South African Small Business Tax Essentials Self-Study Course

This course gives small business owners and junior finance/admin staff a clear, practical overview of the main tax responsibilities a small business typically faces in South Africa. It focuses on what taxes may apply, when you must register, what needs to be filed and paid, and how to stay compliant without getting lost in technical detail. It also clarifies the difference between business structures (sole proprietor vs company) and how that affects your tax and admin workload.

Who will benefit:

• Small business owners and entrepreneurs (new to tax)
• Start-ups and micro/SME managers handling their own compliance
• Admin, bookkeeping, and junior accounting staff supporting SMEs
• Anyone wanting a practical “tax map” for running a small business in SA

Topics Discussed:

• The Small Business Tax Map — What SARS Expects
• Choosing Your Business Structure — Tax and Admin Implications
• Income Tax Basics for Small Businesses
• Deductible Expenses — What You Can Claim and What You Can’t
• Payroll Taxes 101 — PAYE, UIF and SDL for Employers
• VAT Essentials — When Registration Matters
• Provisional Tax — Planning for Tax During the Year
• SARS Submissions and Deadlines — The Compliance Calendar
• Record-Keeping and SARS Queries — Audit-Proof Basics
• Common Pitfalls and Quick Wins for Small Businesses