SARS Deadlines for Small Business, 2026/27
Short answer: The tax year runs from 01/03/2026 to 28/02/2027. Provisional tax payments fall on 31/08/2026 and the last day of February 2027, and provisional taxpayers file their return by 22/01/2027.
Check before you rely on this: VAT and PAYE due dates depend on your category and how you file, so we have not listed them here. Use the SARS calendar for those.
Dates we have confirmed from SARS
| What | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of the 2027 tax year | 01/03/2026 |
| First provisional payment | 31/08/2026 |
| Provisional taxpayers and trusts file the 2026 return by | 22/01/2027 |
| Second provisional payment | End of the tax year, 28/02/2027 (a Sunday, check the last business day) |
| Optional third provisional payment | 30/09/2027 |
Salaried taxpayers
For comparison, the filing season for people who are not provisional taxpayers closes on 23/10/2026.
VAT and employer returns
VAT201 returns and employer returns have their own due dates, depending on your category and how you file. Check the SARS calendar and note them in your reminders.
How OptiTax does this on WhatsApp
- Say "remind me to pay provisional tax on 31 August" and it goes in your calendar.
- Send slips as you go so your numbers are ready on the day.
- Ask for your tax estimate before each payment.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss a deadline?
SARS can charge administrative penalties and interest, and penalties can increase each month.
Where is the official list?
On the SARS calendar page, linked below.
Can I get a reminder on WhatsApp?
Yes, say a date and what it is for and you get a message on the day.
Sources
Related guides
General information, not tax advice. Check your own situation with SARS or a registered tax practitioner.