How to Submit Your Company Tax Return Online in South Africa

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) requires all companies operating in South Africa to submit their annual tax returns. Previously, submitting tax returns involved a lot of paperwork and manual processes.

However, with the introduction of eFiling, companies can now submit their tax returns online, saving time and resources.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of submitting your company tax return online in South Africa.

Why submit your company tax return online?

Submitting your company tax return online offers many benefits, including:

Convenience: You can submit your tax return from anywhere at any time.
Time-saving: Filing online is faster than manual filing, as you can pre-populate certain fields and avoid errors caused by manual data entry.
Accuracy: eFiling reduces the risk of errors and omissions, ensuring that your tax return is filed correctly and on time.
Security: The eFiling system is secure and your information is encrypted, ensuring that your confidential information is protected.

Requirements for submitting your company tax return online

To file your company tax return online, you need:

A valid tax reference number.
An active eFiling profile.
Access to a computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
Supporting documents, such as financial statements and PAYE certificates.

Registering for eFiling

To register for eFiling, follow these steps:

Go to the SARS eFiling website (www.sarsefiling.co.za).
Click on “Register”.
Follow the prompts to enter your personal details and create a profile.
Verify your email address and log in to your profile.

Linking your tax reference number to your eFiling profile

Once you have registered for eFiling, you need to link your tax reference number to your profile. Follow these steps:

Log in to your eFiling profile.
Click on “Profile”.
Click on “Link my Tax Reference”.
Enter your tax reference number and other required details.
Click on “Link”.

Filing your company tax return online

To file your company tax return online, follow these steps:

Log in to your eFiling profile.
Click on “Returns”.
Click on “Returns Issued”.
Select the tax year for which you want to file a return.
Click on “Request Return”.
Select the type of return you want to file.
Complete the relevant sections of the return, ensuring that all fields are completed accurately.
Upload any supporting documents.
Review and submit your return.

Paying your company tax online

Once you have filed your tax return, you need to pay any tax owed. To pay your tax online, follow these steps:

Log in to your eFiling profile.
Click on “Payments”.
Select the tax type you want to pay.
Enter the payment details and select your payment method.
Confirm the payment.

Common errors when submitting your company tax return online

When filing your company tax return online, there are some common errors to avoid, such as:

Failing to declare all income: It is important to ensure that all income earned by your company is declared in the tax return.
Errors in calculations: Double-check all calculations to ensure that they are accurate.
Incorrect data entry: Ensure that all details are entered correctly, such as tax reference numbers and banking details.
Failing to submit supporting documents: Make sure that all necessary supporting documents are uploaded when filing your tax return.