SARS Brings in Top Firms to Tackle R800bn Tax Gap

8 Jul

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SARS is taking tax compliance to the next level. To close an estimated R800 billion tax gap, the revenue authority has appointed 32 of South Africa's top firms to help tighten tax collection and boost revenue. The firms include big names such as PwC, Deloitte, BDO, Forvis Mazars, SizweNtsalubaGobodo, Grant Thornton, and Tax Consulting South Africa. They’ll bring their expertise in three key areas: forensic investigations, valuation advice, and debt management.

What is the Objective?

This move is part of SARS' broader plan to achieve its ambitious R1.986 trillion revenue target for 2025/26. And it signals a clear shift: SARS is leveraging outside legal and technical skills to clamp down on non-compliance.

While most taxpayers try to play by the rules, SARS is focused on making it harder (and more expensive) for those who don’t. That includes utilising private-sector expertise to detect tax evasion and recover what is owed.

Although SARS published the list of winning and losing firms, it hasn’t revealed which companies will handle which parts of the job.

For South African accountants, the message is clear: SARS is watching. Now is the time to ensure your clients are compliant and your advisory services are up to scratch.