All companies (including external companies) and close corporations are required by law to lodge their Annual Returns with CIPC within a certain period of time every year.
An Annual Return is a statutory return in terms of the Companies and Close Corporations Acts and therefore MUST be complied with. Failure to do so will result in the Commission assuming that the company and/or close corporation is not doing business or is not intending on doing business in the near future. Non-compliance with annual returns may lead to deregistration, which has the effect that the juristic personality is withdrawn and the company or close corporation ceases to exist.
- Companies have 30 business days from the date that the entity become due to file annual returns before it is in non-compliance with the Companies Act.
- Close Corporations have from the first day of its anniversary month up until the thereafter to file Annual Returns before it is non-compliance with the Close Corporations Act.
- Annual Returns can only be filed electronically.
- Always use your customer code to transact with CIPC.
What is an Annual Financial Statement or Financial Accountability Supplement?
For more information on Annual Financial Statements or Financial Accountability Supplements kindly click here.
Steps to file Annual Returns and either Annual Financial Statements or Financial Accountability Supplement
Annual Returns must either be filed electronically on CIPC’s website or on a CIPC Self-Service Terminal (SST). However, the SST process is only suitable for companies and close corporations where the director or member files the Annual Return him/herself.
Table of Contents
Register as a Customer
To view information on how to register as a customer, click here. If you are already registered as a customer, and know your customer code and password, proceed to step 2.
Calculate, file and pay your Annual Return
To view the step by step guide on how to calculate, file and pay outstanding Annual Returns, click here. The Annual Return filing confirmation will automatically be e-mailed to the e-mail address as per the customer code used to file the Annual Return.
Click here to file an enquiry.
File either Annual Financial Statement or Financial Accountability Supplement
Once the Annual Return has been filed select either the Annual Financial Statement or Financial Accountability Supplement link and file the necessary information.
Alternatively, follow the links below:
- Annual Financial Supplement: www.cipc.co.za / e-services / login using customer code and password / transact / document upload / annual financial statements
- Financial Accountability Supplement: www.cipc.co.za / maintain your business / financial statements and independent review
There is no service delivery turnaround time for submitting annual returns since the filing is instantaneous once “File Annual Returns” is clicked. If the entity is in “Annual Return deregistration” process, the status will automatically be updated to “In Business” if all outstanding annual returns are paid and filed.
Useful Links
- Practice Note 8 of 2017 – Requirements for Re-instatement of a Company
- Practice Note 7 of 2012 – Company Deregistration
- Information Guide for Annual Returns
- Annual Return Fee Structure and Roll Out Dates
- Annual Return FAQs
- Information on filing AFSs – Refer to XBRL Programme Page
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.