What’s New at SARS

2 October 2025 – The schedule for the Circus Triangle Mall Pop-up Branches for October 2025 in Mthatha is now available.

2 October 2025 – Customs and Excise Act, 1964: The tariffs amendments notices, scheduled for publication in the Government Gazette, relate to the following amendments, with effect from 1 January 2026:

• Part 1 of Schedule No. 1, by the substitution of various tariff subheadings, to implement the phase down rates of customs duties in terms of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement
• Part 1 of Schedule No. 1, to provide for technical amendments, by the insertion of new 8-digit tariff subheadings under Chapters 29, 38, 68, 70, 74 and 83
• Schedule No. 2, by the substitution of the heading to include the reference to “Safeguard”

Publication details will be made available later

2 October 2025 – The East London mobile tax unit schedule for October to November 2025 is now available.

1 October 2025 — The South African Revenue Service (SARS) notes the publication of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman’s (OTO) draft report, for public comment, on cases of eFiling profile compromise.

While SARS notes the OTO’s recommendations, the organisation would like to assure taxpayers that most of these have been integral to the modernisation programme over a number of years. SARS remains committed to strengthening the critical areas that have been highlighted. These include enhancing its authentication protocols; improving fraud-risk detection; optimising refund-verification systems; and strengthening collaboration with banks, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), and South African Police Service (SAPS).

SARS believes that OTO plays a crucial role in the tax ecosystem and safeguarding and promoting tax and fiscal system for the country. Promotion of cooperation between these vital institutions, SARS and OTO, is critical for the functioning of the tax system. In this regard, SARS will be making inputs into the draft report like all other interested parties. Additionally, SARS believes its constructive contribution will help to continue to deepen confidence to all taxpayers that its electronic platforms are secure and safe for engagement with the organisation.

SARS acknowledges that cybercrime is an evolving and growing risk, requiring significant and ongoing investment into modernisation of its tax administration platform as included in its current 5-year strategic plan. Many of the recommendations in the OTO report have already begun and will be continually reviewed and enhanced as the goal posts shift. These are intended to strengthen our security layer, and this was occasioned by our concerns about the evolving nature of cybercrime. As an organisation that is operating in a rapidly changing technologically environment, SARS continuously reviews strategic risks, so that it can react to these changes and stay ahead of the curve. SARS will be sharing these insights with the OTO.

SARS believes that any compromised profile is one too many. All role players must play their part to prevent criminals from accessing taxpayers’ information. It is worth repeating that taxpayers must keep their confidential details safe and never exposed to unauthorised individuals. Taxpayers must use secure internet platforms to access electronic services such as eFiling. SARS will never ask taxpayers to click any link to access its services.

For further information, please contact [email protected].

30 September 2025 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is always ready to assist taxpayers to fulfil their legal obligations. Taxpayers who owe tax debt may often find it difficult to settle their debt due to financial challenges. SARS has various mechanisms to collect outstanding debt. To explore this matter further, SARS met with the Recognised Controlling Bodies (RCBs) to look at various ways in which taxpayers can be assisted to pay their debts to the fiscus.

At this meeting, the parties discussed the Debt Compromise provision as provided for in Part D of the Tax Administration Act, which may be considered under certain circumstances. We agreed with RCBs to launch an Expedited Tax Debt Process. This is part of a general alignment and commitment between SARS and the RCBs to find ways to recover debt rapidly within the provisions of the Tax Administration Act. The normal debt-compromise process remains open to all taxpayers.

SARS will apply the learnings of the rapid compromise process to enhance the compromise process to benefit all taxpayers. A dedicated single point of entry will be made available for applications from Monday, 13 October 2025. Although this tax-debt compromise process will start with RCBs, depending on the results, SARS may later consider it for all taxpayers.

SARS will communicate this expedited debt compromise process widely, and invite RCBs to collaborate on such awareness sessions, webinars, and targeted communication to facilitate widespread understanding of the process.

Key Features of the Initiative 

a. Expedited compromise process applies to non-disputed tax debts older than 12 months.

b. Exclusion of entities subject to specific legal processes (such as liquidations, estates, and business rescue cases), companies that have been deregistered, cases subject to criminal investigation and audit, as well as cases within the write-off process.

c. All applicants must provide comprehensive relevant supporting documentation with their submissions. It is important that disclosures are accurate, failing which SARS may not even consider such applications.

d. Tax practitioners registered with the RCBs can guide taxpayer clients on the requirements for the debt compromise, including supporting documents required in line with Part D of Chapter 14 of the Tax Administration Act.

e. SARS commits to resolve qualifying applications within four weeks, using dedicated teams and enhanced workflow management.

f. For taxpayers who remain non-compliant and those not forming part of the compromise process, SARS will revert to normal enforcement actions against non-compliant taxpayers. To make non-compliance hard and costly, such enforcement will include writs of execution of court judgments.

Operational and Technical Enhancements

Dedicated account teams and technical resources, including online appointment systems for tax practitioners, have been activated to support the process and resolve operational challenges.

Follow-Up Actions SARS and RCBs

In line with the discussions held with SARS, RCBs will clarify the requirements for the expedited compromise process and enable its smooth operation.

For further information, please contact [email protected].

30 September 2025 – This issue discusses the compliance requirements for income tax exempt institutions and key compliance requirements for trusts that are approved Exempt Institutions (EI). It covers the trust-return submission periods and IT3(d) and IT3(t) submission and the updating of registered details.

We also offer tips when sending emails to SARS and stress the importance of using the services of registered tax practitioners.

30 September 2025 – Join the SARS webinar on 2 October to get practical guidance on the 2025 Interim Reconciliation. The session will provide step-by-step guidance on using the enhanced e@syFile™ Employer system to ensure accurate and timely submissions. The webinar will help you to:

• Understand the Employer Interim Reconciliation process and your obligations.
• Get clarity on system requirements, payroll data preparation, and data migration.
• Avoid common filing errors that can lead to penalties.
• Engage directly with SARS specialists during live Q&A and troubleshooting sessions.

Topics to be covered include:

• Employer Interim Reconciliation Troubleshooting – How to resolve common EMP501 submission challenges.
• System Readiness and Data Migration – Preparing your payroll data and ensuring your systems are compliant.
• Employer obligations and compliance.
• Q&A Session and Troubleshooting – Ask questions and receive real-time support from SARS experts.

Date: Thursday, 2 October 2025

Time: 17:00 – 19:00

If you have questions ahead of the session, please email: [email protected].

See the slideshow presentation that will be presented during the webinar.

See the e@syfile version 8 Installation presentation here.

The webinar will also be recorded and published afterwards on the SARS TV YouTube channel.

YouTube link: https://youtube.com/live/mEy9pqq-Ur8?feature=share

30 September 2025 – Mineral and Petroleum Resources Royalty Act, 2008, and Tax Administration Act, 2011

• SARSTC IT 46010 (MPRR) [2025] ZATC JHB (5 September 2025)

Royalty liability and calculation.

30 September 2025 – South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R4.0 billion in August 2025. This surplus was attributable to exports of R171.3 billion and imports of R167.4 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).

See the full Media Release here.

Or visit the Trade Statistics webpage.

30 September 2025 – Achieving our Vision of a smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity that is trusted and admired is of paramount importance. Pivotal to the delivery of our vision are our digital platforms and technology infrastructure. To provide clarity and certainty, make it easy for taxpayers and traders to comply with their obligations and building public trust and confidence, our technology assets must demonstrate the highest levels of availability, robustness and security.

In accordance with our Vision and Strategic Objectives, which include modernising our systems to provide Digital and Streamlined online services, we are hard at work ensuring that our digital platforms and technology infrastructure are available, robust and secure, by performing regular upgrades, enhancements and maintenance.

Considering the above, SARS Digital platform maintenance is scheduled for:

Tuesday, 30 September 2025 from 18h00 to 22h00.

During this time, you may experience intermittent service interruption on our eFiling, Tax and Customs Digital Platforms.

29 September 2025 – The e@syFile™ Employer version 8.0.1_322 release notes specify the following changes:

• • Introducing source codes as detailed in the SARS PAYE BRS.
  • Introduced Statement of Account request on Dashboard.
  • Introduced extract PAYE data of e@syFile TC backups.
  • Introduced import PAYE data for e@syFile TC backups.

See more detail in the release notes.

29 September 2025 – Income Tax Act, 1962

• Interpretation Note 119 (Issue 2) – Deductions in respect of improvements to land or buildings not owned by a taxpayer

29 September 2025 – Income Tax Act, 1962

• Interpretation Note 119 – Deductions in respect of improvements to land or buildings not owned by a taxpayer

29 September 2025 – The state provides state warehouses for the safekeeping of goods. These are managed by Customs. The purpose of this list of unentered goods is to notify the importer, exporter and any other person that has interest in the goods that the goods have been taken up into the State warehouse and if they remain unentered they will be disposed in accordance with the provisions of the Customs & Excise Act.

See the latest Customs Weekly List of Unentered Goods here.

26 September 2025 – SARS and the OTO note with concern the recent article published by Sowetan regarding the rising number of SARS eFiling profiles reportedly hijacked by cyber-fraud criminals, resulting in significant financial losses for taxpayers. At the time of the article’s publication, the OTO had not yet released the draft report for public comment, and the article contained a number of factual inaccuracies.

The two organisations are established in law to fulfil distinct yet mutually reinforcing roles for the sole benefit of taxpayers and the tax finance system for the country.

SARS not only respects but considers the role of the OTO as an indispensable partner to ensure the functioning of the tax ecosystem is fair and beyond reproach. In this regard SARS has and continues to work hard to address whatever complaints that have been laid with the OTO. The two institutions play a paramount role in the functioning of tax administration.  Each institution respects the other’s mandate, while both being the cornerstone for the fiscal integrity of South Africa tax ecosystem. The OTO will be issuing its draft report on 1 October 2025, now that an intensive and extensive engagement with all the role players has been completed.

SARS and the OTO wish to assure the public that protecting taxpayers’ information and maintaining the integrity of the tax system remain our highest priorities.

Key Points:

1. Acknowledgement of the Issue

The OTO has been investigating cases of profile compromise for over a year, following numerous complaints from taxpayers and tax practitioners.

2. Growth of Cyber Crime

The organisation observed that in today’s digitally interconnected environment, cybersecurity risks have escalated dramatically, posing significant threats to individuals, businesses, and institutions. As personal and financial transactions increasingly migrate online, malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in authentication protocols, data-sharing mechanisms, and user behaviour to perpetrate identity theft, fraud, and unauthorised system access. Even routine activities, such as accessing tax platforms or updating banking details, have become potential gateways for exploitation. Within the South African tax administration context, these risks are particularly acute. SARS, as the custodian of revenue collection and refunds payment, is a prime target for those with nefarious intent.

3. Collaboration Between SARS and OTO

SARS and the OTO maintain a strong and cooperative relationship. Both institutions are aligned in their objective to protect taxpayers and restore confidence in the eFiling system.

4. Security Measures and Ongoing Efforts

SARS continuously enhances security protocols to mitigate risks and prevent unauthorised access.  We encourage taxpayers to exercise vigilance by safeguarding their login details and promptly reporting suspicious activity.

5. Investigation Report and Public Engagement

The release of the OTO’s draft report has been delayed allowing SARS to provide detailed input on preliminary findings, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced analysis. Whilst consultations have been extensive between the parties, parts of the draft may still carry areas of difference, which is to be expected in any review of this nature. This cooperative approach aims to strengthen the report’s recommendations and foster meaningful improvements. The OTO will publish the draft report on 1 October 2025.

6. Reaffirming Commitment to Taxpayers

Both SARS and the OTO reiterate their unwavering commitment to enabling taxpayers to comply with their obligations safely and confidently. We urge taxpayers to remain cautious and report any irregularities through official SARS channels.

The Commissioner said that “We respect that the final report by the OTO will be made public soon, and SARS remain committed to continue its engagement with the public on its substance. The public must be assured though, that SARS continue to work with diligence to ensure the highest level of integrity and protection to taxpayers who uses the SARS digital platform”.

The Tax Ombud said that: “The OTO takes the hijacking of taxpayer eFiling profiles very seriously. As an independent institution, the OTO ensures objective oversight and the fair treatment of taxpayers. The OTO upcoming draft report reflects extensive engagement with all stakeholders and is aimed at driving real, practical solutions.”

Issued jointly by:
South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO)

For further information please contact [email protected].  and/or [email protected]

26 September 2025 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) encourages all taxpayers who are due to make payments to do so by the earliest available date to avoid unnecessary delays, penalties and interests for late payment.

All taxpayers who will be making payments to SARS through various platforms such as eFiling, EFT and payments at Banks can be confident that these payment platforms are robust, secure and safe. These digital platforms conform to internationally recognised standards, and they are user friendly – enabling taxpayers to transact with SARS and comply with their legal obligations.

SARS urges taxpayers to remain extremely vigilant and keep their personal details confidential. Your credentials on all financial platforms are continuously at risk. There have been many attempts by scammers to defraud taxpayers. Taxpayers are reminded that SARS will never ask them to use any link to engage with it. All eFiling users must protect their login details and use only registered tax practitioners.

The month of September represents the halfway mark to the financial year, and SARS wishes to thank all taxpayers who diligently contribute to the fiscus through their tax payments.

For further information please contact [email protected].

26 September 2025 – The Prohibited and Restricted Imports and Exports list has been updated.

• Tariff heading 8523.52.10 no longer requires a letter of authority from NRCS.
• The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has changed to Department of Electricity and Energy.

25 September 2025 – We are experiencing intermittent connectivity issues on SARS eFiling and the SARS MobiApp. The technical teams are currently working on resolving the issue. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

25 September 2025 – The North West mobile tax unit schedule for October 2025 is now available.

25 September 2025 – The state provides state warehouses for the safekeeping of goods. These are managed by Customs. The purpose of this list of unentered goods is to notify the importer, exporter and any other person that has interest in the goods that the goods have been taken up into the State warehouse and if they remain unentered they will be disposed in accordance with the provisions of the Customs & Excise Act.

See the latest Customs Weekly List of Unentered Goods here.