Startup Compliance Checklist

Everything you need to do in your first 90 days — from CIPC registration to your first tax submission. Updated for 2026.

Company Registration (CIPC)

Week 1–2

Choose a company name (prepare 3 options in order of preference)
Check name availability on bizportal.gov.za
Reserve name and complete CoR9.1 formFee: approx. R50
Complete Memorandum of Incorporation (CoR14.1)
Submit registration on CIPC portalFee: R175 for Private Company (Pty) Ltd
Receive Certificate of Incorporation (CoR14.3)
Receive company registration number

SARS Registration

Week 2–3

Register for Income Tax (ITR14) via eFilingRequired within 60 days of starting to trade
Register for PAYE if paying salaries or wages
Register for SDL if annual payroll exceeds R500,000
Register for UIF with SARS and Dept. of Labour
Register for VAT once turnover exceeds R1MOptional from R50,000 — consider carefully
Obtain Tax Compliance Status (TCS) pin via eFiling

Business Banking

Week 2–4

Open a dedicated business bank accountRequired: CIPC certificate, director ID, proof of address, SARS reference number
Obtain stamped bank confirmation letter (for CSD & tenders)
Never mix personal and business finances

CSD Registration

Week 3–5

Register on suppliers.treasury.gov.za
Upload certified CIPC registration certificate
Upload valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS)
Upload original bank confirmation letter
Upload BBBEE certificate or sworn affidavit
Receive CSD supplier number

Labour & COID

Week 4–8

Register employees with Dept. of Labour (UIF)
Display BCEA (Basic Conditions of Employment) notice
Register with Compensation Fund (COID)Required if you employ any staff, including part-time
Obtain BBBEE sworn affidavit (if turnover < R10M)Commissioner of Oaths can certify — no cost

Monthly Ongoing

Every Month

File EMP201 by the 7th (PAYE/SDL/UIF)
File VAT201 by the 25th (if VAT registered)
Keep all invoices & receipts (SARS requires 5 years)
Reconcile your bank statement monthly
Set aside 28% of profit for company income tax
Renew TCS pin before it expires (check eFiling)

Need help getting started? Barlo Projects handles CIPC registration, SARS setup, CSD registration and monthly compliance support for entrepreneurs and small businesses across South Africa. Contact us on 079 265 6440 or info@barlomp.co.za — we make it simple.