Creating Entities
To add a new client to your practice, create an entity. Atlas will set up the profile, link it to your practice, and prepare it for compliance tracking.
Step-by-Step
1. Open the Entity Form
- Navigate to Entities in the sidebar
- Click the + New Entity button
2. Select Entity Type
Choose one of the six supported types:
| Type | When to use |
|---|---|
| (Pty) Ltd | Private companies registered with CIPC |
| Close Corporation (CC) | Close corporations (CK numbered) |
| Trust | Family trusts, testamentary trusts, business trusts |
| Partnership | Professional or trade partnerships |
| Sole Proprietor | Individuals trading under a business name |
| Individual | Natural persons (tax clients) |
3. Fill in Required Fields
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Entity Name | ✅ | Registered name (e.g. "TechStart (Pty) Ltd") |
| Entity Type | ✅ | Selected in step 2 |
| CIPC/CK Number | Conditional | Required for (Pty) Ltd and CC |
| Tax Number | Recommended | SARS income tax reference number |
| VAT Number | Optional | If VAT registered |
| Year End | Recommended | Financial year-end month (e.g. February) |
4. Optional Fields
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Trading Name | If different from registered name |
| Registration Date | Date of CIPC registration |
| Nature of Business | Industry description |
| Main Industry | Industry classification |
| Physical Address | Registered address |
| Postal Address | Mailing address |
| Phone | Primary contact number |
| Primary email address | |
| Website | Company website |
| Employee Count | Number of employees |
| Accounting Software | Software used (Xero, Sage, etc.) |
| Payroll Software | Payroll system in use |
| Partner in Charge | The assigned partner |
| Account Manager | The assigned AM |
5. Save
Click Create Entity. The entity will be created and you'll be taken to the Entity Detail view.
CIPC Number Validation
Atlas validates CIPC registration numbers. The number must:
- Follow the format
YYYY/NNNNNN/NNfor companies - Be a valid CK number for close corporations
Duplicate Detection
Atlas checks for duplicate CIPC and tax numbers. If a match is found, you'll be warned before creating a potential duplicate entity.
What Happens After Creation
Once created, the entity:
- Appears in your Entity List
- Gets a unique reference number (e.g.
ENT-2026-00042) - Is ready for linking persons, compliance obligations, and engagements
Next Steps
- Entity Detail View — explore the full entity dashboard
- Persons & Directors — add directors, members, trustees
- Data Import — bulk import from CSV