SARS highlights key tax updates for small businesses
SARS has released the August 2026 edition of its SMME Connect newsletter, highlighting a number of important tax compliance issues and recent changes affecting small and medium-sized businesses.
SARS moves closer to a digital future for VAT administration
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has taken another significant step towards modernising VAT administration, releasing its VAT Modernisation Consultation Paper for public comment.
Treasury publishes 2026 draft tax bills for public comment
National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service have released two draft bills containing the tax measures announced in South Africa’s 2026 Budget. The proposed legislation is open for public comment until 28 August 2026.
Auto-assessments at SARS: convenience, but still requires verification
For the 2026 filing season, taxpayers selected for auto-assessment will receive notices between 1 and 12 July, before the broader filing period opens for non-provisional taxpayers on 13 July. The aim is to reduce the burden on taxpayers by using information SARS already receives from employers, banks, medical schemes, retirement funds and insurers.
SARS Tightens the Net: What 2026 Means for Taxpayers and Businesses
South Africa’s tax landscape is undergoing a significant shift as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) accelerates its move toward stricter compliance and digital enforcement.
Appointment of New SARS Commissioner
Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu Appointed as New SARS Commissioner
2026 Budget Speech: Fiscal Policy
South Africa’s 2026 Budget highlights government’s spending priorities over the medium term, emphasising the need to balance fiscal sustainability with continued investment in public services and infrastructure.
2026 Budget Speech: Tax Highlights
South Africa’s 2026 Budget Speech introduced a series of tax adjustments aimed at maintaining revenue stability while offering targeted relief to households and businesses. While the overall tax framework remains largely unchanged, several thresholds and allowances have been updated, mostly in line with inflation.
2026 Budget Speech: Managing Public Sector Institutions
South Africa’s 2026 Budget highlights the importance of restoring the financial and operational health of public sector institutions, particularly state-owned companies responsible for delivering critical infrastructure and services.
2026 Budget Speech: Economic Outlook
South Africa’s 2026 Budget outlines a modest but improving economic outlook, reflecting gradual recovery alongside persistent structural challenges in the economy.
South African Reserve Bank Holds Repo Rate as Inflation Eases and Growth Steadies
At its first policy meeting of 2026, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank held the repurchase (repo) rate steady at 6.75%, maintaining a cautiously neutral stance in the face of global and domestic economic uncertainties. This decision, effective from the January 29 meeting, reflects a backdrop of easing inflation and stabilising growth, but also persistent risks in the external environment.
South Africa Exits EU High-Risk Finance List – A Milestone in Global Financial Confidence
South Africa has achieved a significant milestone in its financial governance journey with its removal from the European Union’s list of High-Risk Third Country Jurisdictions, a designation that took effect on 29 January 2026. The announcement was welcomed by the National Treasury, which highlighted the development as a positive step for reducing barriers to international financial engagement.
2026 National Budget Speech
The South African Government has officially announced that the 2026 National Budget Speech will be delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 25 February 2026.
South African Revenue Service (SARS) updates
1. Tax Statistics and Revenue Performance
Scam Alert: Beware of “Final Demand – Debt Management” Letter
Taxpayers should be alert to a rising phishing threat - fraudsters are sending out fake PDF letters with subjects such as “LEGAL RULING SUMMON DEMAND AS AT 21 10 2025” (though the subject line may vary).
SARS Expands Oversight of Crypto Transactions
South Africa’s tax authorities are preparing to implement new reporting standards that will bring cryptocurrency transactions squarely within the formal tax net. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released draft regulations to adopt the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), alongside updates to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS).
South Africa’s Medium-Term Budget Tabled for 12 November: What to Expect
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will deliver South Africa’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on 12 November, outlining the government’s fiscal and economic plans for the next three years. Often referred to as the “mini-budget,” the MTBPS provides a crucial update between February’s main Budget speeches, setting the tone for spending, borrowing, and reform priorities.
Treasury Eyes Foreign Pensions: What It Means for Retirees
Recent proposals from the National Treasury suggest a major shift in how foreign pensions and retirement benefits are taxed in South Africa. Currently, under Section 10(1)(gC) of the Income Tax Act, lump sums, pensions and annuities from foreign sources tied to past employment are exempt from income tax for South African residents.
VAT Modernisation SA: Guiding Businesses Through South Africa’s Real-Time VAT Transition
South Africa is on the path to a real-time VAT reporting system, with full implementation expected by 2028. This will see a shift away from periodic self-reporting toward e-invoicing and direct, automated data transmission to SARS.
Static VAT Threshold is Placing Administrative Strain on Small Businesses
South Africa’s VAT registration threshold has remained unchanged at R1 million in annual turnover since 2009. In the intervening years, inflation has eroded the real value of this threshold. If it had been adjusted annually, analysts estimate it would now be closer to R2.1 million.
SARS Relief Possible for Taxpayers
A forthcoming legislative change could offer relief to South African taxpayers, but only under stringent conditions. Under the proposed amendments in the 2025 Draft Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill (TALAB), individuals and businesses may be allowed to suspend payment on estimated assessments issued by SARS, provided certain criteria are met.
National Treasury and SARB publish 2025 draft tax bills and regulations for comment
On 16 August 2025, National Treasury and SARS released the 2025 Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB), Draft Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill (TALAB), and revised VAT regulations for public comment. These proposals give effect to tax measures announced in the 2025 Budget Review and the May 2025 Budget Overview.
SARS Expands Auto-Assessment Program for 2025 Tax Season
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has launched its most ambitious auto-assessment initiative to date, marking a significant shift in how taxpayers engage with the annual filing season. The 2025 rollout includes not only standard taxpayers but also provisional taxpayers and individuals who have made withdrawals under the new two-pot retirement system.
SARS Tax Case Sends Strong Message on Trust Accountability
A recent ruling by the Johannesburg Tax Court has sent a powerful warning to trustees, funders, and high-net-worth individuals: poor record-keeping and vague financial narratives will not shield you from SARS scrutiny.