Beneficial Ownership: What CIPC Needs From You

Quick answer: A beneficial owner is a person who ultimately owns or controls your company, even through another company or trust. CIPC requires companies to file and update this information.

Who counts

• People who directly or indirectly hold more than 5% of the shares
• People who control the company in other ways, such as through a trust or agreement

Why it is required

The rules help prevent money laundering and hidden ownership. Banks and tender panels increasingly check it.

When to file

When your company is registered, whenever ownership changes, and as part of keeping your company compliant.

We file beneficial ownership declarations for R450.