Login   |   Register
 
 

South African Tax Compliance Requirements: VAT, Tax Clearance & More

South African businesses must comply with various tax obligations administered by SARS. Understanding these requirements is critical to avoiding penalties and ensuring smooth operations. This guide covers compliance for VAT, Tax Clearance Certificates, Turnover Tax, and Tax Relief measures.

1. Value-Added Tax (VAT) Compliance

VAT is an indirect tax levied at 15% on goods and services. Businesses act as SARS agents by collecting and remitting VAT.

1 Determine Registration Requirement

  • Compulsory: Taxable turnover > R1 million in 12 months
  • Voluntary: Turnover > R50,000 in 12 months

2 Register for VAT

  • Complete VAT101 form on eFiling or at SARS branch
  • Submit:
    • Proof of business address
    • Bank details
    • ID documents
    • Company registration documents

3 Charge and Collect VAT

  • Apply 15% VAT on taxable supplies
  • Issue SARS-compliant tax invoices showing VAT number

4 Submit VAT Returns

  • File VAT201 returns bi-monthly (standard)
  • Pay due amounts by deadlines to avoid penalties

2. Tax Clearance Certificate Requirements

A TCC confirms your tax compliance status with SARS, required for tenders, contracts, and foreign investments.

1 Register for All Applicable Taxes

  • Income Tax, VAT, PAYE, etc.

2 Submit All Returns and Payments

  • VAT201, EMP201, ITR14 must be current
  • Clear outstanding debts or have payment arrangement

3 Apply via eFiling

  • Log in → Tax Compliance Status (TCS) → Apply
  • Specify purpose (tender, foreign investment, etc.)

4 Maintain Compliance

  • SARS monitors continuously
  • TCS can be revoked for non-compliance

3. Turnover Tax Compliance

A simplified tax system for micro businesses (≤ R1 million turnover) replacing multiple taxes.

1 Check Eligibility

  • Annual turnover ≤ R1 million
  • Excludes professional services, trusts, etc.

2 Register for Turnover Tax

  • Submit TT01 form by end February
  • Available via eFiling

3 Keep Simplified Records

  • Basic income/expense records
  • Asset register

4 File Annual Returns

  • Progressive rates based on turnover brackets

4. Tax Relief Compliance

Special measures to support businesses during economic hardship or for specific incentives.

1 Identify Available Relief

  • Tax payment deferrals
  • COVID-19/disaster relief
  • Small Business Tax Relief
  • Employment Tax Incentive (ETI)

2 Meet Eligibility Criteria

  • Turnover thresholds
  • Industry-specific requirements
  • Clean compliance history

3 Apply for Relief

  • Via eFiling or written submission
  • Submit proof of eligibility

4 Maintain Compliance

  • Continue filing returns
  • Meet SARS conditions to retain benefits

Key Compliance Takeaways

Tax Type Key Requirement
VAT Register if required, charge correctly, submit VAT201 returns
Tax Clearance Keep all taxes current to maintain good standing
Turnover Tax Simplified system for micro businesses (≤ R1m turnover)
Tax Relief Apply when eligible and maintain compliance

Conclusion

Tax compliance is both a legal obligation and business advantage. Non-compliance risks penalties and lost opportunities. Use SARS eFiling to streamline compliance.

Need Help? Consult a SARS-registered tax practitioner for complex matters.


Calculators


Recently Added Businesses

Construction   Cape Town

Nejeni

construction and project management

0219057338

info@nejeni.co.za


9
 

Food   Bloemfontein

Coetzee Catering

award winning catering service

051 522 9242

philip@coetzeecatering.co.za


8
 

Education & related   Alberton

Liderazgo Skills Development

Accredited Occupational Skills with QCTO Courses

0118640069

info@liderazgo.co.za


6
 

Energy & Power   Durban

Durban Solar Power

Solar Energy Systems Provider

0722598886

info@durbansolarpower.co.za


2
 

Food   Johannesburg

Chef En Route

Bespoke professional private catering service

0725757339

info@chefenroute.co.za


7
 

Food   Johannesburg

Moemas

We create fabulous food

010 900 4860

info@moemas.co.za


7
 

Transport & Logistics   Germiston

2020 Logistics

Global Transport Solutions

0101584348

info@2020logistics.co.za


4
 

  Energy & Power   Sandton

Approved Solar

quality, long lasting and well-engineered solar solutions

083 600 0307

barry@approvedsolar.co.za


14
 

Transport & Logistics   Cape Town

Laser Logistics

Providing logistics in South Africa and Abroad

+27 21 659 4000

info@laserserv.co.za


4
 

Security Services   Pinetown

Blue Security

The Smarter, Safer Security Company

0317175000

customercare@bluesecurity.co.za


8