SARS now allows taxpayers, registered representatives and tax practitioners to request the unmerging of incorrectly merged eFiling cases online. Businesses should review their tax profiles after any correction.
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.
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 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 is consulting on a proposed digital VAT model involving e-invoicing, secure data exchange and e-reporting. No mandatory implementation date has been confirmed, but South African VAT vendors should begin assessing their systems before the consultation closes on 16 October 2026.
Non-provisional taxpayers who still need to submit their 2026 income tax returns have until 23 October 2026. Businesses should help employees and owner-managers confirm their personal tax obligations, supporting documents and SARS profile details before the deadline.
SARS has extended the deadline for certain provisional taxpayers who received an automatic assessment to request a reduced or additional assessment. Businesses and sole proprietors should use the extra time to review their tax information, rather than delay action.
SARS has introduced several changes to the 2026 trust income-tax return process. Trustees and tax representatives should review their records now, rather than waiting until the 22 January 2027 filing deadline.
A recent SARS investigation into alleged VAT refund fraud is a timely reminder for South African businesses to strengthen VAT records, approval controls and supporting-document checks.
SARS has published e@syFile™ Employer release notes for version 8.0.2_418. Employers should confirm that their payroll software is updated and complete their EMP501 reconciliation before 31 October 2026.
A disciplined month-end close helps South African SMEs make better tax estimates, spot missing records and avoid preventable compliance issues. Here are practical checks finance teams can build into their routine.