BIPA Reminder: All Companies Must Submit Annual Financial Statements
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The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) has issued a public notice reminding all public, private, or external companies to submit their Annual Financial Statements (AFS).
This is no longer optional, it’s a legal requirement under the Companies Act 28 of 2004 and the Business and Intellectual Property Authority Act 8 of 2016.
What you need to know
External companies must submit AFS within 6 months after their financial year ends, using the CM34 form.
Public companies must file AFS at least 21 days before their AGM.
Private companies owned by public companies also need to file AFS on the CM34 form.
If your company issues interim or provisional reports, those must also be submitted using the CM34 form.
All private companies must submit audited AFS within 2 months of their financial year end.
What happens if you don’t comply?
You may lose access to BIPA services.
Your company could face delays, penalties, or even legal consequences.
Effective Immediately
This directive is in force now so if you haven’t lodged your AFS, it’s time to act.
