Expert tips for SMEs this tax season

We’re approaching tax filing season here in South Africa, so it’s time for small business owners to get their information in order and ready to file. Everybody knows that filing taxes can be extremely time-consuming.

Small businesses are already struggling, so it’s vital that they get tax filing right to avoid any penalties or nasty surprises. This means understanding how to stay compliant and also what special taxes may apply to them

Over the past few years, SARS has worked hard to provide digital alternatives to filing in-branch, including eFiling and internet bank transfers.

The changes are helping to improve the process – SARS reported that the majority of payments (81.2%) received in 2019/20 were via eFiling. eFiling means SMEs can send in their returns, review their tax status and pay SARS online, for free at any time.

It’s also crucial that small businesses are aware of the tools and support available. At Xero, we’ve developed a new suite of cloud tools to enable SMES to prepare, store and eFiling VAT returns to SARS all in just a few clicks. These tools increase efficiency, reduce errors and admin – it’s never been easier or faster to eFile.

We know that there’s nothing more reassuring than advice from an expert, and that’s why we’ve built the Tax Task Force, including Candice Mullins, Managing Director of The Tax House; Louis Fourie, CA(SA) and Managing Director of BVSA; and Nicole Rousseau, Head of PKF Ignite. They will help simplify tax compliance for SMEs here in South Africa with “Tax Simplified” tips over the coming weeks.

Here are their top tax tips to set SMEs off to a strong start this tax season.

 Avoid nasty surprises

Candice Mullins says “there is no better sight than hindsight. Many businesses think that tax planning is only applicable to large corporates but they are wrong, it is critical in any small business, and tax planning should be done with a reputable and experienced tax professional.”

Candice adds that “having a 360° understanding of one’s tax risks enables small businesses the opportunity to understand the tax implications of day-to-day transactions.

Be as tax efficient as possible, avoid any nasty surprises, manage cash flow to cater for the taxes payable thereby avoiding penalties, interest, and other negative consequences and, finally, maintain a healthy relationship with our Revenue Services.”

Get your tax-house in order – there’s nowhere to hide this year

Louis Fourie, warns that “the days of taxpayers’ compliance status not-being fully tested by SARS are well and truly over. SARS’ Strategic Plan for 2020/21 to 2024/25 also spells it out clearly – there will be increased levels of compliance, higher detection of those who don’t pay, and fines or penalties for those that don’t comply.”

Louis says that small businesses should be working with their accountant now to ensure a timely submission and to work out exactly what they need to be compliant this year. “SARS is raising auto assessments for certain individual taxpayers, and you should speak with a registered tax practitioner about these to ensure that SARS is assessing you correctly as you may be losing out on valuable refunds.”

Louis also emphasised the need for a close eye on all your details and documents. “Make sure that your registered details are 100 percent correct with SARS, as incorrect details may lead to unnecessary penalties. Always promptly address any questions from SARS and use Xero to keep a record of all your accounting transactions and supporting documents that they may request.”

Automate processes and use the right technology

Nicole Rousseau, Head of PKF Ignite, says “technology is key to taking the pain away from tax filing for small businesses and accountants. We’ve seen digital developments in recent months that are changing the game. From bank feeds that allow the automated flow of business transactions into accounting software, to being able to snap receipts and upload the information from anywhere.”

She adds, “Using a cloud accounting platform to manage your finances makes it easy to see your finances in real-time and collaborate with your accountant seamlessly throughout the year. This means that when you come to file, everything is ready and easy to view.

“We’ve also been trailing Xero’s direct eFiling to SARs feature. New technology like this means that a manual process that used to have multiple steps is now quick and simple for small firms. I’d recommend that all business owners look at how tech tools can automate a lot of the heavy lifting for them.”  

Stay up to date on the latest tax information

We know that this year has been tough for small businesses, that’s why we’re working with our partners and experts in the field to make the tax season as painless as possible. You’ll find advice, such as the upcoming content from our Tax Task Force, as well as tips, ideas, and resources that will ensure a smooth-sailing tax filing season on the Xero blog here.

This article was written by Colin Timmis, Country Manager and professional accountant, Xero South Africa.

Featured image: Scott Graham via Unsplash