SARS eFiling guide for small businesses: what you need to know

<h2>What Is SARS eFiling?</h2><p>SARS eFiling (efiling.sars.gov.za) is the free online portal for submitting tax returns, making payments and managing your tax compliance in South Africa.</p><h2>Getting Started</h2><ol><li>Register at efiling.sars.gov.za with your ID number and personal details</li><li>Add your company as a registered representative</li><li>Link all applicable tax types (Income Tax, VAT, PAYE, SDL)</li></ol><h2>Key Submissions for Small Businesses</h2><table><thead><tr><th>Tax Type</th><th>Form</th><th>Deadline</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Company Income Tax</td><td>ITR14</td><td>12 months after year-end</td></tr><tr><td>VAT (2-monthly)</td><td>VAT201</td><td>Last day of the month after period</td></tr><tr><td>PAYE/UIF/SDL</td><td>EMP201</td><td>7th of each month</td></tr><tr><td>Payroll Reconciliation</td><td>EMP501</td><td>31 May annually</td></tr><tr><td>Provisional Tax</td><td>IRP6</td><td>August 31 & February 28</td></tr></tbody></table><h2>Avoiding Penalties</h2><p>Late submissions incur penalties of R250 per month for each month late. Set calendar reminders for all deadlines. SARS also charges interest on late payments at the repo rate + 3.5%.</p><h2>Useful Tips</h2><ul><li>Enable two-factor authentication on your eFiling account</li><li>Keep supporting documents for 5 years</li><li>Register a tax practitioner if your returns are complex</li></ul>