24 November 2023 – Taxpayers are obliged to retain records, books of account and documents in order to fulfil the requirements of the Tax Administration Act No. 28 of 2011 (TAA). These records can be kept electronically as prescribed by the Commissioner by public notice.
In the following instances, taxpayers must request authorisation from SARS to deviate from the legislated requirements:
- Where records are to be kept in a different form than required by TAA; and/or
- Where the electronic records are kept at a place physically located outside of South Africa.
In both instances, in accordance with section 30(2) of TAA, a senior SARS official may, subject to conditions authorise the form of record keeping or its location outside South Africa if acceptable.
A new external policy has been published to clarify the requirements for taxpayers.
For more information, see the Record Keeping webpage.
