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  • Taxes & Accounting

Why It Is More Important Than Ever to File Your SARS ITR14 Tax Returns

  • Updated on 20 March, 2026
Why is it important to file your ITR14 Tax Return at SARS

It is imperative that you, as a business owner, maintain your tax compliance (such as your ITR14). There is no way around it. In the final quarter of 2024, SARS has cracked down hard on tax avoidance, punishing businesses and trusts with serious consequences. As part of its ongoing campaign against non-compliant enterprises, SARS has focused its attention on various industries, and even more so, on the construction industry.

As part of their continued efforts to ensure tax compliance and protect the country’s finances, SARS has taken this step. The SARS has recently stated in media interviews that it intends to “intensify and deepen existing administrative efforts,” using AI and advanced data science to identify tax fraud while continuing to serve law-abiding citizens and companies. The recent moves by SARS make it very apparent that they would not spare any company, no matter how large or little.

We had 1,198,309.00 SMEs contact us in the last year alone to assist with their tax registration at SARS.

Our expert tip on tax returns in South Africa

Given this context, it is more important than ever to submit your ITR14 tax returns. Prompt submission safeguards your company's reputation, finances, and expansion prospects in addition to keeping it in compliance with the law.

The ITR14, sometimes referred to as the IT14, is an annual tax return that needs to be submitted once each financial year. The consequences of not meeting this deadline could be severe, including fines, time-consuming audits, or even legal trouble. Prepare your ITR14 as early as January 2025 if you wish to submit it before the 28 February deadline. Doing this will save you the trouble and worry of waiting until the last minute to submit.

When should ITR14 be filed?

When to Submit Your Annual Company Tax Return: A common misunderstanding is that the IT14 must be submitted by 28 February each year. This is not always correct.

The rule is:

Your IT14 must be submitted within 12 months after the end of your company’s financial year.

For example:

  • If your financial year ends 28 February 2025, your IT14 is due 28 February 2026.
  • If your financial year ends 30 June 2025, your IT14 is due 30 June 2026.


Failing to understand this timeline can result in unnecessary penalties.

Is your sars tax return up to date

What Are ITR14 Tax Returns (income tax returns)?

ITR14 vs the Old IT14 – What Changed?

Many business owners still refer to the return as the “IT14.”

SARS replaced the old IT14 format with the more structured ITR14 to:

  • Improve financial disclosure accuracy
  • Integrate with modern SARS risk-assessment systems
  • Align with updated Companies Act and Income Tax Act requirements


The newer ITR14 requires more detailed financial reporting, including:

  • Accounting profit reconciliation
  • Tax computation schedules
  • Disclosure of related party transactions
  • Capital allowances and deductions


This means accuracy is more important than ever.

South African businesses must submit an income tax return (ITR14) to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) annually in accordance with the law. This form is used by businesses to report their taxable income, expenses, and other financial data for the assessment year.

Through reviewing the ITR14 form, SARS can ascertain your company’s tax liability, any potential refunds, or the status of your tax liability. The filing of this document is mandatory by law regardless of the company’s financial status, whether it is profitable, losing money, or not trading at all.

Business woman successfuly submitting her ITR14 tax return with SARS

Does Every Business Need to Submit a Business Tax Return (ITR14)?

Important Clarification: Sole Proprietors vs Companies

There is often confusion between personal and company tax returns.

  • ITR14 → Submitted by companies (Pty Ltd, Ltd, NPC, CC).
  • ITR12 → Submitted by individuals and sole proprietors.


If you are a freelancer operating as a sole proprietor (not registered as a company), you submit an ITR12, not an ITR14. However, once you register a Pty Ltd with CIPC, the company becomes a separate legal entity and must submit an ITR14 – even if it has not traded. No matter how big or little, every registered business in South Africa is required to file an ITR14 tax return.

Who does this include? Organisations in the public and private sectors:

  • Startups and Individuals Operating as Freelancers
  • Businesses that were completely idle (i.e. non-trading) throughout the financial year
  • Non-Profit Organisations (NPC, NPO)
  • Close Corporations (CC’s )
Our experts advise to always submit your tax returns even if your company is inactive

No matter the outcome of your business's financial situation, you are still obligated to submit your ITR14. If you fail to comply, your business could face fines or be tagged as non-compliant.

Is Your Tax Status Clear to You?

Tax Clearance Certificate vs Tax Compliance Status (TCS)

Many businesses still refer to a “Tax Clearance Certificate.” SARS has replaced this with a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN system.

Instead of issuing a paper certificate, SARS now:

  • Generates a unique PIN
  • Allows third parties (banks, government departments, tender boards) to verify your compliance status electronically


If your ITR14 is outstanding, your TCS status may show as non-compliant, which can block:

  • Tender applications
  • Loan approvals
  • Government contracts
  • CSD registration updates


Maintaining up-to-date ITR14 submissions directly protects your TCS status.

Make sure you know your tax situation before you fill out your ITR14. If your business has any fines, late returns, or unpaid taxes, SARS can see its status to see how compliant it is. Damage from a negative tax status can be substantial and include things like:

  • Struggling to submit proposals or applications for contracts without a tax clearance certificate
  • Unrealised possibilities for financing
  • Fines and possible repercussions
  • Being hounded by so-called SARS Debt Collectors

Contacting tax professionals like us or using SARS's eFiling portal are two ways to confirm your tax position.

Contact us today!

How Do I Complete an ITR14?

In order to submit your ITR14, you need to make sure that all of your company’s books are in order. You must provide SARS with certain documents and information to ensure the submission is accurate and compliant. Here is a comprehensive list of all the necessary items:

Annual Financial Statements (AFS) for the Year

  • Includes your income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows, among other financial documents.
  • Compiled by an auditor or accountant in accordance with the standards set out by the Companies Act, Income Tax Act, IFRS and more.

Workers' Private Tax Information (if applicable)

  • Work submitted for Pay As You Earn (PAYE).

Details Regarding Your Business

  • Your banking information, contact details, and company registration number are required pieces of information. Also, add your CIPC Beneficial Ownership, bookkeeping records, VAT returns submitted, Public Officer registered with SARS, and your provisional tax (IRP6) submissions (if applicable)

Documentation and Preparation for Taxes

  • The Value-Added Tax (VAT), payroll-related expenses, and interim tax payments made throughout the financial year.
  • Announcements to Shareholders
    • Information on yearly dividends or changes in ownership.
  • Identifying Tax Parameters:
    • When your business registered for taxes – basically this is the paperwork SARS issued to you.
  • Formal Document for Beneficial Ownership:
    • This is now a crucial and mandatory requirement.
Ensure your tax returns are accurate and the deductions are allowed

Be very careful to record every Cent that comes in, goes out, and is deductible. Here’s a great online resource for learning more about Beneficial Ownership and why it's important.

Find out if your tax returns are up to date at SARS

How do I File My ITR-14 Return at SARS?

Understanding how your company is taxed helps you verify your ITR14 accuracy.

Standard Corporate Tax Rate

Most companies in South Africa are taxed at:

27% of taxable income (effective from years of assessment ending 31 March 2023 onward).

Small Business Corporation (SBC) Tax Rates

If your company qualifies as a Small Business Corporation, you may benefit from reduced progressive tax rates.

To qualify:

  • All shareholders must be natural persons
  • Annual turnover must not exceed R 20 million
  • The company must not primarily provide personal services (unless specific conditions are met)


SBC tax rates are applied on a sliding scale, meaning:

  • Lower taxable income may be taxed at lower rates
  • This can significantly reduce your tax liability


Correct classification must be reflected accurately in your ITR14.

South Africa – Corporate Income Tax Rates
Years of Assessment Ending on Any Date From… Rate of Tax
1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 27%
1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 27%
31 March 2023 to 31 March 2024 27%
1 April 2022 – 30 March 2023 28%
1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022 28%
1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021 28%
Source: South African Revenue Service (SARS) | companypartners.co.za

You need to adhere strictly to all SARS regulations and pay great attention to detail in order to submit an ITR14 in the correct sequence. Here is a comprehensive outline:

1. Make Sure Your Financial Year-End Is Accurate First

Determine when your company’s official financial year concludes (if your Company is registered with the CIPC it should be captured on your registration information). For the majority of businesses in South Africa, this marks the end of February, while others may have alternative financial year-ends.

2. The second step is to prepare your financial statements annually.

Your company’s annual financial records must be finalised prior to completing the ITR14. Based on these claims, you will file your tax return.

3. Third, go to SARS eFiling.

  • Verify that your company is ready to use SARS eFiling. If your business does not already have an account, you must create one and activate it immediately.

4. Complete the ITR14 form.

  • It is essential to accurately input financial data, which encompasses:
    • The total revenue
    • Expenditures that are functional and related to your business
    • Money that can be used to pay taxes
    • Deductions and allowances
Company Partners will assist with your ITR14 tax return in no time

5. The fifth step is to submit any required paperwork.

Make sure to provide all required supporting documentation, including your annual financial reports.

6. Filing Your Tax Returns

Once all the fields have been filled out and the required documents have been uploaded, you can submit the ITR14 online through SARS eFiling. (This is something we can assist you with if you need help.)

7. SARS Assessment

After receiving your return, SARS will examine it and advise you if they need any further details or changes. Following this assessment, you will learn whether your taxes are up to date or if SARS determines you need to pay more.
Curious about your tax returns, use our free smarttax tool

Make use of our FREE SmartTax Savings Tool to see how you can save on your tax returns

What Guidelines Can You Give Me for SARS Electronic Filing of Form ITR14?

SARS offers a mobile app primarily for individual taxpayers (ITR12 submissions).

However:

Corporate Income Tax returns (ITR14) must be submitted via the full SARS eFiling desktop platform. Because the ITR14 requires detailed financial disclosures, the mobile interface does not support full corporate submission functionality. Using SARS eFiling to submit your ITR14 is secure and easy enough if you know how to. This simple tutorial can assist:

Access eFiling

  • Sign in to your SARS account on the eFiling website.
  • Find the ITR14 form.
  • Click “Returns Issued” in the “Returns” menu, and then type “ITR14” there.

Complete eFiling

  • Your company’s tax ID and registration details should be included with additional identifying information.
  • Provide your bank details.
  • Use your yearly financial statements to fill out the fields that pertain to income, expenditures, and tax calculations.

Include Any Supplemental Documents

  • Along with any other forms, submit your annual financial accounts.

Review and Submit

  • Make sure everything is accurate and thorough. Please submit the form once you are satisfied.

Keep track of Your Submission

  • Verify the submission status of your return on SARS eFiling to ensure it has been received and evaluated by SARS.

Feeling overwhelmed
by the process?

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of this process, know that we are right by your side every step of the way. Because we handle the entire process, from collecting the necessary information to submitting it correctly, you won't have to worry about tax compliance.
Get a FREE Consultation

How We Can Assist?

As any busy business owner will attest, being in the good books of SARS can be an absolute nightmare with all the admin. To help you with your ITR14 tax return, we provide the following services:

Valuable Guidance from Subject Matter Experts

With the support of our team of qualified tax specialists, we guarantee the accuracy and timely submission of your ITR14.

Collecting Required Documents

Helping you gather, review, and manage all of the necessary financial data and paperwork is our speciality.

Assistance with SARS Online Filing

Worried you don’t understand eFiling? From start to finish, we handle everything, guaranteeing precise data recording.

Thorough Checks

We will check the current tax status of your company and resolve any issues, including outstanding fines or late returns. Without charging you a dime, we’ll conduct a backlog check for you.

Maintaining Compliance

So that you can avoid costly audits and penalties, we will personally see to it that you don’t miss any deadlines.

Extra Services to Meet Your Needs

We provide a vast array of services beyond just filing ITR14s. For example, we are here to help all year round with your taxes through our expert monthly accounting service offering.

We Want to Assist You in Applying Professionalism and Service Excellence

Don’t just take our word for it, learn online how Sakhele Mzamo, a local company owner, used our complimentary tax backlog review service to get back on track at SARS.

Here’s a great YouTube resource to recap all the important stuff on tax returns.

What makes paying your taxes crucial?

If you care about the reputation and financial line of your business, you must file your ITR14 tax return. When people don’t follow the rules, they risk legal trouble, missed opportunities, and hefty fines. Additionally, by maintaining accurate financial records, you pave the way for potential growth, larger contracts, bids, and investment.

If You Ignore the Regulations, What Will Happen?

SARS may impose administrative penalties for non-submission.

These penalties:

  • Accumulate monthly
  • Can range from R 250 to R 16 000 per month depending on taxable income
  • Continue for up to 35 months
  • Are separate from interest on unpaid tax
    Even if your company:
  • Made no profit
  • Was dormant
  • Owes zero tax


You are still legally required to submit your ITR14.

Late submission can also trigger:

  • SARS verification
  • Audit selection
  • Suspension of Tax Compliance Status (TCS)


Important consequences may result from filing an incorrect or late ITR14:

  • SARS may levy fines for incomplete or incorrect reports.
  • When you pay late, interest is added to the amount you owe, which puts further strain on your finances.
  • Difficulty obtaining funding, contracts, or bids may result from a status of non-compliance and no tax clearance certificate.

In Closing

Mistakes happen, but they must be corrected properly.

If you discover an error after submission:

  1. Log into SARS eFiling.
  2. Request a correction (if the return is not yet finalised).
  3. Submit a revised ITR14.
  4. Upload supporting documents if required.


If SARS has already issued an assessment:

  • You may need to file a Request for Correction (RFC).
  • In some cases, an objection may be required within 80 business days.


Ignoring errors can result in:

  • Incorrect assessments
  • Understatement penalties
  • Interest charges


It is always better to correct voluntarily than wait for SARS to identify discrepancies As part of your business’s tax responsibilities, you must file your ITR14 tax return. The process need not be too much for you to handle. If you are well-informed, gather the necessary documents, and submit your return on time, you can keep your business in compliance and avoid unnecessary complications.

But, if you need help submitting your ITR14, look no further than us. Our seasoned staff will ensure that your return is filed accurately, on schedule, and in complete compliance with SARS regulations.

The tax submission deadline is fast approaching! Get in touch with us today and put your tax worries to rest – fast and efficiently.

Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions About ITR14 Tax Returns

Common mistakes include incorrect calculations, incorrect information, and not providing supporting documentation, such as :

  • Annual Financial Statements (AFS) 
  • Trial balance 
  • Detailed income and expense schedules 
  • Asset and depreciation schedules 
  • VAT and PAYE reconciliation data 
  • Supporting documentation where applicable 

If you have time, you can complete your SARS IRP6 and IT14 tax return by yourself, using the online portal (efiling) and guide to help you with your submission OR you can use a tax specialist to avoid common pitfalls.

Yes, you can file your SARS income tax return by yourself using the online SARS eFiling website.

Log into SARS eFiling and check the status under “Returns History.” SARS will issue an ITA34 notice of assessment once processed. Contact us today!

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