CIPC’s Financial Accountability Supplement (FAS): How and When to File It

If your company is registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), you’ve likely come across the term Financial Accountability Supplement (FAS).

Many business owners are unsure what this filing is, when it’s due, or why it matters — and as accountants, we see this confusion often.

At Prosperity Accounting and Bookkeeping Solutions, we help companies stay compliant with all CIPC filing requirements, including the FAS. Here’s what you need to know.

📘 What Is the Financial Accountability Supplement (FAS)?

The Financial Accountability Supplement is a mandatory online submission made to the CIPC together with your annual return.

It provides CIPC with key details about your company’s financial reporting — such as:

Who prepares your financial statements
Whether the company’s statements are audited, independently reviewed, or compiled
The financial reporting framework used (e.g. IFRS, IFRS for SMEs)
Basic financial information such as turnover and assets

The FAS helps CIPC assess the level of public interest in your company and ensures that you are meeting the Companies Act 71 of 2008 requirements for financial reporting.

⚖️ Why the FAS Matters

Many businesses mistakenly think that submitting their Annual Return is enough — but since 2013, CIPC requires both the Annual Return and the Financial Accountability Supplement (FAS) for the submission to be complete.

Failing to submit the FAS can lead to:
❌ Your annual return being considered incomplete
❌ Non-compliance penalties
❌ Possible deregistration of your company

So, even though it seems like “just another form,” it’s a crucial part of maintaining your company’s good standing.

🕒 When to File the FAS

You must file your FAS at the same time as your annual return — which is due within 30 business days of the anniversary of your company’s incorporation date.

For example:
If your company was registered on 1 July 2022, your annual return (and FAS) will be due by 15 August 2023 (30 business days after your registration anniversary).

💡 Tip: You can check your due date by logging into the CIPC e-Services portal or asking your accountant to verify it.

🧮 What Information You’ll Need to Submit

To complete your FAS filing, you’ll need the following details:

Financial year end date
Whether financial statements were:
- Audited, Independently Reviewed, or Compiled
Name and registration number of the person or firm who performed the engagement
Financial reporting framework used (e.g., IFRS for SMEs)
Confirmation that your accounting records are properly maintained
Broad financial information (e.g., turnover, total assets, and liabilities)

CIPC uses this information to determine if your company’s financial statements meet the correct level of assurance required by law.

📊 How to File Your FAS

You can file your FAS in one of two ways:

Online via the CIPC e-Services portal – usually submitted when filing your annual return.
Through your accountant or registered service provider, who will include it in your annual compliance submission.

At Prosperity Accounting and Bookkeeping Solutions, we handle this process on behalf of our clients to ensure accurate and timely filing every year.

✅ Keeping Your Company Compliant

In summary:

Requirement	Due Date	Submitted To	Purpose
Annual Return	Within 30 business days after incorporation anniversary	CIPC	Confirms company is active and compliant
Financial Accountability Supplement (FAS)	Same as Annual Return	CIPC	Confirms how financial statements are prepared and reviewed

Keeping up with these filings ensures your company remains in good standing with CIPC, avoids penalties, and protects your business from deregistration.

💼 How Prosperity Accounting and Bookkeeping Solutions Can Help

We take the stress out of compliance by managing the entire process for you: