Before buying any shelf company with VAT number for sale, verify the following:
VAT Status
Confirm:
- VAT number is active
- VAT returns were submitted
- No VAT deregistration pending
- No outstanding VAT liabilities
Ask for:
- VAT103 certificate
- SARS VAT correspondence
- Tax compliance proof
Tax Compliance Status
A compliant shelf company is critical.
Request:
- SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN
- Income tax confirmation
- Latest filing status
Without this, you may inherit problems from previous directors.
CIPC Status
Check if the company is:
- In business
- Deregistered
- In final deregistration
- Under investigation
Verify directly with Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.
Banking and Director Changes
One major mistake buyers make is thinking ownership transfer alone is enough.
It is not.
You must also update:
- Banking authority
- SARS representative details
- Public officer details
- Beneficial ownership records