Accounting & compliance notes for South African businesses
Practical updates on Accounting, Tax Returns, Payroll, SARS, UIF and CIPC — written for small business owners, not tax practitioners.
Preparing Payroll for October's EMP501 Reconciliation Submission Window: What SA Small Businesses Must Get Right
The Employer Interim Reconciliation window runs from 21 September to 31 October, and small businesses that leave payroll data checks to the last week often get caught out. Here's what to get right before you submit.
CIPC Annual Financial Statements and XBRL Submissions: What SA Small Businesses Need to Know Before Year-End 2026
CIPC annual returns and Annual Financial Statement filings are separate obligations with different deadlines and formats — here's how South African small businesses can get ahead of both before year-end 2026.
UIF and uFiling in Late 2026: Helping Retrenched or Seasonal Staff Claim Correctly
As retrenchments and seasonal contracts wind down towards year-end, employers play a critical role in helping staff claim UIF benefits correctly and on time. Here's what small businesses need to get right.
Third Provisional Tax Payments and Top-Up Payments: Preparing for the February 2027 Deadline
The third provisional tax payment isn't compulsory, but skipping it could cost you in interest. Here's what SA small businesses need to know before the 2026/27 tax year wraps up.
Employment Equity Reporting: What SA Small Businesses Need to Know Before the 15 January Cut-off
The 2026 Employment Equity reporting cycle brings new sector-specific targets and a fresh five-year plan requirement. Here's what small business owners need to check before prep starts in September and the 15 January deadline arrives.
SARS Compliance Audits and Verification Letters: What to Do When Your Small Business Gets Selected
If your small business has been flagged for a SARS audit or verification, don't panic — here's a clear, practical breakdown of the process, deadlines, and what documents you need to get in order.
CIPC Director Amendments and Address Updates: Why Current Records Matter in September 2026
Outdated director details or a stale registered address at CIPC can cause compliance headaches, banking delays, and missed SARS correspondence. Here's why South African small businesses should tidy up their CIPC records this September.
SARS PAYE Reconciliation and EMP501 Interim Filing: Getting Ready for September 2026
The 2026 EMP501 interim reconciliation window is approaching fast — here's what small business owners and bookkeepers need to know to prepare accurate PAYE, UIF and SDL figures ahead of the September deadline.
SARS eFiling and Turnover Tax: Is It Still Worth It in 2026?
With the Turnover Tax threshold doubling to R2.3 million in 2026, many more small businesses now qualify — but qualifying and it being the best choice are two very different things.
Year-End Financial Statements: Preparing SA Small Businesses for a Smooth Audit or Independent Review
With CIPC and Companies Act requirements firmly in place, small businesses that get their accounting records in order now will face far less stress when audit or independent review time comes around. Here's how to prepare.
VAT Registration Thresholds and Compliance for Growing SA Small Businesses in 2026
From 1 April 2026, SARS has raised the compulsory and voluntary VAT registration thresholds significantly — here's what growing South African small businesses need to know to stay compliant.
Payroll Compliance in August 2026: Getting Bonus and Overtime Tax Right Before the Festive Season
With the festive season fast approaching, now is the time for SA small businesses to review how 13th cheques, discretionary bonuses, and overtime are taxed under the 2026/2027 SARS tables — before payroll pressure peaks in November and December.
Provisional Tax Deadline for SA Small Businesses: Getting Your August 2026 Second Payment Right
The first provisional tax period for the 2027 year of assessment closes on 31 August 2026 — here's what small business owners need to check, calculate, and prepare before that deadline lands.
UIF Contribution Changes in 2026: What SA Small Business Employers Need to Know
From 7 January 2026, new UIF salary caps and contribution rules kick in for South African employers — here's what small businesses need to check and adjust before the deadline.
CIPC Annual Return Deadlines and Beneficial Ownership Filing: What SA Small Businesses Must Do in August 2026
If your company's anniversary month falls in August, your CIPC annual return and Beneficial Ownership declaration are due — and CIPC will block the filing if your BO details aren't up to date first.
SARS Auto-Assessment Season 2026: What Small Business Owners Need to Check Before Accepting
Selected for SARS Auto-Assessment this year? Before you tap "accept", here's what small business owners and sole proprietors should verify to avoid overpaying or underdeclaring tax.