Calls grow for full audit trails in eFiling profile hijackings
Tax practitioners argue that the apparent targeting of refund-eligible profiles points to either insider access or critical control failures.
SARS
Tax compliance is easier, but corporates’ trust in SARS remains split
PwC finds a downward trend in penalties and verification risk. Yet corporate taxpayers continue to voice concerns over consistency, fairness, and accessing SARS support.
Information Regulator turns to SAPS over PAIA non-compliance
The Regulator’s recent enforcement notices relate to, among other cases, Jacob Zuma’s tax records and payments by the State Security Agency.
Insider knowledge abused: ex-SARS auditor jailed for fabricated VAT claims
The former SARS employee and tax practitioner submitted false VAT returns and forged documents that led to R1.58m in improper refunds.
Coronation grows AUM 14% as outperformance trumps local headwinds
The asset manager lifted revenue by 10%, but headline EPS declined year-on-year once the prior period’s R561m SARS tax recovery fell away.
Treasury calls for technical tax proposals ahead of 2026 Budget
National Treasury is inviting submissions of technical tax proposals for possible inclusion in Annexure C of next year’s Budget Review.
Treasury upbeat on near-term tax haul, but flags medium-term shortfalls
The MTBPS raises the 2025/26 gross revenue estimate by R19.7bn but warns of a R15.7bn shortfall against Budget estimates for 2026/27.
ConCourt judgment widens High Court’s jurisdiction in tax cases
The Court replaces the restrictive ‘exceptional circumstances’ test with a flexible ‘good cause’ standard, creating new forum-choice opportunities.
Three years that matter: emigration and access to retirement funds
The three-year countdown starts only when SARS formally recognises you as a non-resident – a difference of months can affect access and tax outcomes.
Schools’ exit VAT liability postponed for a year
VAT-registered schools will have to deregister from 1 January 2026, but the deemed output VAT on retained assets will only be payable the following year.
SARB’s new exchange control rules draw criticism
The Institute for International Tax and Finance says the latest exchange control changes could discourage foreign investors and add red tape for non-residents.
Treasury withdraws plan to tax foreign pensions, pledges wider consultation
Although the amendment will not proceed, Treasury remains concerned about double non-taxation and will re-engage with the industry to find a balanced approach.
SARS launches expedited tax-debt compromise process
SARS will negotiate compromises only where liability is undisputed and both parties agree the taxpayer cannot pay in full.
Tax Ombud’s 10 top refunds total R167m
Requiring SARS to provide written reasons when it rejects the OTO’s recommendations has resulted in an increase in the resolution of complaints.
Exiting the grey list won’t relax oversight – regulators pledge continued enforcement
The authorities say that supervision, prosecutions, and measurable outcomes must continue to avoid re-listing as the next mutual evaluation starts in 2026.
Why using the correct IRP5 source code matters for SA expats
Incorrect source codes trigger unnecessary tax for hundreds of expatriates. The result is lost refunds or large tax bills.
Deep flaws in SARS’s systems, OTO investigation finds
The Tax Ombud’s draft report on profile hijackings finds evidence of failures in SARS’s fraud prevention, detection, and resolution processes.
