Every registered company in Zambia must file an annual return with the Registrar within set timeframes [Companies Act, S.184]. The deadline is either within one month after the annual general meeting (if held within three months of the financial year end) or within three months after the financial year end, whichever applies to your situation [Companies Act, S.184(1)]. The annual return must be signed by both a director and the company secretary [Companies Act, S.184(2)].
The content of your annual return depends on whether your company is public or private. Public companies must include all matters specified in the Third Schedule of the Companies Act [Companies Act, S.185(1)]. However, if your previous two annual returns already provided full particulars, you may submit only the changes since your last return, such as new or departing members, share transfers, and stock holding changes [Companies Act, S.185(2)].
All companies must lodge financial documents alongside the annual return. Public companies must submit certified copies of financial statements, statements of comprehensive income, group accounts, directors' reports, and auditors' reports sent to members and debenture holders since the last annual return [Companies Act, S.273(a)]. Private companies need only submit financial statements [Companies Act, S.273(b)]. The annual return covers shareholding, directorship, and registered office changes for the year and is filed using the PACRA Annual Return Form.