Modern luxury house with large glass windows and a red sports car parked in the driveway, representing wealth that could attract SARS scrutiny.

New Law In 2026 For 14 Government Bodies To Perform “Lifestyle Audits” And Report The Rich To SARS

Have you been living the life on social media and not telling SARS? Gone on overseas trips to exotic destinations? Purchased new cars, houses, expensive brand clothes, watches, jewellery etc.? The latest legislative change spans at least 14 new government departments who can conduct lifestyle audits. This is coupled with mandatory information-sharing across a wide […]

Specialist legal review services provided by experienced tax consultants in South Africa

VAT in South Africa 2026: The Revenue Engine SARS Will Defend at Any Cost

VAT remains one of the most powerful revenue instruments available to the South African fiscus. In practical terms, it continues to rival personal income tax as a primary contributor to government revenue and remains indispensable to SARS’s collection mandate. This reality matters.

Stressed man reviewing finances on laptop, concerned about issues with foreign bank account and SARS tax refunds. - foreign bank account

No Bank, No Bucks: SARS Refunds Stalled for Many South African Expats

“Your Income Tax refund is on hold because your banking details on SARS records are invalid.” Hardly the message one hopes to receive from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) at the start of a new year. Yet, this scenario is becoming increasingly common, particularly among South African expats and former residents who have left […]

Tax Diagnostic Review for South African tax affairs and compliance - South African tax residency

Where Do You Stand with SARS? Why a Tax Diagnostic Review is the Best New Year’s Resolution for 2026

As we step into 2026, there is no better time for taxpayers to gain clarity on their exact standing with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Many individuals assume their tax affairs are in perfect order, but as the saying goes, assumption is the mother of all mistakes. When it comes to SARS, it can […]

Illustration of final provisional tax deadlines and IRP6 submission reminders for South African taxpayers

Provisional Tax Deadline Looming: What South Africans Must Know

As the 2026 provisional tax deadline approaches, thousands of South Africans are searching for clarity: What must I submit? What has changed? How do I avoid penalties & interest? These questions matter because for taxpayers earning income outside traditional employment, provisional tax is a non-negotiable responsibility and getting it wrong can be costly.

renounced South African citizenship

Renounced South African Citizenship? You May Still Be Taxable in the Eyes of SARS

With the South African Revenue Service (SARS) expected to crack down on individual expats who remain non-compliant, South Africans living abroad and who have renounced their South African citizenship should take note that this step does not automatically end their tax obligation in South Africa. From a tax-law perspective, this assumption is incorrect and can […]

A Foreign Buyer’s Guide to Securing a Mortgage in South Africa: Understanding the 50% Borrowing Rule and When a Foreigner Can Borrow More

Illustration of a tax practitioner firm using a SARS ISV link for direct system access and compliance management

How You Talk with SARS is Important: Why a Tax Practitioner with Its Own SARS ISV Link Matters

SARS Tax Debt Relief guidance for South African taxpayers managing undisputed tax debts

SARS’ Undisputed Tax Debts Hits a Record High of Almost R489 Billion!

The most recent SARS Debt Collection Data, as at 18 December 2025, evidences the fruit borne from SARS’ Compliance initiatives, with a total of R62,579 billion in cash collected from debt, thus far. Although ahead of their collection targets to achieve the projected R100 billion in cash collections from debt, for the April 2025 to […]

Illustration of an olive branch symbolising peace and resolution in tax matters, representing triumph over trust tax debts.

An Olive Branch in the Kingdom of Tax: Triumph Over Trust Debts

In the sprawling kingdom of South African finance, trusts and their advisors navigate mist-shrouded paths of compliance, wary of penalties, interest charges, and mounting tax debts. Many brave trustees have attempted to traverse these treacherous paths, only to stumble over complex rules, shifting governance standards, and the heavy weight of outstanding obligations.