CIPC Beneficial Ownership Declaration Assistance
Companies must tell CIPC who ultimately owns or controls them. We help you identify your beneficial owners and file accurately.
Beneficial ownership
Who really owns your company? CIPC needs to know.
A beneficial owner is a natural person who ultimately owns or controls a company, directly or indirectly. Companies must file this information with CIPC and keep it up to date.
Identifying beneficial owners can be straightforward for a simple company, but more complex where shares are held through trusts or other companies. We help you work it out and file correctly.
Changes in ownership or control generally need to be reported to CIPC promptly.
Transparency
Correct.
Current. Compliant.
- Who must be declared
- The natural people who ultimately own or control the company.
- When to update
- When ownership or control changes, within the prescribed period.
- Who must file
- Companies registered with CIPC, subject to the applicable rules.
How it works
How we file your beneficial ownership
Clear, accurate and supported by the right documents.
Contact Us-
Map the ownership
We trace shareholding and control, including through trusts or other entities.
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Identify beneficial owners
We confirm which natural persons must be declared.
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Prepare the filing
We gather the required details and supporting documents.
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File and maintain
We submit to CIPC and help you update the record when things change.
Complicated ownership structure?
Trusts and group structures need care. Talk to us and we will map it out.
Requirements
What we need
These details allow us to identify and declare your beneficial owners.
- Share register
Your company’s current securities register.
- Identity documents
IDs or passports for each beneficial owner.
- Holding entity details
Details of any companies or trusts in the ownership chain.
- Trust deeds, where relevant
Documents showing who controls or benefits from a trust.
Don’t have everything? Bring what you have — we will tell you what is missing.
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FAQ
Beneficial ownership questions
Who counts as a beneficial owner?
Broadly, a natural person who directly or indirectly owns or controls the company. Thresholds and rules apply, so structures should be checked carefully.
Is this the same as the share register?
Not always. The share register shows registered shareholders; beneficial ownership looks through to the individuals who ultimately own or control the company.
What if ownership changes?
Changes generally need to be filed with CIPC within the prescribed period, so it is best to update promptly.
Does it affect annual returns?
Beneficial ownership information is linked to your ongoing CIPC compliance, so keeping it current helps your annual returns go smoothly.
Still have questions? We’re happy to help.
Contact UsMore detail in our guide: CIPC beneficial ownership explained
File your beneficial ownership correctly
Book a consultation and we will identify and declare your beneficial owners.