A valid SARS Tax Compliance Status can support access to tenders, funding and commercial opportunities. SMEs should treat it as an ongoing control, not a once-off certificate request.
SARS has amended the customs rules for accredited clients, extending a key period from six to 18 calendar months with retrospective effect from 1 September 2025. Importers and exporters should review affected applications, records and internal compliance calendars.
SARS’s updated 2026 guidance means qualifying micro-businesses with annual turnover of up to R2.3 million should reassess whether Turnover Tax remains suitable for their structure, records and growth plans.
CIPC has introduced geolocation functionality for company and close corporation address changes, requiring businesses to confirm physical locations more accurately when updating their registered information.
A practical insight for South African businesses on protecting SARS eFiling access, verifying suspicious messages and keeping security contact details current.
CIPC has introduced geolocation functionality for company and close corporation address changes. SMEs should review their registered physical address now to avoid inaccurate records, rejected amendments and unnecessary administrative costs.
Businesses that submit third-party data to SARS have until 31 October 2026 to report information for the period ended 31 August. Accurate data matters because SARS uses it to pre-populate and assess tax returns.
SARS has introduced enhancements to South Africa’s automatic exchange of information reporting framework. Financial institutions and affected service providers should review their data, due diligence and reporting processes before the next submission cycle.
SAICA has asked National Treasury to clarify how provisional taxpayer status is determined and to provide relief where obligations only become clear after year-end. The proposal is not law, but it highlights practical cash-flow and compliance risks for businesses with irregular income.
SARS has announced amendments to the rules governing accredited customs clients, with retrospective effect from 1 September 2025. Importers should monitor the final Government Gazette notice and review supporting records, authorisations and customs-control procedures.
SARS has revised its Authorised Economic Operator accreditation policy, including transitional arrangements and an extended transactional period. Importers should review their customs records, authorisations and internal controls.
SARS now allows taxpayers, registered representatives and tax practitioners to request the unmerging of incorrectly combined entity records directly on eFiling. Businesses should review their profiles before submitting tax returns or making payments.