Trust tax filing alert: Sars signals stricter compliance approach for 2026

On December 15, 2025, the South African Revenue Service (Sars) issued a media release reminding trustees and provisional taxpayers of the trust and provisional tax filing season, confirming that the filing deadline for trust income tax and provisional tax returns is January 19, 2026. While framed as a filing-season reminder, the release reflects more than a routine administrative notice.

A clear emphasis on preparation for the trust tax filing season and trust compliance

The communication focuses on preparation for the trust tax filing season, the use of Sars’ systems and guidance, and voluntary compliance by trusts with their tax filing obligations. Trustees are encouraged to ensure that supporting documentation is in order, beneficiary information is verified, and available tools such as eFiling are used to facilitate accurate and complete submissions.

Read in context, the message from Sars is not simply about meeting a deadline. Trusts are being clearly reminded that tax filing obligations must be kept up to date and that compliance is an active and ongoing responsibility.

More than a routine filing-season notice

When viewed alongside other recent communications, the media release forms part of a broader and increasingly consistent compliance message from Sars. Trust compliance is no longer treated as peripheral; it is being brought firmly into focus.

Rather than introducing penalties abruptly, Sars appears to be signalling its expectations well in advance, allowing trusts to align before more formal compliance measures are applied.

Earlier in December, Sars also published a draft notice dealing with administrative penalties relating to trust non-compliance. While that draft remains subject to the public comment process, it aligns with the wider messaging now coming from Sars and reinforces the direction in which trust compliance is moving.

A deliberate and phased compliance approach is being taken by Sars

Taken together, the recent Sars communications reflect a deliberate and phased approach. Sars is using media releases, guidance, and draft notices to communicate expectations clearly and in advance, giving trustees time to ensure their trusts’ tax compliance is up to date.

The consistent message coming from Sars is that trust compliance is now a priority area and should be treated as non-negotiable.

What this means for trustees

For trustees, this has practical implications. Trusts are firmly within Sars’ compliance focus, and the current filing season should be viewed as an important opportunity to address outstanding submissions, confirm the accuracy of trust records, and ensure that ongoing compliance obligations are being met.

Sars’ communications over recent weeks suggest that the period of repeated reminders is narrowing. Although the messaging is framed as guidance rather than enforcement, the expectations are clearly stated and consistently reinforced.

The direction is clear

The overall message coming from Sars is no longer subtle. Trusts are now squarely in the compliance spotlight, and trustees are expected to address the trusts’ tax obligations proactively. Those who act now to bring their trusts’ affairs up to date will place themselves on the right side of Sars’ compliance expectations as enforcement tightens.

A practical way forward

For trustees dealing with tight timelines or large trust portfolios, the real challenge is often execution rather than intent. Where multiple trusts or historic tax return backlogs are involved, having the ability to fast-track the compliance process through a structured, bulk-submission approach can make a material difference.

Against the backdrop of Sars’ growing focus on trust compliance, it becomes important for trustees to ensure they are supported by a tax provider with proven bulk trust submission capability, who can assist in bringing trusts up to date efficiently and ahead of trust administration penalties becoming enforceable.

* Fletcher is the senior manager of trust and deceased estate tax compliance at Tax Consulting SA.

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