South Africa

On 28 August 2026, SARS officially published the details of tariff amendment notices R7864 and R7865 in Government Gazette No. 55269, enacted under the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No. 91 of 1964). These notices formalize changes to the tariff schedule affecting specific goods classifications, duty rates, and rebate provisions. The amendments are part

On 28 August 2026, SARS executed a scheduled upgrade of its core digital platforms, including eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, and the SARS Online Query System (SOQS). This upgrade is a cornerstone of the SARS Vision 2024–2029, which envisions a “smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity.” The enhancements focus on system stability, cybersecurity resilience, user experience

On 27 August 2026, SARS issued a preliminary notification regarding tariff amendments scheduled for publication in the Government Gazette under the Customs and Excise Act, 1964. This advance notice, referenced as Legal Counsel – Secondary Legislation – Tariff Amendments 2026 (notice 43), provides stakeholders with early visibility into forthcoming changes to the tariff schedule. The

On 27 August 2026, SARS announced a joint taxpayer engagement initiative with the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) scheduled for 28–29 August 2026 at Menlyn Shopping Centre in Pretoria. This outreach forms part of SARS’ Stakeholder Engagement Framework and the OTO’s mandate to promote fairness and resolve taxpayer complaints. The event provides walk-in assistance

On 25 August 2026, SARS Customs and Excise division intercepted a major narcotics shipment at OR Tambo International Airport, seizing more than 333 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding R167 million. The operation resulted from intelligence-driven risk profiling and non-intrusive inspection (NII) technology deployed at the air cargo terminal. The seizure underscores

On 25 August 2026, SARS published an Explanatory Memorandum accompanying amendments to the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Regulations issued under Section 74(1) read with Paragraph (d) of the Value-Added Tax Act, 1991 (Act No. 89 of 1991). The memorandum provides the policy rationale, legal basis, and practical interpretation of the regulatory changes, which were simultaneously gazetted

On 25 August 2026, SARS formally published Regulation R.7847 in Government Gazette No. 55245, giving legal effect to amendments to the VAT Regulations under the Value-Added Tax Act, 1991. These regulations, prepared by the Legal Counsel division, introduce substantive changes to the administrative and compliance framework governing VAT vendors. The amendments cover areas such as

SARS launched the August 2026 Tax Practitioner Connect newsletter to support taxpayers with practical compliance information, updated filing procedures, and deadline reminders for the impending income tax season. The edition addresses common queries regarding IRP5 submissions, eFiling updates, and provisional tax obligations. Key Takeaways The newsletter specifies updated submission deadlines for ITR12 returns and outlines

SARS published the August 2026 Government Connect newsletter, reinforcing its commitment to transparent communication and enhanced taxpayer services through digital channels. The edition highlights initiatives to improve tax education, streamline inquiry responses, and integrate citizen feedback into policy development processes. Key Takeaways The newsletter details new online resources for taxpayers to access FAQs, tax guides,

SARS announced digital platform upgrades scheduled for 22 August 2026, aimed at modernizing the eFiling system, enhancing transaction security, and reducing processing times for tax submissions and refunds. The upgrade reflects SARS’ broader vision of a smart, integrated tax administration powered by data analytics and cybersecurity protocols. Key Takeaways The upgrade introduces a revamped user