Overhead view of a person working on invoices with a calculator, monitor, and laptop on a modern wooden desk.

Tax Season May Be Over, But South African Expatriates’ SARS Work Might Not Be

With the 2025 tax submission season now behind us, many South Africans living abroad may believe their tax obligations are settled for the year. However, for expatriates whose records at the South African Revenue Service (SARS) still reflect them as South African tax residents, the work may not be over just yet. Lovemore Ndlovu Head...
Glowing digital padlocks within a hexagonal grid on a dark background, symbolizing cybersecurity and data protection.

Outdated SARS Security Details Could Lock South African Expatriates Out of the System

Many South Africans living abroad do not realise that outdated contact information such as old mobile numbers or inactive email addresses on the South African Revenue Service (SARS) system, can block access to their eFiling profile, often with serious consequences. Alex Mahundla SARS Compliance Specialist Without access, you risk missing submission deadlines, critical login One-Time...
Ornate wooden chairs with green velvet, microphones, and polished table in a formal meeting room.

Parliament Heard: Foreign Pensions Tax Could Deter Wealthy Retirees, Returning Expatriates and Investment

The proposed removal of the tax exemption on foreign retirement funds for South African tax residents could have far-reaching negative consequences, including deterring wealthy foreigners and expatriates from choosing South Africa as a retirement destination, discouraging return migration, and scare off global investors from starting businesses in South Africa.
Woman hides face behind an "INCOME TAX" folder, showing stress about tax preparation.

Hidden Danger of Under-Declaring Income: Why Expats May Be More at Risk Without Knowing It

“In terms of the Tax Administration Act, the accused is obliged to submit tax returns for assessment by a specific return date. The accused failed to submit 4 Personal Income Tax returns. Now, therefore the accused is guilty on 4 counts of failure to submit a Personal Income Tax return.”
Worker refuels a commercial airplane on a wet tarmac at sunset, with another passenger jet taking off in the background.

Think You’re Safe Abroad? SARS Says Otherwise

According to the 2025 Henley Private Wealth Migration Report, South Africa is projected to lose approximately 250 dollar-millionaires this year alone. Despite this continued outward migration of high-income individuals, the number of taxpayers formally ceasing tax residency with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to protect their worldwide income from local taxation, appears to be declining.
Silhouette of traveler with suitcase watching an airplane through an airport window, holding a cup.

SA Non-Tax Residency – The Rush Must Not Foreshadow Precision

With the 2025 annual tax filing season deadline fast approaching, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has quickly tightened its verification processes for taxpayers requesting to update their tax residency status to that of non-resident on a more urgent basis than they would have liked.
A large passenger airplane with landing gear extended descends against a warm orange sky, preparing to land.

Moving Abroad May Also Require the Right Tax Move at Home

As South Africans seek new lives and opportunities abroad, many remain unaware that their tax obligations at home will continue to follow them until they formally cut tax ties with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Young man puts coin in piggy bank held by older advisor, discussing financial planning and savings.

SARS Coming After Foreign Retirement Funds

South Africans who have worked abroad and accumulated foreign retirement funds, or foreign nationals who become South African tax residents, need to urgently be aware that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) now wants taxing rights on their foreign retirement funds. This proposed amendment is set to come into effect on 1 March 2026.
Close-up of hands filling a 2020 IRS 1040 tax form on a desk, with a laptop, eyeglasses, Euros, and US dollars.

SARS Latest Notice to Non-Resident Taxpayers: Here is What You Need to Know

On 28 July 2025 the South African Revenue Service (SARS) issued another notice specifically aimed at South Africans abroad concerning their tax residency status. It deals with how an individual who is a non-resident taxpayer on the SARS system, should complete their tax return this filing season.
Person holding a dark blue passport and a black suitcase handle, ready for travel at an airport.

The When, How and Why for Expatriates Considering Leaving the South African Tax Net

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is not beating around the bush with sharpening its focus on South African expatriate taxpayers as part of efforts to curb non-compliance that contributes to billions in lost tax revenue annually. Recent enhancements to SARS’ systems and record-keeping around tax residency status, send a clear message to South Africans...