South Africa and China commit to strengthening Trade Facilitation – SARS, ITAC & Chinese Embassy
On 3 June 2025, Commissioners of the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) Mr Ayabonga Cawe; South African Revenue Service (SARS) Mr Edward Kieswetter; and the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Mr WU Peng held a constructive meeting at the SARS Pretoria Head Office. The meeting focused on the current state of trade and trade facilitation between South Africa and China, —two key strategic partners in global commerce.
Ms Mary Baine appointed as the new Executive Secretary of ATAF
SARS Commissioner Mr Edward Kieswetter is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Mary Baine as its new Executive Secretary of the African Tax Administration Forum, effective 1 July 2025. Ms. Baine succeeds Mr. Logan Wort, who has served as ATAF’s Executive Secretary since its establishment in 2009.
Tax Filing Season opens on 7 July to 20 October 2025
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to announce the official start of the 2025 Filing Season, effective from 07 July 2025 to 20 October 2025. This season marks an important period where income tax returns of the majority of taxpayers are automatically assessed. The category of taxpayers who are automatically assessed will receive notification from SARS from 7 to 20 July 2025. Taxpayers who do not receive notifications from SARS that they are automatically assessed, are encouraged to submit their tax returns in a timely and accurate manner from 21 July 2025. The Filing Season will close on 20 October 2025 for non-provisional individuals.
Trade statistics for April 2025
South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R14.1 billion in April 2025. This surplus was attributable to exports of R166.2 billion and imports of R152.1 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
SARS Commits to Improved and Faster Revenue Collection in 2025/26
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) recognises the funding challenges that the country faces. We are steadfast in our commitment to serve the nation with integrity and efficiency. SARS plays a vital role in the collection of revenues that support the delivery of public services. We accept the responsibility to achieve the 2025/26 revenue estimate presented by the Finance Minister Mr Enoch Godongwana.
SARS Hosted progressive World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa Regional Meetings from 12–16 May 2025
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) hosted the 41st Regional Steering Group of the World Customs Organization (WCO) East and Southern Africa region (ESA) from 12–14 May, and the 31st Governing Council from 15–16 May 2025.
Trade statistics for March 2025
South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R24.8 billion in March 2025. This surplus was attributable to exports of R172.5 billion and imports of R147.7 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
SARS welcomes court order relating to the VAT rate originally announced to come into effect on 1 May 2025
The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr Edward Kieswetter, welcomes the agreement between the parties and court order in the matter relating to the 0.5 percentage point increase in value-added tax (VAT) that was originally announced to come into effect on 1 May 2025, along with other matters.
Practical implication on Finance Minister’s decision to reverse VAT
The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr. Edward Kieswetter has noted the Finance Minister, Mr. Enoch Godongwana’s decision to reverse the planned 0.5% VAT rate increase, which was initially set to take effect on 1 May 2025. This decision has significant practical implications for VAT vendors and consumers. As the administrator of all national government tax measures, SARS will ensure that the necessary adjustments are made to accommodate this change.
Employer filing season 2025
The Employer Annual Declaration process is the most important step that precedes the Personal Income Tax (PIT) Filing Season, which takes place later in the year. The information gathered during the Employer Annual Declaration period, the monthly declaration in EMP201 and reconciliation in EMP501 aids SARS to issue taxpayers with accurate auto-assessed or pre-populated Income Tax Return (ITR12). Incomplete or incorrect information will make it difficult for employees to fulfil their tax obligations.
