Upcoming Tax Deadlines You Need to Know

As we move into 2026, there are several important tax deadlines approaching that business owners and individuals should keep top of mind. Staying ahead of these dates will save you stress, ensure compliance, and keep your financial affairs in order.

Provisional Tax 2026.02 – Deadline: 28 February 2026

What is Provisional Tax?

Provisional Tax is not a separate tax but a way of paying your income tax liability in advance. Instead of waiting until the end of the tax year, taxpayers make payments twice a year based on estimated taxable income. This system helps spread the tax burden and avoids a large lump sum at year-end.

Who needs to submit?

Individuals who earn income other than a salary (e.g., rental income, business income, investments).

Companies and trusts that generate taxable income.

Why it matters:

It’s crucial to have your books up to date before the deadline. If your records are incomplete, you risk rushing calculations at the last minute, which can lead to errors or penalties. Getting everything in order now ensures a smooth submission and peace of mind.

2025 Company Income Tax – Deadline: 28 February 2026

Have you completed your 2025 financials yet? If not, now is the time to act. Finalised financial statements are essential for accurate tax submissions, compliance, and strategic planning.

Why it’s important:

•  SARS requires complete and accurate financials for submission.
• Properly prepared accounts give you insight into your business performance.
• Early preparation avoids the stress of looming deadlines and potential penalties.
• Don’t let the deadline creep up on you—start preparing now so you’re ready well before 28 February.

EMP201 (2026.02) – Deadline: 31 May 2026

EMP201 submissions cover your monthly PAYE, UIF, and SDL declarations. For the February 2026 period, the final deadline is 31 May 2026.

Key questions to ask yourself:

Is your payroll up to date?

Do your records balance correctly?

Have all EMP201s been submitted on time?

Getting on top of this early will prevent last-minute reconciliations and ensure your business remains compliant.

Final Thoughts

Tax deadlines can feel overwhelming, but with proper preparation, they don’t have to be. Keep your books current, finalise your financials, and stay on top of payroll submissions. Doing so will save you time, stress, and potential penalties.

If you need assistance with any of these upcoming deadlines, reach out to us—we’re here to help you stay compliant and confident.

Would you like me to also prepare a newsletter version of this post, with shorter sections and a call-to-action at the end, so you can send it directly to clients?

Emily Gomes (ICB Senior Bookkeeper)

Senior Bookkeeper