Taxpayer and Trader Education

What’s New?

For the latest SARS tutorial and eLearning video and webinar on specific tax and trade topics, see our SARS TV Channel.

If you have missed any of our live-streamed webinars, a complete list of all the recordings are also available on our SARS TV Channel.

What do we do?

Our aim is to provide taxpayers with information that would empower them to have a basic understanding of  the various tax types, how these taxes work and what is expected of taxpayers in order to be tax compliant at all times.

We offer free tax education workshops that are presented at most SARS branches across the country or via virtual platforms. These workshops cover a wide range of topics and are presented on a regular basis. In addition we offer the following educational and informational activities:

Radio Engagements

SARS will be interacting with taxpayers on various radio stations. 

Click here to view the schedule for Free State and Northern Cape.

Mobile Tax Units

See our schedule for the Mobile Tax Units per region. The Mobile Tax Units webpage will be updated on a regular basis. To see the services Mobile Tax Units offer and the documents you need to take with you, click here.

Upcoming education sessions

See our schedule for the upcoming education sessions per region

Webinars

We have regular live webinars on relevant topics. Keep an eye on this page for the schedule:

9 February 2024 – Invitation to a webinar on digital channels

SARS hosted a webinar for SMME taxpayers and traders where the SARS Digital Channels were discussed.

The following topics were covered:

  • eFiling for organisations
    • How to register on eFiling
    • How to manage your profile on eFiling
    • Portfolio management
    • Registered representatives
    • Registering/Adding a taxpayer on eFiling
    • Managing groups
    • Activating a SARS-registered representative
    • Inviting a user and delegating rights
    • Tax Compliant Status
  • SARS Online Query Services
    • What is SOQS
    • Advantages of SOQS
    • Services on SOQS
  • Frequently Asked Questions.

If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/live/CJafuxMidf8?feature=share or view the presentation.

2 October 2023 – Webinar on basic principles of tax-deductible receipts for tax exempt institutions 

SARS held a webinar on tax-deductible donations – the so-called section 18A receipts – to help taxpayers fulfil their tax obligations and remain tax compliant. 

The following topics were covered:

  • S18A legislative requirements
  • Qualifying and Non-Qualifying Donations
  • Continued Compliance Requirements
  • What Donors need to know and do

If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/live/bfou3lJNrMg?feature=share or to view the presentation click here.

12 September 2023 – Webinar on Automation of Refunds and Drawbacks

SARS held a webinar to assist traders on how to log into the system on e-Filling and how the new Refunds and Drawbacks System will work.

If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/live/ou_F8-xHWMg?feature=share or to view the presentation, click here.

1 September 2023 – Webinar on the Diesel Refund for Foodstuff Manufacturers

SARS held a webinar on the Diesel Refund for Food Manufacturers.  In the 2023 Budget Speech, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, announced a special tax relief measure to ease the impact of the electricity crisis on food manufacturers, effective 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2025.

The webinar  aimed to educate the food manufacturing industry on the legislative provisions governing this new diesel refund and what channels to follow when registering and how the refund claiming process will work.

If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube:  YouTube:   https://youtube.com/live/fycXtBKB7zc?feature=share or view the presentation.

24 August 2023 – Webinar on Provisional Tax

If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/live/YX5Ex0qc4VU?feature=share or the presentation here.

The following topics were covered:

  • Calculating the basic amount
  • Calculation of taxable income
  • Determining the tax credits on the Provisional tax.
  • Accessing the Provisional Tax Return on eFiling
  • Completion of the Provisional tax on eFiling

27 July 2023 – SMME Traders Rights webinar 

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) held a webinar on Traders Rights in collaboration with the Office of the Tax Ombudsman and the Border Management Agency.

Theme: Traders Rights Webinar

If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/L53nLSlviac?feature=share

Alternatively you can view the presentation by clicking here.

15 May 2023 – Webinar on Third-Party Appointment and Employer Reconciliation

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) held a webinar on Third-Party Appointment and Employer Reconciliation for 2023.

A Third-Party Appointment is an official instruction from SARS to a taxpayer’s employer or fund manager to deduct admin penalties owed to SARS. Employers can use the e@syFile channel to carry out that instruction according to the SARS directive. 

The following topics were covered:

  • Employer Reconciliation on e@syFile and eFiling
  • Third-Party Appointments on e@syFile
  • PAYE Admin Penalties
  • Troubleshooting and Frequently asked Questions

If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUCbhGV01dY
or view the presentation.

10 March 2023 – Webinar on the SARS Administered Incentives

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) held a webinar to engage Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) about various domestic and cross border incentives available to help them grow their businesses. The webinar also touched on revenue compliance obligations and helped Traders understand their responsibilities before the SARS financial year end.

If you missed the webinar you can view the presentation by clicking here.

See the Questions & Answers following the webinar here.

14 February 2023 – Webinar on Tax Directives 

If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/live/CrjDUA3Tzm0?feature=share

or click here to view the presentation.

The following topics will be covered:

  • Types of Tax Directives
  • Type of Tax Directives by Tax Practitioners on behalf of Individuals and Employers
  • Tax Directive application process
  • Timelines for the Tax Directives applications
  • Tax Directive updates/ changes
  • Access to Tax Directives via eFiling

13 December 2022 – Webinar on taxpayers in the arts, entertainment and sports sector

If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/JYAlMrmN7lE

or view the presentations here:

The following topics were covered:

  • Basics of Taxation
  • Voluntary Disclosure Programme
  • Debt Management Process
  • Estates Management Process

24 November 2022 – Webinar on Dispute Process

If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/uBVDU1qbR9w

or the presentation here – Dispute Process

The following topics will be covered:

  • Definition of the dispute process and the types of disputes that exist.
  • Time frames for different disputes to be lodged
  • What channels are available for the various dispute processes
  • The timelines in which disputes and appeals are finalised.
  • What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
  • Common errors that lead to rejection of disputes and delay the dispute process.

17 November 2022 – Webinar on South African Traveller Declaration

If you missed the recent webinar on the online Traveller Declaration system, you can view it on the SARS TV channel. Or you can view the Traveller Declaration system presentation delivered during the webinar here. The webinar provided more information about the new traveller declaration system. 

27 October 2022 – Webinar on Tariff Determination

SARS hosted a comprehensive Tariff Determination webinar.  If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/TtXDAI9WMes or view the presentation.

20 October 2022 – Webinar on Employer Interim Reconciliation Declarations Filing Season

SARS hosted a Webinar for employers, where the Employer Interim Declarations (EMP 501) Filing Season was discussed.  

The following topics were covered:

  • Submission channels
  • General rules for import file structure
  • Validation rules updates
  • EMP501 reconciliation process

If you’ve missed the event, see the recorded session on YouTube or click here to view the presentation.

6 October 2022 – Allowable Medical Expenses

If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/YAAPPDqXb5s

or the presentation here – Allowable Medical Expenses

22 September 2022 – Completion of the VAT Return (VAT201) webinar

If you missed the webinar, see the recording on YouTube – https://youtu.be/pJo_W9JNhDk

or the presentation here – SMME – VAT Completion of 201 presentation during the webinar.

The following topics were covered:

  • How to complete the VAT 201?
  • Which supplies/services are taxable?
  • What are the requirements of the Tax Invoice?
  • What is the output tax?
  • What is the input tax?
  • How do I calculate the interest and penalties?
  • How do I understand my statement of account?
  • What are the common Audit findings?

7 July 2022 – Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (RLA) webinar

SARS hosted a webinar with the theme of the onboarding of all existing Customs clients including cargo reporters (RCG). If you have missed the webinar, see the recorded session here of see the presentation: RLA – Onboarding of Customs Clients.

30 June 2022 – Value-Added Tax (VAT) webinar for Domestic Reverse Charge Regulations: Valuable Metal

SARS hosted a webinar for Domestic Reverse Charge Regulations: Valuable Metal.  If you have missed the event, see the recorded session here –https://youtu.be/1JzXyDbOSxE

See the VAT DRC presentations:

24 June 2022 – Invite to Youth Month webinar to raise awareness on tax matters

On Friday, 24 June, National Treasury in collaboration with SARS, hosted a Youth Month Webinar to raise awareness on tax matters. 

If you have missed the event, see the recorded session here –  Youth Month 2022 webinar.

9 June 2022 – Webinar on the activation of Registered Representatives

SARS hosted a webinar on 9 June for recognised Controlling Bodies (RCBs) and tax practitioners, on the registered representative function as it applies to taxpayers whose tax affairs are managed by tax practitioners.

The following subjects were discussed:

    • Registered representative functions on eFiling
    • Updating and correcting registered representative information on eFiling
    • Personal information about who can be a registered representative

If you’ve missed the webinar, see our YouTube link – SARS TV Channel.

26 May 2022 – Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) webinar for SMMEs

SARS hosted a Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) taxpayers and traders to a webinar on Thursday, 26 May 2022, from 17:00 – 19:00. The following Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) topics were covered:

    • Registration requirements
    • Completion of returns
    • Accurate and timeous filing
    • Reconciliations
    • Payment processes
    • Employment Tax Incentive (ETI)
    • Deregistration.

If you missed the event, you may view it on the SARS TV Channel.

23 February 2022 – Authorised Economic Operator webinar

SARS hosted a webinar discussion on Authorised Economic Operator Programme. The purpose of the webinar was to equip current and potential traders with knowledge on how to:

  1. Reduce the turnaround time spent on clearing goods at ports.
  2. Reduce costs that come with delays of cargo, improve daily cash flow and minimise Customs intervention.
  3. Acquire an accreditation status that will boost the company’s credibility and trust among peers, leading to vast opportunities in the International Trade Community.

See the presentation delivered during the webinar. If you missed the event, you may view it on the SARS TV Channel

17 February 2022 – Invitation to the Corporate Income Tax and Provisional Taxes compliance webinar for SMMEs

SARS hosted a virtual webinar for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), to provide information on Corporate Income Tax (CIT) and Provisional Tax requirements and submission.

The following topics were covered:

    • What is Corporate Income Tax (ITR14) and how to complete the ITR14 form
    • What is Provisional Tax and how to complete the Provisional Tax form (IRP6)
    • Small Business Corporation (SBC) process
    • Audit Process
    • Deregistration.

If you missed the event, you may view it on the SARS TV Channel

25 November 2021 – Customs requirements for travellers

SARS hosted a webinar discussion to inform and engage with travellers. As we prepared for the festive season, we anticipated an increase in travellers entering and leaving South Africa via air, sea and land ports of entry. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) conducted a webinar to provide clarity of the tax obligations pertaining to travellers as well as educate travellers on what to expect when arriving in or departing from South Africa.

South African residents and citizens, foreign nationals visiting South Africa, crew members, embassies, and tourism agencies all require access to this information which was shared at this webinar. If you have missed the live webinar, go to our SARS TV YouTube channel

18 November 2021 – SMME: Value-Added-Tax (VAT) Webinar

SARS hosted a virtual webinar for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), with information on Value- Added-Tax (VAT). When taxpayers have clarity and certainty about their tax obligations, they will be in a better position to be compliant in their tax matters. The following topics were covered:

  • Registration requirements
  • VAT Filing categories
  • Payments
  • Refunds
  • Deregistration

If you missed the webinar, go to our SARS TV Channel on YouTube.

For the VAT FAQs asked during the webinar, click here.

5 November 2021 – RLA Release 3
SARS hosted a webinar discussion to inform and engage with valued customs clients and stakeholders regarding registration and licensing. See the presentation delivered during the webinar and the RLA navigation on eFiling.

21 October 2021 – Turnover Tax
The Taxpayer and Trader Education, and SMME segment hosted a webinar on Turnover Tax for SMMEs to help taxpayers to comply with their tax obligations. If you have missed the event, see the SARS TV Channel.

7 October 2021 – Illicit Trade and Counterfeit Procedures
SARS hosted a webinar discussion on Illicit Trade and Counterfeit Procedures. SARS as an agency of government is concerned about the rate of illicit trade activities as well as handling procedures on counterfeit commodities. Illicit trade activities have such a negative impact on the country’s economy. The national lock-down has worsened the illicit trade and counterfeiting trends, resulting in job losses in our communities and financial losses to legitimate businesses. See the presentation delivered during the webinar. If you missed the event, you may view it on the SARS TV Channel. 

30 September 2021 – How to apply for a TCS on eFiling
To assist taxpayers, SARS hosted a virtual webinar for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMMEs). The webinar provided information on the navigation of eFiling and the application for the Tax Compliance Status (TCS) on eFiling. If you have missed it, see the webinar on our SARS TV Channel. For the FAQs asked during the webinar, click here.

23 September 2021 – Education on how to use our system and processes webinar
SARS hosted a webinar on Education for Process to make it easier for taxpayers to meet their tax obligations and, in this way, be tax compliance. The platform will provide an opportunity for SARS to introduce and demonstrate a number of technological tools that were recently designed to assist taxpayers to, at leisure, navigate our enhanced systems. If you have missed it, see the webinar on our SARS TV Channel or see the presentation here.

16 September 2021 – Excise Environmental Levies and Taxes Webinar
It is one of the South African  government’s objectives to preserve the environment, reduce pollution and to give effect to certain international treaties on climate change and pollution. If you have missed the live webinar go to our SARS TV YouTube channel or see the presentation delivered during the webinar.

19 August 2021 – Customs SMME Traders and Travellers Webinar
See our webinar presentation for the SMME Traders and Travellers segment in collaboration with Taxpayer and Traders Education on Customs clearance procedures to help taxpayers to comply with their tax obligations. If you have missed the live webinar, go to our SARS TV YouTube channel or see the content presented showed during the webinar.

29 July 2021 – Trusts & Tax Obligations Webinar
If you have missed the live webinar, go to our SARS TV YouTube channel. See the FAQs discussed during the webinar.

9 July 2021 – Home Office Tax Requirements Webinar
If you have missed the live streaming, it’s now available to watch here or the presentation discussed during the webinar is available here for viewing or downloading.

Step-by-step videos

Keep an eye on our SARS TV Channel for new tutorial videos. Below is a list of our easy, step-by-step videos for some of our offerings:

Table of Contents

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