What is the purpose of the CIPC?

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa.

What items are maintained and processed through CIPC

  • Company registrations

  • Company de-registrations

  • Company details - including address, directors, auditors, year-end, authorised shares.

Does CIPC maintain shareholding information?

No, CIPC does not maintain shareholding information. CIPC only maintains the number of authorised shares (not issued shares).

Does CIPC automatically register a company for Income Tax with SARS?

Yes, when a new company is registered, CIPC will automatically register the company for Income Tax with SARS.

Functions CIPC is responsible for

  • To disclose Information on its business registers.

  • To promote education and awareness of Company and Intellectual Property Law.

  • To promote compliance with relevant legislation.

  • Efficiently and effectively enforce relevant legislation.

  • Monitor compliance with, and contraventions of financial reporting standards, and make recommendations thereto to Financial Reporting Standards Council (FRSC).

  • Licensing of Business rescue practitioners.

  • Report, research and advise the Minister on matters of national policy relating to company and intellectual property law.