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.
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’s Payment Advice Notice process gives businesses a practical way to reduce payment-allocation errors. A simple approval and reconciliation routine can help finance teams confirm that PAYE, VAT, income tax and other payments reach the correct SARS account.
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 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.
The IFRS Foundation is reviewing feedback on a proposed consolidation exception for certain intermediate parent companies. South African SMEs should monitor the project, but no accounting policy change is required yet.