risk deregistration. Stay ahead by setting calendar reminders and saving copies of previous filings. Learn more about how to deregister a company in South Africa.

A circular diagram titled "Navigating Annual Return Filing" with a central icon and six surrounding steps in colored circles. Step 1 (blue): Filing Date - The specific date each year when the return is due. Step 2 (green): Grace Period - A 30-day extension allowed for filing. Step 3 (lime): Penalties - Consequences for missing the filing deadline. Step 4 (yellow): Deregistration Risk - Potential outcome for repeated non-compliance. Step 5 (orange): Reminders - Tools to help remember the filing date. Step 6 (red): Record Keeping - Importance of saving previous filings. The diagram is created with Napkin and has a dark background. Explore EasySIPC annual return services.

Penalties and Late Fees for Non-Compliance

If you miss your deadline, expect to pay penalties in addition to the base CIPC annual return fees. Penalty charges are calculated daily. In 2024, over 18% of South African businesses incurred late fees.

Penalties range from R150 to thousands depending on turnover and how late the submission is. Even non-trading companies must submit to avoid penalties and keep their entity active. Explore what beneficial ownership is and how to stay compliant.

CIPC Login Annual Returns: Tips for a Smooth Process

Always keep your login credentials secure.
Update your email and contact info before filing.
Bookmark the CIPC annual returns login page for easy access.
Pay well before the deadline to allow time for processing.
Double-check that payment has reflected before closing the portal.

Using the correct CIPC login annual returns pathway ensures you avoid delays or technical errors. Learn more about how to register an NPC with the CIPC.

A Real Case: Missed Filing and Deregistration

One Johannesburg-based logistics firm failed to file annual returns for two consecutive years. Despite receiving reminders, they missed the CIPC login annual returns window. The company was deregistered in early 2024 and had to pay over R7,000 in fees and legal services to restore its status.

Avoid this by using the CIPC Biz Portal login every year before your due date. If you miss it, you’ll need to complete a restoration process, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Need Help Filing? Contact EasyCIPCRegister

EasyCIPCRegister handles the filing process on your behalf. We ensure your info is accurate, fees are paid, and you remain compliant. Whether you’re stuck on the CIPC annual returns login or unsure how to calculate CIPC annual return fees, our team is ready to help. Contact us for a free consultation today! Get your CIPC registration certificate delivered to your inbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I log into the CIPC portal to file annual returns?

To log in, go to the official bizportal.gov.za site. Click on the CIPC Biz Portal login and enter your ID or company registration number with your password. After logging in, choose “Annual Returns” from the menu. The system will fetch your company details. Verify everything is accurate, especially your contact info. Then proceed with the filing process. Make sure you have access to your updated turnover figures, as these will determine the CIPC annual return fees you’ll be required to pay.

2. What documents do I need to file my annual return?

To file your return, you only need basic information. Keep your company registration number, turnover totals for the past year, and CIPC login credentials ready. Log in via the CIPC annual returns login page and confirm your profile is up to date. Also ensure you have payment access through EFT, credit card, or PayFast. You don’t need supporting docs unless you’re filing for a restoration. If unsure, contact EasyCIPCRegister for assistance in preparing your return.

3. How much are CIPC annual return fees in 2025?

CIPC annual return fees are based on your company’s revenue. For companies earning under R1 million annually, the fee is R100. Those earning between R1M and R10M pay R450. Turnover from R10M to R25M is charged R2,000, and anything above R25M is billed R3,000 or more. The portal calculates this automatically once you log into your CIPC login annual returns account. You can make payment immediately through the portal using any of the accepted methods.

4. Can I file my annual returns after the deadline?

Yes, but expect late penalties. CIPC gives a 30-day grace period after your anniversary date. Beyond that, daily penalties are added to the base CIPC annual return fees. This can quickly increase the amount owed. If you’ve missed the filing window, log into the CIPC annual returns login portal immediately and settle the outstanding return. It’s better to file late than risk deregistration, which will require a formal company restoration process.

5. Where can I get help with my CIPC filing?

You can get expert help from EasyCIPCRegister. We help businesses every day with login issues, fee calculations, and compliance checks. Our team will handle the CIPC Biz Portal login process on your behalf, submit the annual return, and email your registration certificate once confirmed. Whether you’re filing late, restoring a deregistered business, or need general guidance—we’ve got you covered. Visit our website and get started today with a free consultation.