SARS welcomes sentencing in R62 million VAT Fraud Case
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) welcomes the sentencing of Mr André Claude Dickoumba-De-Diguela to 25 years direct imprisonment in a complex R62 million VAT fraud scheme. The sentencing marks a significant enforcement success and a clear warning that tax crimes will face prosecution.
SARS unveils smarter, simpler, more secure Filing Season experience for Taxpayers
South Africa’s 2026 Filing Season officially opens with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) rolling out a range of digital enhancements to the taxpayer experience, making tax compliance simpler, faster, and more secure for millions of taxpayers. As at the end of 1 July 2026, more than 1.9 million taxpayers were auto-assessed with about R8 billion refunds paid out in 72 hours.
Trade Statistics for May 2026
South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance deficit of R1.8 billion in May 2026. This deficit was attributable to exports of R178.8 billion and imports of R180.6 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
SARS Commissioner welcomes Constitutional Court judgement on zero-rating of gold
The Commissioner for South African Revenue Service (SARS) Dr Johnstone Makhubu welcomes the unanimous judgment of the Constitutional Court in Lueven Metals (Pty) Ltd v Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service, which confirms SARS’ interpretation of section 11(1)(f) of the Value-Added Tax Act, 1991.
SARS marks International SMME day with nationwide support to small businesses
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will mark International Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) Day with a focused national programme aimed at strengthening support to small businesses, recognising their role in economic growth and tax compliance.
SARS rolls out phased Filing Season, urges Taxpayers to wait their turn
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is making this year’s Filing Season easy and simple to navigate. With this statement, SARS offers clarity and certainty to taxpayers helping them understand how the process is structured, specifying turnaround times for refunds, verification, and submission.
SARS and Hawks deal further blow to drug trafficking with cocaine seizure at Durban port
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) working with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) secured the seizure of 30 bricks of cocaine at the Port of Durban.
SARS intercepts suspected drug consignments at Port of Durban in targeted pre-dawn operation
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has intercepted consignments suspected to contain illicit drugs during a targeted Customs and Excise operation at the Port of Durban in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Nearly 39 000 Foreign Registered Vehicles already registered as SARS launches the process from 1 June 2026
From today, 1 June 2026, all travellers crossing South Africa’s borders must submit an online customs declaration and declare any foreign-registered vehicles they bring into the country. This launch of the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) new digital Traveller Declaration System, together with stepped-up education of customs rules at every port of entry, marks a major step in modernising border controls, streamlining legitimate trade and travel, and curbing non-compliance.
SARS clarifies implementation of China’s Zero-Tariff Export Scheme
The Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, Dr Johnstone Makhubu, said that SARS has finalised the legal and operational framework to administer China’s zero-tariff scheme. The Rules in terms of section 46A of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964, regulating the issuing of certificates of origin are available on the SARS website. From 1 June 2026, SARS will be issuing Rules of Origin certificates for qualifying exports.
