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SARS compliance reminders

Are You SARS Audit-Ready? Here’s How to Be Confident, Not Caught Off Guard

Don’t Wait for the Knock on the Door

For many SMEs, the idea of a SARS audit sparks fear:
“What if I’ve done something wrong?”
“Do I have all the right documents?”
“Could I face penalties?”

The truth is, being SARS audit-ready doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being prepared—and staying that way year-round. Here’s how.

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1

Know What SARS Looks For

SARS audits are often triggered by red flags such as:

  • Large or unusual claims
  • Inconsistent income reporting
  • Discrepancies between submitted returns and third-party data

Being aware of these helps you stay alert and proactively fix small issues before they become big problems.

2

Keep Clear, Accessible Records

Your records should be:

  • Organised: Keep receipts, invoices, payroll records, and bank statements in one place.
  • Backed up: Store copies digitally in case SARS requests older documents.
  • Up to date: SARS can ask for records going back five years.

Good record-keeping is your first defence in an audit.

3

File Everything On Time

Late or missed submissions are a red flag. This includes:

  • VAT returns
  • Provisional and annual tax returns
  • EMP201 and EMP501 submissions (for employers)

Set calendar reminders or work with an accountant to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

4

Review Before You Submit

Small mistakes—like selecting the wrong tax code or misreporting income—can trigger unnecessary audits.

Let a professional review your return before you file. This adds a layer of confidence and catches errors early.

5

Get Professional Help Before You Need It

The best time to get an accountant isn’t when SARS is knocking—it’s long before.

At SG&CO, we help SMEs:

  • Stay up to date with SARS regulations
  • Keep accurate, audit-ready records
  • File correctly and on time
  • Respond confidently if audited

Being proactive means fewer surprises and more peace of mind.

A SARS audit doesn’t need to be scary when your business is ready for it. With the right systems and expert support, you can stop worrying and start focusing on what you do best: running your business.

Let SG&CO help you stay audit-ready—every day of the year.

Get in touch with SG&CO today.

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