SARS refutes false claims of a data breach
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is aware of social media posts and online reports claiming that its systems have been breached. SARS continuously monitors its systems for any suspicious activity and has conducted a thorough investigation in response to these reports. These claims are false and unsubstantiated.
SARS modernises cross-border customs declarations for foreign vehicles from 1 June 2026
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will, from 1 June 2026, require all foreign-registered vehicles to be declared on the SARS Traveller Management System (TMS) prior to them entering or leaving South Africa.
NCC and SARS sign MoU to strengthen compliance
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance consumer protection against the proliferation of non-compliant goods entering the South African market. The MoU aims to improve enforcement, promote consultation, collaboration, and enhanced information sharing, in line with both entities’ respective mandates and to the extent permitted by law.
SARS salutes Workers and their Contribution as new Commissioner begins term committed to Fairness and Trust
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) marks Workers’ Day by expressing gratitude to the workers who drive the country’s economy and whose taxes sustain public services. This is the organisation’s message as the new Commissioner, Dr Johnstone Makhubu, assumes office on his first day in this role, mindful of the heavy responsibility entrusted to him and the institution by all South Africans.
Trade Statistics for March 2026
South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R31.9 billion in March 2026. This surplus was attributable to exports of R187.9 billion and imports of R156.0 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
SARS to help employers and third-party data providers to submit accurate declarations
The South African Revenue Service (SARS), in line with its strategic objectives to provide clarity and certainty and make it easy for taxpayers to transact with the organisation, is assisting all employers and other third-party data providers to improve their data declarations. The submission period for these entities kicked off 1 April 2026 and runs to 31 May 2026.
SARS secures High Court Preservation Order as Corruption Crackdown Intensifies
SARS’s Illicit Economy Strategy targets corruption and fraud in government departments as high-priority focus areas. Through an ex parte application in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria, under section 163 of the Tax Administration Act, SARS has secured a preservation order against two of its former officials, who had resigned from the organisation in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Trust Deregistration and Tax Compliance
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is reminding all trusts registered in South Africa that, in terms of tax legislation, they are required to submit Income Tax Returns for every year of assessment. This obligation applies even where a trust had no economic activity during the relevant year.
The Introduction of the newly appointed SARS Commissioner-Designate
SARS Media Advisory: The South African Revenue Service (SARS), invites all media to the introductory press conference to be hosted by Commissioner Mr. Edward Kieswetter for the newly appointed SARS Commissioner-Designate, Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu.
Appointment of Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as SARS Commissioner
The South African Revenue Service Commissioner (SARS), Mr. Edward Kieswetter, warmly welcomes the appointment of Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new SARS Commissioner from 1 May 2026, for a period of five years. Dr Makhubu was appointed as a Deputy Commissioner: Taxpayer Engagement and Operations from 1 May 2023.
