Many business owners register a company and then forget it has ongoing obligations. The most important one is the annual return: a yearly filing with the Registrar of Companies under the Companies and Other Business Entities Act.
What is an annual return?
It is a statutory, non-financial snapshot of your company. It is not a tax return and does not need audited accounts. It typically records:
- Company name and registration number
- Registered office address
- Share capital — classes of shares and shares taken up
- Directors and company secretary
- Auditors, where applicable
When is it due?
An annual return must be lodged every 12 months, counted from when the last return was lodged. Put it in your calendar the day you register — or have your company secretary track it.
What happens if you miss it?
- Deregistration risk. Companies that don’t file can be struck off the register, losing their legal standing.
- Re-registration problems. Up-to-date annual returns are needed to re-register older companies on the online register.
- Lost name. Once a company is struck off, its name can become available to someone else.
- Banks and tenders. Outdated company records cause delays when banks, buyers or tender committees check your details.
Behind on several years?
It can be fixed. Outstanding returns can be filed to bring the company up to date — and it is far cheaper than restoring a company after it has been struck off.
Let us file it for you
We prepare and lodge your annual return and remind you every year. Catch-up filings for missed years are quoted per year. From US$50.
Annual return vs tax return
| Annual return | Tax return | |
|---|---|---|
| Filed with | Registrar of Companies | ZIMRA |
| What it covers | Company details: office, shares, directors, secretary | Income, expenses and tax due |
| Needs financial statements? | No | Yes |
| How often | Every 12 months | Depends on the tax head |
Your yearly checklist
- Confirm the registered office address
- Confirm the current directors and company secretary — file a CR6 first if anything changed
- Confirm the share capital and shareholders
- Update the register of beneficial owners
- Lodge the annual return and keep the confirmation
Don’t forget your statutory registers
Alongside the annual return, every company must keep its registers up to date — including the register of members, the register of directors and the register of beneficial owners. The beneficial ownership register must be kept in Zimbabwe at the same place as the register of members, and the company must nominate a person resident in Zimbabwe to maintain it.
A simple way to never miss it
Set a reminder for one month before the anniversary of your last filing, or let a company secretary track it. Our company secretary retainer covers the annual return, registers, minutes and filings in one monthly fee.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an accountant for the annual return?
No. It is a company-records filing, not a financial statement. Tax returns are separate and go to ZIMRA.
Does a dormant company still file?
Yes, while it remains on the register. If the company is no longer needed, deregister it properly instead.
What if my directors changed during the year?
File the change on Form CR6 as it happens, and make sure the annual return reflects the current position. CR6 filing.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change — confirm the current position with the relevant authority or ask us before you act.