Staying SARS-Safe: Tax Compliance Every Bookkeeper Should Master
Bookkeepers are the first line of defence against SARS trouble. This session gives you the tools, checklists, and confidence to keep your clients compliant — from VAT and PAYE to provisional tax and submissions that actually balance.
3 CPD units December 12, 2025
What will set you apart
By completing this course you will gain the following competencies
- Understand a bookkeeper’s role in ensuring full tax compliance
- Identify the key SARS deadlines and submission requirements
- Reconcile VAT, PAYE, and income tax records accurately
- Pick up common errors that lead to audits and penalties
- Maintain tax records and evidence to withstand SARS review
- Build systems that keep both you and your clients audit-ready year-round
Event breakdown
- Understanding SARS’s expectations of bookkeepers
- Overview of key tax types handled at bookkeeping level (VAT, PAYE, provisional tax, etc.)
- Why clean records prevent costly penalties and audits
- Reconciling VAT control accounts to VAT201 returns
- PAYE submissions and EMP201 accuracy checks
- Handling UIF, SDL, and IRP5s with correct cross-checking
- Linking bookkeeping records to annual tax submissions
- Managing provisional tax estimates and supporting schedules
- Documenting year-end adjustments for smooth handover to accountants
- SARS triggers and high-risk areas for small businesses
- Maintaining a compliance file for each client
- Communicating effectively with accountants and SARS
- Using compliance checklists and templates
- Real examples: correcting errors and preparing reconciliations
- Wrap-up Q&A: your top compliance challenges answered
Category: TaxationType: CPD CourseCPD category: Taxation
Description
Tax compliance is where many small businesses stumble — and where a skilled bookkeeper adds enormous value. This practical, two-hour session unpacks the full range of SARS compliance duties handled at bookkeeping level. From VAT and PAYE reconciliations to EMP201s, IRP5s, and provisional tax, you’ll learn how to spot red flags early, keep supporting documents in order, and communicate clearly with both clients and accountants. The session includes real examples of what SARS looks for in audits, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to turn compliance accuracy into a selling point for your services. When your books are clean, your clients — and their accountants — sleep better
You will earn a certificate
On successful completion you will receive a certificate for 3 CPD units in Taxation.
Requirements
- Laptop, desktop, or mobile device with internet access
- Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browser