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SARS Extends Deadline for Auto-Assessed Taxpayers in 2026
Taxpayers will benefit from an extended deadline to review and amend auto-assessments during the 2026 tax season. Auto-assessed taxpayers will now have until 23 October 2026, the same deadline as non-provisional taxpayers, to make any corrections. The change gives taxpayers more time to verify that all income and deductions have been accurately captured. Auto-assessments will be issued between 1 and 12 July 2026, with the filing season opening on 13 July 2026.
4-minute audio
Don’t Assume You Earn Too Little to File a Tax Return
Many South Africans mistakenly believe that if their income falls below the tax threshold, they do not need to engage with SARS. However, tax expert and financial journalist Maya Fisher-French warns that making assumptions about your tax obligations could prove costly. Filing a tax return can help taxpayers confirm their tax position, claim eligible refunds, and ensure that their tax records remain accurate and up to date. As the 2026 tax season gets underway, taxpayers are encouraged to verify whether they are required to submit a return rather than relying on income estimates alone. Understanding your filing obligations is an important step in maintaining tax compliance and avoiding potential issues with SARS in the future.
4-minute audio
AI Transforms SARS Compliance and Strengthens Tax Enforcement
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used by SARS to enhance tax compliance and improve the detection of non-compliance across the tax system. Through advanced data analytics and machine learning, the revenue authority is able to cross-reference large volumes of information, identify anomalies, and support more efficient risk-based assessments. This technology-driven approach is strengthening the integrity of the tax system, improving accuracy in assessments, and supporting fair and consistent enforcement while also streamlining administrative processes for compliant taxpayers. The adoption of AI reflects SARS’s broader modernisation drive aimed at building a more efficient, data-led revenue service.
5-minute audio
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TESTIMONIALS
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“Keep up the very excellent work, I feel very valued as a member of SAIT!! I wish all bodies could learn from you (Z. Ntuli; General Tax Practitioner; 30/04/2024).”
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“I am very proud to be a member of SAIT because of the Membership Consultants (D. Ruthven, Tax Technician Practitioner, 23/04/2024).”
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“All was properly explained to me. Excellent service (S.Thungo, General Tax Practitioner, 16/10/2024).”
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“The Membership Billing consultants keeps members happy. Their service is the standard against which all professionalism should be measured (T. Bhengu, Chartered Tax Adviser, 20/06/2024).“
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“Just to say a BIG THANK YOU! I am so grateful for the help and support (S.Hansen, General Tax Practitioner, 21/01/2025).”
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“No recommendations or suggestions. I would like to add that I was very impressed by the friendly and efficient way in which the sales department assisted me with the registration process (W. Dodgen, Tax Technician Practitioner, 05/08/2024).”
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"I have always found the staff at the SA Institute of Tax Practitioners a pleasure to work with. I often present seminars or provide input to legislation through or alongside Keitumetse Sesana who, like her colleagues, I find to be extremely professional whilst simultaneously warm and welcoming. I am proud to be a member of SAIT and to align with what it represents to me: a body which strives to ensure its tax partitioner members are well-educated in the field of taxation and that they follow a code of conduct that ensures that taxes are properly paid in an efficient manner to the mutual benefit of both their clients and the SA Revenue Service (Prof D. Tickle; 14-03-2025; CTA(SA))"
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“Thank you for the assistance provided in bringing contentious matters to the attention of SARS and the National Treasury. The SAIT work groups are very beneficial for interacting with other tax professionals and the professional and efficient manner in which SAIT and Keitumetse Sesana liaise between tax professionals and SARS are highly regarded (Mrs H Cronje; 14-03-2025; MTP(SA)).”
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“Wilna De Bruyn has been a valuable member of the SAIT Education & Assessment Committee and the reconstituted Education & Assessment Committee and has demonstrated institutional knowledge. She is proactive, responsive, and always willing to assist, going above and beyond the call of duty. In my capacity as deputy HOD of Accountancy at the University of Johannesburg, my portfolio includes stakeholders, and the Department of Accountancy values SAIT as a key stakeholder and partner. I have collaborated with Wilna for the past five years (Dr M Hassan, 19-04-2025, CTA(SA)).”
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"I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the excellent service I receive from theSouth African Institute of Taxation (SAIT). Since becoming a member, every engagementwith the SAIT team has been a positive experience. The staff are always helpful,professional, and prompt in their responses. A special thank you to Keitumetse Sesane, Adriane Modikwe, Lungile Moodley, Boitumelo Mahlangu, Shamas Dube, and Charmaine van Rooyen—your supportwhenever I need assistance has been invaluable. Your dedication and willingness to go theextra mile never go unnoticed. SAIT also keeps members well-informed through constant updates, resources, and communication, which I truly value. I am proud to be affiliated with such a reliable andsupportive professional body. (Mrs O. Leisa, Master Tax Practitioner, 02/06/2025)."
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"Thank you to SAIT for your continued leadership in shaping tax policy through meaningful engagement with Parliament. The submissions on the Draft TLAB and TALAB are vital for ensuring fair and effective legislation. Also, the reminder on interim reconciliations is much appreciated—compliance and accuracy remain key. Looking forward to further updates and insights. (Jabulani Malindi, Accounting Technician, 23/10/2025)."
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"Thank you to South African Institute of Taxation and Deloitte for the kind invitation to the Advancing Women in Taxation Dialogue. It was a privilege to attend such a meaningful event focused on empowering women in the tax profession. A special thank you to the esteemed panel — Keitumetse Sesana, Ms. Yanga Mputa, Itireleng Kubeka, and Natasha Singh — for generously sharing your insights, experiences, and wisdom. (Tintswalo Nxumalo, General Tax Practitioner, 22/10/2025)."
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"Thank you so much to SAIT and Deloitte for putting together such a powerful and inspiring event today. It was honestly such a privilege to be in that room. Ms Yanga was absolutely incredible, I could listen to her speak all day. And reconnecting with Keitu reminded me why I look up to her so much. She really walks the talk. Feeling very grateful. (Livhuwani Manenje, General Tax Practitioner, 22/10/2025)."
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"What an inspiring initiative! 👏 It’s encouraging to see platforms like this being created to uplift and empower women in the tax profession. Kudos to South African Institute of Taxation, Deloitte, SARS, and all the incredible speakers and organizers. Looking forward to seeing even more women in tax represented and celebrated in future events! (Jabulani Malindi, Accounting Technician, 22/10/2025)."
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" The pride I have being a member of South African Institute of Taxation really cannot be put in words! Honestly game changers in Taxation! Keitumetse Sesana the work you put in this year has been absolutely incredible as we approach the closing months of 2025 you have to get your 💐 for the hard work and dedication you and the team have put in this year! (Connor Hugh Robertson, Director of Expansive Accounting, 23/10/2025)."
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"Great takeaways from the "Guardians of Integrity" Tax Practice on the Move event! It's so vital to constantly reinforce integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality in the tax profession. Upholding these ethical standards isn't just a compliance issue—it's the foundation of public trust and SAIT's reputation. Thanks to Adrian Modikwe-Ludick, Ronel Rust, and Warwick Scott-Rodger for sharing their expertise. 👏🥂✨️(Cloudify Tax & Bookkeeping, 30/10/2025)."
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"Thank you, SAIT, for advocating on behalf of taxpayers and highlighting the broader economic impact of these proposed changes. It's vital that policy decisions consider long-term implications for South Africa’s competitiveness and attractiveness to global retirees. Well done to Ms. Sesana and the team for representing these concerns so effectively. 🥂(Cloudify Tax & Bookkeeping, 04/11/2025)."