13/03/2026
Important Update from CIPC: Evidence Requirements for Reinstating Deregistered Companies and Close Corporations
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has recently issued Customer Notice 12 of 2026, providing clarification regarding the evidence required when applying for the reinstatement of deregistered companies and close corporations.
This notice aims to prevent incorrect submissions and to ensure that reinstatement applications are supported by credible, independently verifiable documentation.
Key Principle
According to the CIPC, a deregistered entity may only be reinstated if it can demonstrate that at the time of deregistration it:
• Was actively trading,
• Held economic value, or
• Is being reinstated through a court order.
Without proof supporting one of these conditions, the reinstatement application may be rejected.
Universal Evidence Requirements
The CIPC further clarified that all evidence submitted must comply with the following rules:
✔ Documents must be in the name of the company or close corporation (not the director or member).
✔ Documents must be dated and relate to the time of deregistration.
✔ Documents must be issued by independent third parties such as banks, SARS, landlords, or financial institutions.
✔ Documents must be verifiable and appear on official letterheads where applicable.
Importantly, self-created documents such as internal schedules, resolutions, registers, or screenshots are generally not accepted as evidence.
Examples of Acceptable Evidence
The CIPC provided guidance on documents that may be accepted when applying for reinstatement:
Banking Evidence
• Official bank statements showing transactions before and after deregistration
• Statements must be issued in the entity’s name
Property Ownership
• Deeds Office records confirming property registered in the entity’s name
SARS Records
• Official SARS correspondence confirming liabilities or credits
Intellectual Property
• Trademark or patent registrations where the entity is the registered owner
Movable Assets
• Confirmation from financiers that assets are registered and financed in the entity’s name
Commercial Agreements
• Signed leases or contracts valid during the deregistration period
Shareholding
• Letters from issuers confirming that shares are still registered in the entity’s name.
Examples of Evidence That Will NOT Be Accepted
The notice also clarifies several common mistakes applicants make:
❌ Screenshots from e-banking or eFiling
❌ Personal bank accounts used as evidence
❌ Internal registers or unsigned documents
❌ Municipal accounts in a director’s personal name
❌ Self-created share certificates
❌ Draft or expired contracts
Such documentation cannot independently verify the economic existence of the entity.
Important Compliance Warning
The CIPC further notes that it may request evidence at any time during the reinstatement process. Failure to provide valid evidence may result in:
• Withdrawal of the reinstatement application
• Rejection of annual return filings
• Possible criminal charges under Section 214 of the Companies Act, 2008 for submitting false information.
Final Note
Businesses considering the reinstatement of a deregistered entity should ensure that supporting evidence is properly prepared and independently verifiable before submitting the application.
This clarification from the CIPC is intended to improve compliance and reduce delays caused by incomplete or incorrect submissions.
If you require assistance with company reinstatements, compliance reviews, or corporate filings with the CIPC, feel free to reach out.
