Africa-Press – South-Africa. With the second provisional tax return deadline quickly approaching, SARS is urging these taxpayers to submit accurate income estimates and settle any outstanding tax to avoid penalties, interest and cash-flow shocks.
As the second provisional tax return deadline approaches on 27 February 2026, NMG Benefits Chief Operating Officer and Executive Head of Platforms, Siphamandla Buthelezi, said the second provisional return is often misunderstood.
However, this tax return plays a critical role in keeping taxpayers compliant and financially prepared. “The second provisional return is not just an administrative tick-box,” Buthelezi said.
“It is your opportunity to reassess your income for the full tax year, correct earlier estimates, and materially reduce the risk of underpayment penalties. Getting this right can have a direct impact on your final tax outcome and your cash flow.”
The second provisional tax return (IRP6) represents the final estimate of taxable income for the year of assessment.
It applies to individuals, trusts, and companies that earn income not subject to PAYE, such as freelancers, contractors, sole proprietors, investors, and many small business owners.
Unlike the first provisional return, which is submitted midway through the tax year and is often based on rough estimates, the second return is submitted when the tax year is almost complete.
Importantly, SARS expects this estimate to be reasonable, Buthelezi explained. In practice, this generally means –
Individuals and trusts should estimate at least 90% of their actual taxable income
At least 80% of taxable income where SARS’ “basic amount” rules apply
Failure to meet these thresholds may result in understatement penalties, even if the final tax is paid later. In general, taxpayers must submit if they –
Earn income that is not subject to PAYE
Receive rental, investment, or business income
Are registered with SARS as a provisional taxpayer
The second return allows taxpayers to make a far more accurate assessment using actual income earned to date and realistic projections for the remaining period.
Prepare early or face the consequences
Buthelezi stressed that early preparation is critical, as a structured approach helps reduce errors and risk. Taxpayers can start by reviewing their income to date.
This involves gathering records of all income received during the year, including business revenue, rental income, interest, dividends, and capital gains.
Next, they should accurately estimate their full-year taxable income. While SARS allows estimates, they must be defensible.
To make this determination, taxpayers can use year-to-date results, signed contracts, recurring income trends, and known expenses to project the full year.
After this step, taxpayers can determine whether additional tax is due after taking into account the first provisional payment and any PAYE already paid.
Finally, they must submit via SARS eFiling. The IRP6 must be submitted on eFiling, and any outstanding tax must be paid by 27 February 2026.
Failing to submit on time or materially underestimating taxable income can result in interest on late or insufficient payments, as well as understatement penalties.
“The biggest mistake taxpayers make is assuming they can ‘fix it later’ at the assessment stage,” Buthelezi warned. “By then, penalties and interest may already have been triggered, even if the original intent was not to underpay.”
Many taxpayers approach SARS with unnecessary fear and are often unaware of their rights. Understanding these rights is an important part of protecting yourself and managing disputes effectively. Taxpayers are entitled to –
Fair, respectful, and professional treatment
Clear reasons for penalties, adjustments, or assessments
Query or formally dispute assessments they believe are incorrect
Seek professional assistance when uncertain or under audit
With the deadline fixed and SARS increasingly reliant on data-driven compliance and third-party reporting, Buthelezi stressed that early preparation is no longer optional.
“Provisional tax is as much about cash-flow planning as it is about compliance. When taxpayers understand the process, the risks, and their rights, they are far better positioned to make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises,” he said.
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