SARS Tightens the Net: What 2026 Means for Taxpayers and Businesses
South Africa’s tax landscape is undergoing a significant shift as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) accelerates its move toward stricter compliance and digital enforcement.
SARB Monetary Policy Committee Statement Signals Caution
The South African Reserve Bank’s May Monetary Policy Committee statement points to a more difficult economic environment than seemed likely only a few months ago. The MPC increased the policy rate by 25 basis points to 7%, with four members supporting the move and two preferring no change. The decision was driven mostly by a sharp deterioration in the global inflation outlook, particularly following the escalation of the Middle East crisis and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.
Moody’s Positive Outlook Reflects Early Signs of Fiscal Repair
Moody’s decision to change South Africa’s outlook from stable to positive marks an important shift in how the country’s credit prospects are being assessed. While South Africa’s sovereign rating remains unchanged at Ba2, the improved outlook signals that Moody’s sees a stronger possibility of an upgrade if recent fiscal and reform trends continue.
Directors Face New Duties as AI Governance Takes Centre Stage Under King V
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is redefining corporate governance in South Africa, with the newly introduced King V Code placing clear responsibility on boards to oversee its ethical and strategic use.
Your Tax Deadlines for May 2026
07 May – PAYE submissions and payments
Annual Employee Tax Recon Due End May
"Only accountants can save the world — through peace, goodwill, and reconciliations." (Unknown)
“Invisible Work”: 3 Labour-Intensive Things Customers Will Never Pay For
"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all." (Peter Drucker, Author of “The Effective Executive”, 1966)
The 40% Rule: Do You Have Too Many Eggs in One Basket?
"Don’t put all your eggs in one basket." (Idiom)
Selling Your Business to Retire? Get This Tax Relief!
“A small business is an amazing way to serve and leave an impact on the world you live in.” (Nicole Snow)
Why Boards Need a Combined Governance and ESG Framework
Boards are operating under increased scrutiny, with stronger regulatory enforcement, rising stakeholder expectations, and greater personal accountability for directors. In this environment, it is no longer sufficient to rely on high-level commitments. Boards are expected to demonstrate structured decision-making, clear governance processes, and effective oversight of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks.
SARB Monetary Policy Review: Inflation Risks Rise Amid Global Uncertainty
The latest Monetary Policy Review from the South African Reserve Bank highlights a more uncertain economic environment, with inflation risks shifting to the upside despite recent progress in stabilising prices.
CIPC Steps Up Enforcement: Non-Compliance Now Comes with Public Exposure
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is strengthening its approach to statutory compliance, elevating what was often treated as an administrative task into a clear regulatory and reputational risk.
Operation Vulindlela Q4 2025/26: Progress on Structural Reform Continues
The latest Operation Vulindlela progress report highlights continued momentum in South Africa’s structural reform agenda, with a focus on addressing constraints to growth, investment, and service delivery.
Your Tax Deadlines for April 2026
01 April: Start of the 2026/27 Financial Year
15% Global Minimum Tax (GMT) Goes Live at SARS
The global minimum tax (GMT) – called an “agreement that will really change the world” – will be implemented in South Africa by SARS in 2026/27. While it may not impact your business directly, it should ultimately reduce your share of the tax burden by ensuring all multinational enterprises (MNEs) contribute their fair share of local taxes.
How to Create a Team Building Experience That Really Works
While on the surface they are just a spot of fun, team building exercises are actually a strategic investment in your business culture and performance. Done well, team building strengthens communication, fosters trust, and boosts morale. Done poorly, it feels like a forced afternoon that costs money and delivers little.
New VAT Thresholds: Thinking of Deregistering?
The recent increases in the compulsory VAT registration threshold to R2.3 million and in the voluntary registration threshold to R120,000 are widely welcomed. It will certainly ease the administrative burden on small businesses and the strain on their cash flow.
When Growth Is a Tax Problem
Growth feels like progress. Sales increase, staff numbers rise, and profit improves. Yet each of these shifts changes your tax position.
Courts rein in SARS: Why procedure and proof now matter more than ever
For many taxpayers, few words inspire as much anxiety as “pay now, argue later”. This long‑standing rule allows the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to collect disputed tax immediately, even while objections or appeals are still pending. But a recent High Court ruling has signalled an important shift, curbing what courts have described as SARS’s “reflexive no” to suspension‑of‑payment requests and reinforcing the growing importance of procedural law and evidence in tax disputes.
What COP30 Means for South African Companies and SMEs
The latest global climate summit, COP30, confirmed a shift that South African businesses are already experiencing: climate change is no longer just a policy issue—it is a commercial one. The focus has moved from long‑term targets to implementation, resilience and capital flows, with direct implications for companies of all sizes.
King V: Key Implications for Company Directors
A New Chapter in South African Corporate Governance
CIPC Steps Up Compliance Checklist Enforcement
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has intensified its enforcement of statutory compliance through a renewed focus on the Compliance Checklist, signalling a firmer regulatory stance toward companies, close corporations, and non‑profit organisations. This initiative forms part of CIPC’s broader mandate to strengthen corporate governance, transparency, and accountability within South Africa’s business environment.
Appointment of New SARS Commissioner
Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu Appointed as New SARS Commissioner
Strategic Capital Partners: Markets Navigate Rising Energy Risks
Global markets remained volatile as geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Iran, kept energy prices elevated and heightened inflation concerns. While economic growth is slowing across major regions, persistent cost pressures are limiting central banks’ ability to ease policy. The U.S. shows mixed signals with stable employment but weakening sentiment, Europe and the UK face softening growth, and Asia remains exposed to energy costs and trade tensions. Overall, markets reflect caution as investors balance the risks of slower growth against stubborn inflation. Global markets remained volatile this week. The conflict involving Iran continued to dominate sentiment, with markets reacting to every headline around ceasefire proposals, attacks on energy infrastructure and the prospects for a broader de-escalation. While hopes of diplomatic progress briefly improved sentiment early in the week, those gains proved short-lived as the parties remain far apart on the terms of any…