Millions may get SARS refunds without submitting returns
Auto-assessments begin on 1 July. This is what taxpayers should do to avoid delays, protect themselves from scams, and ensure refunds are paid without a hitch.
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SA closer to advance pricing regime, but thresholds threaten access
The new APA process aims to reduce disputes and double taxation, but practitioners say the entry bar is so high that few groups will qualify.
Foreign vehicles face new SARS border declaration rules
Foreign-registered vehicles entering or leaving South Africa will have to be declared on the Traveller Management System from 1 June.
Taxpayers may use non-lawyer representatives, SCA rules
The judgment confirms that the Tax Administration Act and Tax Court Rules do not restrict appearances to admitted legal practitioners.
SARS, NCC join forces to tighten grip on non-compliant imports
A new SARS–NCC agreement strengthens enforcement against non-compliant imports as authorities tighten controls on e-commerce and customs risks.
SARS publishes tax filing deadlines for 2026
The Notice also sets out who does and does not have to submit a tax return.
ConCourt ruling expands GAAR reach and raises investor risk
A wider interpretation of ‘party’ under GAAR means even commercially sound participants may face SARS’s scrutiny in multi-entity transactions.
Tax Court clarifies VAT treatment of cashback and fee rebates
The Court finds that cashback credits reduced the original fee, rather than constituting payment for a separate supply by customers.
SARS says poor employer data is disrupting auto-assessments
As third-party submissions open, SARS urges employers to file early and accurately or risk triggering errors, delays and taxpayer verifications.
Tax amendments materially narrow understatement penalty defence
The bona fide inadvertent error defence is limited to substantial understatements, but there is relief for taxpayers seeking to challenge estimated assessments.
SARS warns rogue staff: resigning won’t save you
SARS has frozen the assets of former officials, signalling that employees who betray the institution will be held accountable – even after they leave.
Businesses should weigh VAT deregistration carefully
Rising the VAT threshold to R2.3m may prompt some businesses to deregister, but the process can trigger an immediate output tax liability on assets.
South Africans living abroad can no longer ignore the AIT process
Banks are already acting on the updated exchange control requirements, and transfers without an AIT certificate may be frozen.
SARS raids mark overdue escalation in illicit economy crackdown
Search-and-seizure operations targeting customs corruption mark a move from policy to enforcement, as SARS steps up efforts against illicit trade draining billions from the fiscus.
VAT decision highlights constitutional defects across tax Acts
Tax experts say the constitutional problem identified by the High Court could affect several other laws that give the finance minister similar powers.
GAAR assessments cannot be rewritten in litigation, SCA rules
SARS cannot fundamentally alter the factual basis or remedy of an assessment issued under the general anti-avoidance rule provisions through a Rule 31 statement.
Applying excess retirement contributions: implications for lump sums, annuities, and estates
Allan Gray’s Carla Rossouw clarifies excess contributions in relation to deduction limits, annuity income taxation, and the treatment of benefits at death.
