How to Pay Less Tax Legally in South Africa (SARS Themes Only)

In short: This is not tax advice. Nobody can lawfully “hack” SARS. Lawful ways to pay less personal income tax in South Africa are the ones SARS itself publishes: age rebates, medical scheme fees tax credits, retirement fund contribution deductions under section 11F, qualifying donations with a section 18A receipt, and other deductions or allowances … Read more

Navigating VAT Registration: Tips for Success

Starting a new business can be exciting, but it often comes with challenges. One common hurdle for entrepreneurs in South Africa is registering for Value Added Tax (VAT) with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Some business owners have reported waiting months to complete this process. This delay can complicate sales, especially with the burden … Read more

**Delays in Bank Account Verification for Tax Refunds: What You Need to Know**

In recent months, many individuals have experienced significant delays in the bank account verification process for tax refunds. Reports are surfacing that this process is taking much longer than the expected timeframe provided by tax authorities. Typically, the verification period is stated to take around 21 working days. However, some taxpayers have reported waiting over … Read more

Navigating Tax Number Issues with SARS

Navigating Tax Number Issues with SARS Complete guide for South African residents and expats Last updated: November 2025 Quick Facts Getting a tax number is 100% FREE – never pay anyone Six free methods available: eFiling, SMS, WhatsApp, USSD, branch, employer SARS will NEVER email you links or ask for banking details Main contact: 0800 … Read more