{"id":386557,"date":"2020-04-01T07:07:40","date_gmt":"2020-04-01T05:07:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=386557"},"modified":"2020-04-01T07:07:40","modified_gmt":"2020-04-01T05:07:40","slug":"a-free-start-up-checklist-tool-for-company-registration-and-compliance-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/industry-news\/386557\/a-free-start-up-checklist-tool-for-company-registration-and-compliance-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"A free start-up checklist tool for company registration and compliance in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>By Company Partners, a leader in fast-tracked administration for South African entrepreneurs, and have assisted over 60,000 entrepreneurs throughout South Africa with more than 120 business services.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Figuring out and keeping track of the documents you need to start a new company in South Africa, can be complex.<\/p>\n<p>There are multiple legal requirements from the <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cipc.co.za\/index.php\/register-your-business\/companies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CIPC<\/a><\/strong>, the <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.labour.gov.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Labour Department<\/a><\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SARS<\/a>, COIDA and a wide range of industry-specific organisations like the <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nhbrc.org.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NHBRC<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>In uncertain economic times like these, start-up paperwork can be overwhelming. You need all your energy to focus on your day-to-day business and to manage unexpected changes.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptycompanyregistration.co.za\/?utm_source=BusinessTech&amp;utm_medium=Article&amp;utm_campaign=March2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Click here to learn more about how Company Partners can empower your new business.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>How can you minimise your company administration, without falling behind on the paperwork you need to apply for tenders, loans and financing opportunities?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>You use the digital tools at your disposal<\/strong><\/h3>\n<blockquote><p><em>If you need a quick reference of specific documents right now, you can <u>find a list of the general documents<\/u> most start-ups need, <u>at the bottom of this page<\/u>. <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Over the last 5 years Company Partners, South Africa\u2019s leader in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptycompanyregistration.co.za\/?utm_source=BusinessTech&amp;utm_medium=Article&amp;utm_campaign=March2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">company registration<\/a><\/strong> and compliance services, has developed an online tool that helps local entrepreneurs manage their paperwork in a simpler, faster way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_345215\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-345215\" class=\"wp-image-345215\" src=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"535\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-345215\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You can download a PDF version of your tailored Legal File and you can customise it further with the assistance of a dedicated business consultant.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>This tool is called <em>The Legal File. <\/em>It is a free start-up checklist tool that gives your business a suggested roadmap, that you can follow with an easy step-by-step guide to get your business tender-ready or industry-compliant.<\/p>\n<p>More importantly, it helps you create a customised start-up checklist. The checklist updates as you complete specific steps and as your business grows.<\/p>\n<p>You can download a PDF version of your tailored Legal File and you can customise it further with the assistance of a dedicated business consultant.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the tool allows you to order, manage and store all your company administration within one virtual platform.<\/p>\n<p>Here is how to sign up for this tool and see your tailored start-up checklist:<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>Step 1: Create an Online User Profile with Company Partners<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The registration process takes a few minutes and you can do it by clicking <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ptycompanyregistration.co.za\/contactus\/?utm_source=BusinessTech&amp;utm_medium=Article&amp;utm_campaign=March2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>First, you\u2019ll be asked to fill out your details. Click Proceed.<\/li>\n<li>Secondly, you\u2019ll be prompted to fill out your email address and your business name. Click Proceed again.<\/li>\n<li>The third screen will be a login screen. Here you will have to use the password that a dedicated consultant will email to the email address you submitted.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Here\u2019s what the first screen would look like:<\/p>\n<p><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-345216\" src=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"393\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you struggle with any part of the process, a business consultant can set you up for the start-up checklist too. Just call this toll-free number: 0800 007\u00a0269.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>Step 2: Go to \u201cMy Legal File\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Once you have logged in, you will notice there are various sections on a Dashboard on your left-hand side. You can make use of any of these services, however, to access the Legal File tool for your start-up checklist, click on \u201cMy Legal File\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>You will find it here.<\/p>\n<p><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-345218\" src=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"293\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>At this point, your start-up checklist is a general checklist. To tailor it to your company, and its needs, you will need to answer the quick questions in step 3.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>Step 3: Answer a few Quick Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The next step in the process is answering the easy questions above your Legal File. These questions will automatically appear and automatically customise your checklist after you\u2019ve answered them.\u00a0This is what it should look like:<\/p>\n<p><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-345220\" src=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"315\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>Step 4: Check out your customised Legal file<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Once you\u2019ve answered the questions, your Legal File should change into a start-up checklist that suits your business needs specifically.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You\u2019ll notice your legal file is divided into 4 phases: <em>Start Trading<\/em>, <em>Get Opportunities<\/em>, <em>Get on the Map<\/em> and <em>Be Protected<\/em>. These sections guide you through 4 different stages of business growth.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-345222\" src=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"843\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The first stage helps you get what you need to trade legally within your industry, to register a company and more. The second stage helps you take advantage of significant growth opportunities for your company. The third stage guides you through marketing techniques and the final stage helps you ensure the long-term legal security of your business.<\/p>\n<p>You can use this tool to execute one compliance requirement at a time in chronological order. You can also do multiple services at once. There are also various packages that qualify you for discounted pricing.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have ordered a compliance service or marked it as complete, you\u2019ll see what\u2019s next on the agenda.<\/p>\n<p>You can also contact a Consultant to tailor your online step-by-step guide further.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019d like to do more research on any particular service, for example registering a company, simply click on the service name. This connects you to a description page. You can also learn more by talking to a specialist.<\/p>\n<p>Here is an example of the Legal File of a Business that has executed some services, but is not trading yet:<\/p>\n<p><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-345223\" src=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"952\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Here is an example of the Legal File of a construction Company which is already trading:<\/p>\n<p><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/7.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-345224\" src=\"https:\/\/test.businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"1118\" \/><\/a><br \/>\nIf you have specific questions about company registration documents or how you can leverage this free <em>Legal File<\/em> tool to establish and grow your business, Company Partners offers free business consultations on 0800 007\u00a0269.That\u2019s it. It\u2019s a simplified business administration solution that helps you work towards complete company compliance in South Africa.<\/p>\n<p>Next, we\u2019ll look at 5 questions that\u2019ll help you understand why it\u2019s important for you to tailor your start-up checklist according to your unique business.<\/p>\n<p>At the bottom of this page, you\u2019ll find a general list of the <u>paperwork most start-ups in South Africa<\/u> need.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>5 Helpful questions to help you figure out which regulations apply to your new business<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If you use the Company Partners Legal File, you don\u2019t need to worry about answering these questions now. They are all included in the Legal File tool and your answers will generate automatic suggestions for you.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, let\u2019s dive into why these questions are important to your new company checklist.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>1. Is your Business already trading?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If your business is already trading there are a few things you need to keep in mind. For example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Has your business reached the threshold for mandatory VAT registration or would you like to register voluntarily for VAT for specific tender opportunities?<\/li>\n<li>If you\u2019re already trading, you are also required to submit Annual Returns each year, to comply with CIPC\u2019s company regulations.<\/li>\n<li>It is also important to ensure you\u2019re submitting your Tax return accurately to avoid any admin penalty fees SARS may implement for late or incorrect submissions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>2. In which industry will your Company be trading in?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Specific industries, like the security, cleaning and construction industries need to adhere to specific South African laws.<\/p>\n<p>These legal requirements protect South African consumers from fly-by-night companies who aren\u2019t up to certain standards, for example, safety standards.<\/p>\n<p>The industry which you choose to operate in will affect the suggested compliance documents for your new business.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>3. Do you want to apply for Tenders, contracts, RFQs or financing opportunities?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>This question also ties in closely with your industry of trade.<\/p>\n<p>Although every Tender may have a different set of requirements, there\u2019s usually a fixed list of must-haves. If it\u2019s a public tender you usually need a Company Registration Number, a B-BBEE Affidavit \/ <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cipc.co.za\/index.php\/manage-your-business\/manage-your-company\/bbbee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BEE Certificate<\/a>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.entrepreneur.com\/article\/330323\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tax Clearance Certificate<\/a> and a Letter of Good Standing.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re applying for a government contract, you also need <a href=\"https:\/\/secure.csd.gov.za\/Account\/Register?utm_source=BusinessTech&amp;utm_medium=Article&amp;utm_campaign=March2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CSD Registration<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Your specific industry will then also add or deduct multiple documents to your compliance checklist.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>4. Do you need to fast-track your company registration process?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Company Partners can register most South African companies within 1 working day. There are some exemptions where it can take longer, and it may then be better to buy a <a href=\"https:\/\/shelfcompanysale.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">shelf company<\/a> where you can obtain your registration number immediately. Other extras are also included with certain Shelf Companies, for example: a Tax Verification Number, a Tax Clearance Certificate, COID registration, an Import \/ Export number etc.<\/p>\n<p>Other industry-specific registrations like <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nhbrc.org.za\/registration-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NHBRC Registration<\/a> may take a few weeks.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>5. How many people are part of your Company and what are their roles?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Although it\u2019s likely you\u2019re a director, an employee and a shareholder in your own business, all these descriptions are legally very different. It\u2019s important to issue a shareholder\u2019s certificate; to establish who the directors of your business are and; to register as an employer at SARS as soon as anyone (including yourself) draws a monthly salary from the business.<\/p>\n<p>As an employer, you\u2019re also required to register with COID and possibly UIF and SDL.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>A general checklist list of documents you need to register and start a new company in South Africa (not tailored)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Here is a quick list of the most common general and industry-specific documents most start-up companies in South Africa need.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind, some company documents are dependent on others; you may need one specific document in order to get another. The Legal File can be helpful for this purpose; it prioritises your list of must-have documents in order of priority.<\/p>\n<p>A business with no employees, trading locally, is different from a business that ships internationally and has one or more employees. Your compliance needs will also change as your business grows and you explore more opportunities and industries.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, here\u2019s an overview.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>6 Registration Documents most new South African Companies need<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ptycompanyregistration.co.za\/register-a-company\/?utm_source=BusinessTech&amp;utm_medium=Article&amp;utm_campaign=March2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Register a Company<\/a> (CIPC) \u2013 CoR14.3, CoR14.1, CoR14.1A and MOI (CoR15.1A).<\/li>\n<li>Tax Verification (SARS)\u00a0and Tax Clearance Certificate from SARS<\/li>\n<li>A BEE Affidavit or BEE Certificate<\/li>\n<li>UIF Registration<\/li>\n<li>COID Registration and a Letter of Good Standing from COIDA<\/li>\n<li>A Business Bank Account<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 class=\"my-4\"><strong>5 Common industry-specific documents<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>PSIRA Registration (Security Industry)<\/li>\n<li>NHBRC Registration \u00a0(Building &amp; Construction Industry)<\/li>\n<li>CIDB Registration \u00a0(Construction Industry)<\/li>\n<li>NCCA Registration \u00a0(Cleaning Industry)<\/li>\n<li>A Health and Safety Plan or File \u00a0(Various Industries)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>You can learn more about the above <a href=\"https:\/\/ptycompanyregistration.co.za\/company-registration-services\/?utm_source=BusinessTech&amp;utm_medium=Article&amp;utm_campaign=March2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">company services here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>Please note the content on this page does not replace legal advice. It is designed to share an overview of our experience as a fast-tracked company registration service provider in South Africa. <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Watch the video below.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Company Partners - Who We Are\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Zr53Li0cOHU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How do you start a new company in SA without spending hours on paperwork? Here is a free start-up checklist tool to simplify the registration process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":386581,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10459],"tags":[14813],"class_list":["post-386557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry-news","tag-company-partners"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/386557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/57"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=386557"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/386557\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":389217,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/386557\/revisions\/389217"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/386581"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=386557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=386557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=386557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}