Non-profit registration
A non-profit needs two things people often mix up. The NPC is the company itself, registered at CIPC. The NPO number is separate recognition from the Department of Social Development, and it is the one most funders ask to see. We set up both, prepare your founding documents, and show you the next step for tax exemption. You need at least three directors to start, and a non-profit has no owners.
What is included
- Your non-profit company (NPC) registered at CIPC, with the name reserved
- A Memorandum of Incorporation written around your organisation's purpose
- NPO registration with the Department of Social Development, the number funders ask for
- Your founding documents and director details prepared for you
- A plain guide to the yearly filings that keep both registrations alive
- The next steps to apply to SARS for tax exemption (PBO status), if you want donors to claim
How ordering works
- Order below and pay securely by card or instant EFT.
- Answer a short online form: the non-profit's name, its purpose, and the details of your three or more directors.
- We reserve the name, write the Memorandum of Incorporation and register the NPC at CIPC.
- Once the company exists, we lodge the NPO registration with the Department of Social Development. They run this step, so it can take a while.
- Everything lands in your client portal, with a guide to the yearly returns and the tax-exemption step.
Not sure this is the right one for you? Ask us first and you get a written answer within one business day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an NPC and an NPO?
The NPC is the company, registered at CIPC. It is a real legal entity that can own things, sign contracts and open a bank account. The NPO is a number from the Department of Social Development that formally recognises the organisation, and government and corporate funders often ask for it. Many non-profits have both, which is why we do both.
How many people do I need?
At least three directors to register a non-profit company. They do not have to be related and they are not owners, because a non-profit has no shareholders and no owners.
How long does it take?
The NPC at CIPC is usually a few weeks. The NPO number from Social Development is slower and can take two to eight months, because they run that step, not us. We lodge it and keep you updated.
Does this make donations to us tax deductible?
Not on its own. To let donors claim, you apply separately to SARS to become a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO). We show you exactly how; it is a further step after registration.
Can a non-profit pay salaries?
Yes. A non-profit can pay fair salaries for real work, including to directors. What it cannot do is share profits out to members the way a normal company pays shareholders.
Where this comes from
Companies Act 71 of 2008 (non-profit companies); Nonprofit Organisations Act 71 of 1997 (NPO registration with the Department of Social Development). Rules and fees change; confirm anything you rely on with the relevant authority before you act.