Tax practitioners are urging South Africans to prioritise early preparation and accurate record-keeping as the 2026 tax filing season approaches, warning that most challenges experienced during submissions are linked to poor organisation rather than the complexity of the tax system itself.
With filing season drawing closer, professionals say many taxpayers continue to miss deadlines, submit incorrect information, or struggle to account for income simply because their financial records are not properly maintained throughout the year.
The South African Revenue Service ( SARS ) has encouraged taxpayers to use its digital platforms to improve efficiency during filing season, but tax experts stress that compliance begins long before submission deadlines.
Chartered accountant Professor Dilip Garach says many taxpayers only begin preparing when filing season opens, which leads to unnecessary pressure and avoidable errors.
“The tax season is upon us. Most people stress about tax purely because they don’t organise themselves. It is important to organise your tax records, whether in a physical folder or digitally,” he said.
Garach also emphasised the importance of understanding how the tax year works, as confusion around reporting periods often leads to mistakes.
“This is the 2026 tax year. It starts on 1 March 2025 and ends on 28 February 2026. That is the period we are reporting to the South African Revenue Service,” he explained.
What SARS expects from taxpayers
According to SARS guidelines and filing-season information, taxpayers are expected to ensure that their financial records are accurate, complete, and supported by documentation such as invoices, bank statements, and proof of income or deductions.
It also encourages taxpayers to submit their returns on time in order to avoid penalties and interest, while ensuring that their banking and personal details are kept up to date.
Taxpayers are further advised to make use of digital platforms such as eFiling and the SARS MobiApp to improve accuracy and efficiency during submission. In addition, they are required to keep all supporting documents safely stored, as these may be requested later for verification or audit purposes.
“Incorrect or incomplete information can delay assessments or trigger compliance reviews,” Garach said.
Practical steps for staying tax compliant
Tax professionals say improving compliance does not require advanced accounting knowledge, but rather consistent habits and basic financial discipline. These include opening a dedicated business account helps ensure that all income and expenses are clearly tracked and easier to report.
Entrepreneurs are also advised to maintain year-round records such as receipts, invoices, bank statements, and proof of payments, track income regularly, set aside money for tax obligations such as reserving a portion of income throughout the year to avoid financial strain when tax payments become due.
More tips include the use digital tools such as accounting apps, spreadsheets, and cloud storage systems for easier management and to help automate tracking and reduce the risk of lost documentation.
Supporting small businesses and gig workers
Compliance is important for South Africa’s growing informal and gig economy, where income is often earned through multiple short-term jobs, freelance contracts, or online platforms.
Without proper systems in place, many small operators risk underreporting income unintentionally or struggling to verify earnings during assessments.
Experts emphasise that tax compliance should not be viewed as a once-off annual task, but as an ongoing practice built into daily business operations.
