What is CIPC?

“CIPC stands for the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission. One of its functions is the registering body for all companies registered in South Africa.

You can transact via the BizPortal or Eservices. To transact with CIPC, you will need to open up an account with CIPC and create login details. Once this is done, you can transact with CIPC.”

How do I register a name with CIPC?

1. "Log onto the CIPC website.

2. Go to Eservices -> transact -> name reservations -> proposed name -> and then enter 3 names in order of preference. 

3. CIPC will respond to the email that is registered on your profile."

What documents are needed to register a company on CIPC?

“You need certified identity documents of the directors and the signed company registration form.”

Where can I get a CIPC company registration form?

“All forms can be found online, on the CIPC website.”

How do I do a CIPC company search?

“This can be done via the BizPortal option: bizportal.gov.za. The company name or registration number or directors identity number can be used to search for a company.”

What are the steps needed to register a company?

“This can be done via the eServices transact or Bizportal option.

We have not used the Bizportal option, so I will only comment on the Eservices function.

1. Log onto the CIPC website.

2. You can register a company with a name or a numerical number provided by CIPC.

3. If you choose the name option, first apply for the name. Once you have confirmation from CIPC that the name has been approved, you can apply for the company.

4. Go to Eservices – transact – company registration and complete all the details. The form will be emailed to you with all the details that you have entered. If you decide to use this option, this must be signed by the directors and incorporator and uploaded onto the CIPC website together with the certified copy of the director’s identity document and name approval.”

Anne gave us some great practical tips, but we understand if you still have questions about CIPC registration. Don't worry, we've got you covered!

Keep reading for more information.

Learn more about CIPC registration

If you're a small business owner looking to take your business to the next level, registering with the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) can be a smart move. Not only does it give your business more credibility, but it also protects your business name and allows you to access certain business opportunities.

But what does registering with the CIPC really mean? Well, it means you're officially a company! You'll receive a certificate of incorporation and become a legal entity with its own rights and responsibilities. This also means that you'll need to adhere to certain rules and regulations, but it's a small price to pay for the benefits that come with it.

One major advantage of CIPC registration is that it protects your business name. By registering your business name, you'll have exclusive rights to use it, and no one else can use it without your permission. This means that you can build your brand without worrying about someone else stealing your name and reputation.

Another advantage is that it opens up business opportunities. Many government tenders and contracts require that businesses be registered with the CIPC, so by registering your business, you'll be eligible to apply for these opportunities. Plus, having a registered business can make it easier to access funding and loans from banks and other financial institutions.

Why complete an annual return?

An annual return is kinda like a birthday celebration for your company. It's a way to show the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) that your company is still up and running, or maybe even gearing up for a new year of success. It's a way to keep your company's records up to date and stay on the CIPC's good side.

What if you register a company without a name?

In such a case, its registration number with (South Africa) at the end automatically becomes the company name. So if you’re in a hurry, this is the fastest route to follow for registering a company.

Applying for a company name

First, you'll need to conduct a thorough name search to ensure that your desired name is available and not already taken by another company. Once you've confirmed the availability of the name, you can then proceed to complete and submit the necessary forms and pay the required fees to the CIPC. If everything is in order and your application is approved, you'll receive confirmation and can proceed with your business plans under your new name.

If the CIPC has not approved the first name you submitted, you will need to apply for multiple names. Each application allows you to apply for between 1 and 4 names, with a fee of R50 for each application. Once the CIPC approves the name you have applied for, you will receive written confirmation that the name is registered for your company. The reservation is valid for six months, within which you must use it for company registration.

• Can you extend the reserved name? Heck yeah, it is possible to extend the reserved name for 60 business days at a time by submitting an application along with an additional fee of R30. It's important to note that the extension must be requested before the expiry date, ideally in the month prior. It's not possible to extend a name that has already expired.

• Can you transfer a reserved name? You can only transfer a reserved name if you have already registered it. To transfer the name to another individual, you must complete and sign a notice of transfer from one customer code to another. Please note that a transfer cannot be made once the reserved name has expired.

How much is a company registration anyway?

It won't cost you much... Company registration can vary from R125* for a private company to R475* for a non-profit company, which CIPC has registered without members. *Pricing may change.

Register with the South African Revenue Services (SARS)

Regardless of whether you register your small business with CIPC, you must register it with SARS.

Here are some key insights on why registering with SARS is essential and what it means for your company:

First and foremost, registering with SARS is a legal requirement for any business that is liable to pay tax. You don't want to mess around with the taxman, trust us on this one. Plus, registering with SARS shows that you are a legitimate and responsible business owner who is committed to following the rules.

But registering with SARS isn't just about avoiding trouble with the law. It also opens up a world of benefits for your business. For one, it allows you to access funding and support from government programs designed to help small businesses grow. Who doesn't love free money, am I right?

Another advantage of SARS registration is that it gives your business credibility in the eyes of customers, suppliers, and investors. It shows that you are a professional operation that takes its financial responsibilities seriously. And let's face it, who doesn't want to do business with a credible and reliable company?

So, what does registering with SARS actually entail? Well, it's a fairly simple process that can be done online. You'll need to provide some basic information about your business, such as its name, address, and type of entity. SARS will then issue you with a tax reference number, which you'll use to submit your tax returns and pay your taxes.

In summary, registering with SARS is not only a legal requirement but also a smart business move that can open up opportunities for growth and give your company credibility.