Question 1

When are individual tax returns due in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Non-provisional individuals (most salaried taxpayers) generally have from July through to late October each year to file their ITR12 via SARS eFiling. Provisional taxpayers have until late January of the following year. SARS publishes exact dates annually — we keep our clients well ahead of every cut-off.

Question 2

When are provisional tax (IRP6) returns due?

Accepted Answer

Provisional taxpayers submit two IRP6 returns per year: the first by 31 August (mid-tax year) and the second by 28/29 February (end of tax year). A voluntary third 'top-up' payment can be made by the end of September to avoid interest.

Question 3

When are company tax returns (ITR14) due?

Accepted Answer

Companies must submit their ITR14 within 12 months of their financial year-end. Provisional tax (IRP6) is also required twice a year, six months into the year and at year-end.

Question 4

When are VAT201 returns due?

Accepted Answer

VAT vendors typically submit bi-monthly VAT201 returns by the 25th of the month following the tax period (or the last business day of that month when filing and paying via eFiling).

Question 5

When are EMP201 and EMP501 payroll submissions due?

Accepted Answer

Monthly EMP201 returns for PAYE, UIF and SDL are due by the 7th of the following month. The bi-annual EMP501 reconciliation covers September (interim) and February (annual) periods, with submission deadlines typically in October and May respectively.

Question 6

When are CIPC annual returns due?

Accepted Answer

CIPC annual returns are due within 30 business days of a company's incorporation anniversary. Late filing leads to penalties and, ultimately, deregistration — we track and file these for our clients automatically.

Question 7

Do I need to submit a tax return if I'm employed?

Accepted Answer

If you earn above the SARS threshold or have additional income (rental, freelance, investments), yes — even if PAYE is deducted. We're happy to do a free quick check for you.

Question 8

What happens if I miss the SARS filing deadline?

Accepted Answer

SARS may impose admin penalties and interest. The sooner we file and get current, the smaller the damage — we regularly help clients catch up multiple years at once.

Question 9

Can you help me with SARS disputes or objections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare and lodge objections, requests for remission and appeals, and engage with SARS on your behalf throughout the process.

Question 10

Do you handle both individual and corporate tax?

Accepted Answer

Yes — ITR12 for individuals, ITR14 for companies and trusts, IRP6 provisional tax and VAT201 returns.

Question 11

How often should my books be updated?

Accepted Answer

Monthly, at minimum. Up-to-date books mean accurate VAT, real management information and no nasty year-end surprises.

Question 12

What accounting software do you use?

Accepted Answer

We're QuickBooks Online certified and also fully support Xero Cloud Accounting. If you have a preferred system, we'll work in it.

Question 13

Can you help me switch from manual bookkeeping to cloud accounting?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — we migrate clients to cloud accounting regularly and handle the setup, opening balances and training.

Question 14

Can you register my company with CIPC?

Accepted Answer

Yes — company registrations, name changes, director amendments and annual returns are all handled in-house.

Question 15

Do you work with non-profit organisations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We specialise in NPO accounting, including fund accounting, S18A receipts and Department of Social Development reporting.

Question 16

What is an independent review and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

An independent review is a limited assurance engagement required for many private companies under the Companies Act. We'll tell you whether your company needs one.

Question 17

Where are you based and do you work with clients remotely?

Accepted Answer

We're based in Somerset West but work with clients across South Africa using secure cloud tools and video calls.

Question 18

Do you work with clients outside of South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we work with a number of SA-expat and US-based clients with South African tax obligations.

Question 19

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is to book a free 15-minute call via our contact page — we'll listen, scope what you need and quote transparently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tax Deadlines in South Africa

Tax & SARS

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Business Services

Working With Us