Does my company or CC have to file beneficial ownership?
Short answerYes, if it is a company or a close corporation registered with CIPC. That includes small, one-person Pty Ltd companies and CCs. Co-operatives do not have to file it yet.
Who must file
- Private companies (Pty Ltd, /07): yes.
- Close corporations (/23): yes. CIPC requires a beneficial ownership declaration for CCs.
- Non-profit companies: yes. NPCs with members file the members' register. NPCs without members still declare who controls them.
- Public, state-owned and other affected companies: they file their securities register and beneficial interest register as the regulations require.
Who does not have to file yet
- Co-operatives registered with CIPC: not yet.
What if a trust or another company owns shares?
- Only a real person can be a beneficial owner. Trace through the trust or company to the people who ultimately own or control it, and declare them.
Let us file it for you. FilingFlowSA files your beneficial ownership declaration for R499. For companies with turnover under R1 million a year, we also file your CIPC annual return at no extra cost. Standard CIPC fees included. Independent; not affiliated with CIPC.
Start your filingCommon questions
I am the only director and shareholder. Do I still file?
Yes. A one-person company must still declare its beneficial owner, which is you.
My CC is dormant. Do I still file?
Yes. The annual return is required whether the business traded or not, and CIPC needs a current declaration before the annual return.
Who can file on behalf of the company?
Anyone the company mandates in writing, who has a CIPC customer code.
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This guide is general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice.