A simple rolling cash-flow forecast can help South African SMEs identify shortfalls early, reserve money for tax obligations and reduce avoidable financing costs.
South African businesses selling digital services through online platforms should review how VAT responsibilities are allocated between the platform, the underlying supplier and the customer.
SARS has released e@syFile Employer version 8.0.2_418 with an updated EMP501 form. Employers and payroll administrators should confirm their software version and validate payroll data before submitting reconciliations.
The CIPC’s upgraded Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Module gives law-enforcement agencies faster access to company ownership information. South African businesses should use the development as a prompt to review the accuracy of their beneficial ownership records, securities registers and supporting documents.
South Africa’s finance committees are moving towards finalising the 2026 revised fiscal framework and revenue proposals. SMEs should track the process, but should not treat proposals as enacted tax law.
SARS has published a Supplier Onboarding and Management External Standard covering CSD, tax and statutory registration requirements. SMEs supplying SARS or seeking government work should review their onboarding records before submitting bids.
SARS has revised the Third-Party Appointment process for employers. Payroll teams should update e@syFile, review AA88 notices promptly and strengthen controls around deductions and payments to SARS.
SARS has published requirements for companies seeking to qualify as a REIT, including asset, rental income, leverage, distribution and governance tests. Property groups should assess their financial reporting and tax controls before the rules apply to a new year of assessment.
SARS has expanded its Global Minimum Tax administration to cover information exchange, GMT03 declarations, payment processing, assessments and penalties. South African entities within affected multinational groups should confirm their local responsibilities and internal controls.
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 reminded employers that PAYE must be paid within seven days after month-end, with earlier payment required when the seventh day falls on a weekend or public holiday. SMEs should review payroll calendars, payment controls and filing responsibilities before the next submission cycle.
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.