Running a business in South Africa means sharing your calendar with SARS — whether you like it or not.
Missing a deadline isn’t just an admin inconvenience. It can mean penalties, interest charges, and in serious cases, a SARS audit that disrupts your entire operation.
The good news? Most compliance disasters are entirely avoidable with a little forward planning. Here are the seven deadlines every SME owner should know.
1. Provisional Tax — First Period (August)
If you earn income outside of a salary, you’re likely a provisional taxpayer.
Your first provisional tax payment covers the first six months of your tax year and is due by the end of August. Underestimating this can result in penalties at year-end.
2. Provisional Tax — Second Period (February)
Your second provisional payment is due by the end of February and should reflect a more accurate picture of your full year’s income.
This is where many SME owners get caught short — don’t leave the calculation to the last minute.
3. VAT Submissions (Monthly or Bi-Monthly)
If you’re VAT registered, your VAT201 return is due on the last business day of the month following your VAT period.
Late submission attracts an immediate 10% penalty on the outstanding amount — and it adds up fast.
4. PAYE, UIF and SDL (Monthly — 7th of Each Month)
If you have employees, you’re required to submit and pay your EMP201 return by the 7th of every month.
This covers PAYE, UIF, and Skills Development Levy. A single missed payment can trigger a SARS debt.
5. EMP501 Reconciliation (Twice a Year)
Your employer reconciliation is due in May (covering the full tax year) and October (an interim reconciliation).
This is where employee IRP5s are generated — errors here affect your employees’ tax returns.
6. Company Income Tax Return — ITR14 (12 Months After Year-End)
Your company’s annual income tax return is due within 12 months of your financial year-end.
While this feels far away, preparing for it throughout the year — with accurate management accounts — makes it significantly less painful.
7. Personal Income Tax — ITR12 (October/November)
As a business owner, your personal tax return is just as important as your company’s.
The filing season typically opens in July and closes in October for non-provisional taxpayers and November for provisional taxpayers.
The Bottom Line
Missing any one of these deadlines can create a cascade of penalties, interest, and admin that costs far more than the original tax liability.
The best defence is a good accounting partner who keeps you ahead of the calendar — not scrambling to catch up.
At XBP, we manage the full compliance calendar for our clients so nothing slips through the cracks. Get in touch to find out how we can help.
Running a business in South Africa means sharing your
calendar with SARS — whether you like it or not…
