Know What SARS Expects From Your Business

As an SME, your business is responsible for:

• VAT submissions and payments
• PAYE, UIF & SDL submissions for staff
• Provisional tax returns
• Annual company tax returns
• Tax clearance certificates
• Keeping accurate records for at least 5 years

📌 Tip: Even small businesses often fall into multiple SARS categories. Make sure you’re registered correctly for each one.

Understand the Main SARS Submission Deadlines

📌 Tip: SARS doesn’t accept “I forgot” — penalties start immediately if deadlines are missed.

Keep Supporting Records Organised

For every submission, you need supporting documents ready to back up your numbers if SARS ever queries them.

Key supporting documents include:

• Sales invoices & receipts
• Supplier invoices & expense claims
• Bank statements
• Payroll records
• Asset purchase records
• Loan agreements
• SARS submission confirmations

📌 Tip: Cloud accounting systems like Xero make record-keeping much easier — especially when paired with Bletchleys managing your accounts.

Don’t Guess SARS Rules — They Change

Tax law isn’t static. SARS regularly updates:

• VAT claim rules
• PAYE calculations
• Allowable deductions
• Verification processes

Trying to self-manage SARS compliance without staying updated is risky. What worked 2 years ago may now result in penalties or audits.

📌 Tip: That’s why SME directors outsource this part — Bletchleys monitors every rule change so you don’t have to.

SARS Loves Accuracy, Not Estimations

SARS systems now cross-check submissions automatically across:

• VAT, PAYE, and Income Tax
• Your bank statements
• Supplier declarations
• Third-party data (like banks and CIPC)

Small errors easily trigger verifications, audits, or penalties.

📌 Tip: Submitting on time is critical — but submitting accurately matters even more.

Get Ahead of SARS — Not Behind

The businesses that stay SARS-compliant aren’t scrambling at the last minute. They have:

• A system for keeping accounts up to date monthly
• Automated reminders for submission dates
• Professional oversight on all returns
• Consistent, accurate reporting

📌 Tip: Bletchleys clients are always prepared — because compliance is built into our ongoing service, not handled in a last-minute rush.