28/07/2025
🇿🇦 SARS 2025 Tax Update: Crucial for Non-Residents AND SA Residents
SARS has announced major changes for the 2025 tax season, especially for non-resident taxpayers — but also reminds residents of their full tax responsibilities.
📌 NON-RESIDENTS: New Filing Steps
If you’re living abroad but earning from SA, SARS now requires you to manually activate the Non-Resident Tax Return Type:
1. Go to the SARS Online Query System (SOQS)
2. Select Non-Resident Tax Return Type
3. Submit your ID/Passport details, confirm OTP, and choose the 2025 tax year
4. Your return will be reformatted accordingly
✅ Once submitted, your profile stays flagged as non-resident — unless your status changes.
📌 Permanent update coming: SARS plans to fully integrate this into the eFiling wizard in future seasons.
🧾 What Non-Residents Must Pay Tax On:
SA-based salaries or consulting income
SA pensions or annuities
SA rental income
SA interest (with 15% withholding tax if applicable)
SA dividends (20% tax, sometimes reduced by treaties)
Royalties (usually 15%)
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📌 RESIDENTS: Reminder on Global Income
If you're a South African resident, SARS taxes you on your worldwide income, including:
Local + foreign employment income
Offshore investments and capital gains
Foreign pensions, rental income, and interest
SARS receives third-party data from banks, employers, and institutions worldwide — non-disclosure can lead to penalties.
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📣 Need help? Get it right the first time.
Whether you’re living in South Africa or abroad, Ahmed M and Associates will assist you with:
Tax return submissions
SARS disputes or queries
Residency clarifications
Business and personal tax planning
📧 [email protected]
📱 079 084 6137
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We are committed in providing you with the best advice to drive your business and ensure that it grows and become successful. While you run your business you can trust us with all your finance, tax and administration needs.
