Incorporation Date

Your Incorporation Date is the official date your company was registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).

It marks the moment your business became a legal entity in South Africa, in other words, your company’s official “birthday.”

"Where do I find my Incorporation Date?"

You’ll find it on:

  • Your CoR14.3 Company Registration Certificate
  • Your CIPC company profile
  • Any official confirmation from Govchain (if you registered through us)

It’s usually near the top of your registration documents.

"Why does my Incorporation Date matter?"

It affects several important deadlines:

  • Your annual return must be filed every year within 30 business days of this date
  • It can determine your financial year-end (unless you chose a different one)
  • Some funding, tender, or compliance applications require proof of how long your company has been registered

Keeping track of your incorporation date helps you stay compliant and avoid penalties.

"Is my Incorporation Date the same as the date I started trading?"

Not necessarily.

You might register your company in January but only start operating in March.

From a legal perspective, though, your company exists from the incorporation date, not from the day you start trading.

"Can I change my Incorporation Date?"

No.

Your incorporation date is set automatically by CIPC when your registration is processed and it can’t be edited later.

"What if I forget my Incorporation Date?"

Don’t stress, Govchain keeps all your documents on file and can resend them if needed. You can also check your CIPC profile online or refer to your CoR14.3 certificate.


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