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SARS collected R2,010.3 billion in net revenue in 2025/26, up 8.4% on the previous year, according to its 2025/26 Annual Report published on 16 October 2026 (RP162/2026). SARS met 19 of its 20 Annual Performance Plan targets. AW reported the preliminary revenue figures on 1 April 2026; the annual report adds the full performance results.
What the report shows
SARS received a clean audit outcome on its performance information. In its 1 April 2026 media release, SARS said net revenue was R24.7 billion above the estimate announced at Budget 2025.
Projects that fell behind
BusinessDay reported on 17 October 2026 that the annual report describes the OR Tambo International Airport passenger-processing project as only partly finished, with "only a limited portion of the contract value" certified and paid. SARS terminated the contractor. SARS told the newspaper that the online traveller declaration system is separate and already running at ports.
Who it affects
All taxpayers, and the practitioners who deal with SARS on their behalf.
What this means for accountants and finance professionals
Compliance work drives revenue. R319.2 billion came from compliance activity such as audits, verifications and debt collection. Clients should expect continued scrutiny, and practitioners should keep files ready for verification requests.
Refunds are checked. With R457.9 billion paid out in refunds, SARS continues to verify claims before paying. Supporting documents for VAT and income tax refunds should be complete when the return is filed.
Service standards are measured. The Service Charter Index gives practitioners a benchmark when raising service complaints with SARS.
Context for the mini budget. Strong collections are part of the revenue story economists expect in the 21 October MTBPS.
What to do
Read the sections of the annual report relevant to your clients, such as compliance and debt collection.
Check that clients' refund claims are supported before submission.
Prepare clients for verification and audit requests, which remain a large part of SARS's work.
Sources: SARS 2025/26 Annual Report · SARS media release, 1 April 2026 · BusinessDay, 17 October 2026 · AW, 1 April 2026
