14 accused appear in court following coordinated arrests in alleged R3.99 million VAT refund fraud case
Fourteen accused persons, comprising of five entities and nine individuals, have appeared before the Siyabuswa Magistrates’ Court following coordinated arrests linked to an alleged R3.99 million Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund fraud scheme.
Trade Statistics for August 2026
South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R20.5 billion in August 2026. This surplus was attributable to exports of R181.8 billion and imports of R161.3 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
SARS sets out Vision for the next Era of Tax Administration at Tax Indaba 2026
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today outlined its vision for the next era of tax administration. The organisation is placing trust, institutional capability, modernisation, and stakeholder partnership at the centre of its strategy to strengthen compliance and support South Africa’s fiscal future. The vision of A Smart Modern SARS with unquestionable integrity admired by all was re-emphasised by Dr Johnstone Makhubu, SARS Commissioner, during his keynote address at the 13th Annual Tax Indaba in Sandton.
Trust Filing Season set to Open
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) confirms that filing season for Trusts is scheduled to open on 19 September 2026. Per the Government Gazette, the closing date for Trusts to file is 22 January 2027 for both provisional and non-provisional trust taxpayers. Trustees and registered representatives should file the Income Tax Return for Trusts (ITR12T) in this period.
Trade Statistics for July 2026
South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R20.1 billion in July 2026. This surplus was attributable to exports of R194.0 billion and imports of R173.8 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
SARS Customs intercepts more than 333kg of cocaine worth over R167 million at OR Tambo International Airport
The South African Revenue Service (SARS), through its Customs and Excise division, today intercepted more than 333kg of cocaine during a targeted enforcement operation conducted at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) on a flight arriving from Sao Paulo, Brazil. The cocaine has an estimated street value of R167 million.Â
SARS invites public input on a new digital VAT model to modernise VAT administration
SARS aspires for a future in which tax just happens for most of taxpayers by leveraging data and technology. To this end, and pursuant to the VAT Modernisation Discussion Paper of 2023, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to release the VAT Modernisation Consultation Paper for public consultation and comment, calling on all impacted and interested stakeholders to contribute to a modern, transparent and efficient VAT administration system in South Africa.
SARS urges schools to apply for VAT deregistration
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) calls on schools registered under the South African Schools Act that are registered as VAT vendors to apply for cancellation of their VAT registration, following the legislative change in the VAT treatment of schools with effect from 1 January 2026.
Trade statistics for June 2026
South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R17.8 billion in June 2026. This surplus was attributable to exports of R193.6 billion and imports of R175.8 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
SARS seizes alcohol diverted to Kempton Park
The South African Revenue Service (SARS), working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) DPCI Serious Commercial Crime Investigations, has dealt a major blow to the illicit alcohol trade. SARS descended on a warehouse in Kempton Park, Gauteng, as part of its intensified crackdown on the illicit economy.
