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Avoid a Tax Audit: Practical Advice for South African Businesses

As a South African accountant, I understand the stress that the prospect of a tax audit can cause for business owners. While audits are sometimes random, certain red flags can increase your chances of being scrutinised by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Here are practical tips to help your business stay audit-proof:

Maintain Accurate and Complete Records

Proper record-keeping is the cornerstone of audit prevention. Ensure that all financial documents—invoices, receipts, bank statements, and tax returns—are accurate, complete, and organised. SARS requires businesses to keep records for at least five years, so invest in reliable accounting software to streamline this process.

File Tax Returns on Time

Late submissions can attract unwanted attention. Always file your VAT, PAYE, and income tax returns on or before the due date. Consistent compliance signals to SARS that your business is well-managed and adheres to tax obligations.

Ensure Consistency Across Documents

Discrepancies between your tax returns and supporting documents can trigger an audit. Double-check that your income declarations, expense claims, and financial statements align perfectly. Reconcile accounts regularly to catch errors early.

Be Cautious with Large Deductions

Claiming unusually large deductions without proper justification can raise red flags. Ensure all deductions are legitimate, well-documented, and supported by receipts or contracts. Avoid aggressive tax strategies that may appear suspicious.

Report All Income Accurately

Underreporting income is a common trigger for audits. Declare all revenue streams, including foreign income if applicable. Transparency in income reporting not only reduces audit risk but also builds credibility with SARS.

Seek Professional Advice

Regular consultations with a tax professional can help identify potential issues before they escalate. Accountants stay updated on the latest tax laws and SARS practices, providing guidance tailored to your business’s unique needs.

 

Red Dot Now provides accounting, payroll and tax compliance services using the best of breed online technology.

Should you want to discuss this, or any of our services further, contact Ryan Coates on e-mail at ryan@reddotnow.com

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We can’t speak highly enough about Ryan and his incredible team at Red Dot Now. We have utilized their services for years and have always been grateful for their friendliness, professionalism and seamless service! Thank you again.Rory Loader
We can’t speak highly enough about Ryan and his incredible team at Red Dot Now. We have utilized their services for years and have always been grateful for their friendliness, professionalism and seamless service! Thank you again.
“I would highly recommend Red Dot Now as I have worked with them for a number of years and always received excellent service and support from the whole team. Our company wouldn’t be the same without Red Dot Now.”Nicky Bailey • MD – Webco
“I would highly recommend Red Dot Now as I have worked with them for a number of years and always received excellent service and support from the whole team. Our company wouldn’t be the same without Red Dot Now.”
“Red Dot Now has added exceptional value to our company. Since taking over our accounting services, we have been able to focus on our core business, assured that our financial affairs are taken care off in a professional, user-friendly, accessible and compliant manner. It is also nice to receive information and reports in a 21st-century manner.”Jacques Buchner CEO – RB Africa
“Red Dot Now has added exceptional value to our company. Since taking over our accounting services, we have been able to focus on our core business, assured that our financial affairs are taken care off in a professional, user-friendly, accessible and compliant manner. It is also nice to receive information and reports in a 21st-century manner.”
“Red Dot Now has assisted us with establishing an efficient outsourced back office supporting our accounting and human resources functions. Through utilising the Red Dot Now outsourcing services, we have managed to reduce our back-office costs significantly without losing functionality and efficiencies.”John Cerff CFO – VM Automotive
“Red Dot Now has assisted us with establishing an efficient outsourced back office supporting our accounting and human resources functions. Through utilising the Red Dot Now outsourcing services, we have managed to reduce our back-office costs significantly without losing functionality and efficiencies.”
“Without Red Dot Now our business would not have been what it is today. I would recommend them to all businesses striving to grow and move forward with the latest technology. World class.”Founders - International Player Management (Pty) Ltd
“Without Red Dot Now our business would not have been what it is today. I would recommend them to all businesses striving to grow and move forward with the latest technology. World class.”
“Red Dot Now was instrumental to the successful migration of our group’s accounting platform and the introduction of reporting software as well as other critical consulting services that allowed us to move to the next level required as a part of our expansion strategy.”Pierre Roux - Group Financial Manager & Premier Hotels & Resort
“Red Dot Now was instrumental to the successful migration of our group’s accounting platform and the introduction of reporting software as well as other critical consulting services that allowed us to move to the next level required as a part of our expansion strategy.”
“Red Dot Now has moved our company forward and has efficiently helped us with various aspects of our businesses finances including our payrolls and SARS submissions.”Johnny Goldberg - CEO Global Business Solutions
“Red Dot Now has moved our company forward and has efficiently helped us with various aspects of our businesses finances including our payrolls and SARS submissions.”
We can’t speak highly enough about Ryan and his incredible team at Red Dot Now. We have utilized their services for years and have always been grateful for their friendliness, professionalism and seamless service! Thank you again.
Rory Loader
We can’t speak highly enough about Ryan and his incredible team at Red Dot Now. We have utilized their services for years and have always been grateful for their friendliness, professionalism and seamless service! Thank you again.
“I would highly recommend Red Dot Now as I have worked with them for a number of years and always received excellent service and support from the whole team. Our company wouldn’t be the same without Red Dot Now.”
Nicky Bailey • MD – Webco
“I would highly recommend Red Dot Now as I have worked with them for a number of years and always received excellent service and support from the whole team. Our company wouldn’t be the same without Red Dot Now.”
“Red Dot Now has added exceptional value to our company. Since taking over our accounting services, we have been able to focus on our core business, assured that our financial affairs are taken care off in a professional, user-friendly, accessible and compliant manner. It is also nice to receive information and reports in a 21st-century manner.”
Jacques Buchner CEO – RB Africa
“Red Dot Now has added exceptional value to our company. Since taking over our accounting services, we have been able to focus on our core business, assured that our financial affairs are taken care off in a professional, user-friendly, accessible and compliant manner. It is also nice to receive information and reports in a 21st-century manner.”
“Diga has assisted us with establishing an efficient outsourced back office supporting our accounting and human resources functions. Through utilising the Diga outsourcing services, we have managed to reduce our back-office costs significantly without losing functionality and efficiencies.”
John Cerff CFO – VM Automotive
“Diga has assisted us with establishing an efficient outsourced back office supporting our accounting and human resources functions. Through utilising the Diga outsourcing services, we have managed to reduce our back-office costs significantly without losing functionality and efficiencies.”
“Without Red Dot Now our business would not have been what it is today. I would recommend them to all businesses striving to grow and move forward with the latest technology. World class.”
Founders - International Player Management (Pty) Ltd
“Without Red Dot Now our business would not have been what it is today. I would recommend them to all businesses striving to grow and move forward with the latest technology. World class.”
“Red Dot Now was instrumental to the successful migration of our group’s accounting platform and the introduction of reporting software as well as other critical consulting services that allowed us to move to the next level required as a part of our expansion strategy.”
Pierre Roux - Group Financial Manager & Premier Hotels & Resort
“Red Dot Now was instrumental to the successful migration of our group’s accounting platform and the introduction of reporting software as well as other critical consulting services that allowed us to move to the next level required as a part of our expansion strategy.”
“Red Dot Now has moved our company forward and has efficiently helped us with various aspects of our businesses finances including our payrolls and SARS submissions.”
Johnny Goldberg - CEO Global Business Solutions
“Red Dot Now has moved our company forward and has efficiently helped us with various aspects of our businesses finances including our payrolls and SARS submissions.”

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