Why Must Companies Register for Income Tax?
Under the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962, every company incorporated in South Africa must register for corporate income tax with SARS. This applies to:
- •All Private Companies (Pty) Ltd
- •Close Corporations (CC)
- •Non-Profit Companies (NPC) — even if tax-exempt
- •Trusts with business activities
When must you register?
Within 60 days of incorporation or when first becoming liable for tax.
Corporate Income Tax Rate South Africa (2026)
| Company Type | Tax Rate |
|---|
|---|---|
| Standard company | 27% of taxable income |
|---|---|
| Small Business Corporation (SBC) | 0%–27% (tiered) |
| Turnover Tax (micro businesses) | 0%–3% of turnover (below R1m turnover) |
Small Business Corporation (SBC) Tax Rates 2024/2026:
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|
|---|---|
| R0 – R95,750 | 0% |
|---|---|
| R95,751 – R365,000 | 7% on amount above R95,750 |
| R365,001 – R550,000 | R18,848 + 21% on amount above R365,000 |
| Above R550,000 | R57,698 + 27% on amount above R550,000 |
Documents Needed to Register for Company Income Tax
- •✅ CoR14.3 CIPC Certificate of Incorporation
- •✅ Company MOI (Memorandum of Incorporation)
- •✅ Director's ID document
- •✅ Proof of company banking details
- •✅ Company contact details and registered address
- •✅ IT77C form (Income Tax registration form)
How to Register a Company for Income Tax with SARS
Option 1: SARS eFiling (Recommended)
- Go to efiling.sars.gov.za
- Create a representative taxpayer eFiling profile
- Add the company as a new taxpayer
- Complete the IT77C registration form
- Upload supporting documents
- Submit and receive your company income tax number within 5 business days
Option 2: SARS Branch Visit
- Book an appointment online at sars.gov.za
- Bring all supporting documents
- Complete the IT77C at the branch
- Receive a confirmation of registration
What is a Company Tax Number?
Your company tax number is a 10-digit SARS reference number (e.g., 9123456789). This number:
- •Is needed to file company income tax returns (ITR14)
- •Must appear on all SARS eFiling submissions
- •Is required for TCC/ATA applications
- •Is requested by banks and tendering authorities
PAYE Registration: When is It Required?
If your company employs staff, you must also register for:
- •PAYE (Pay As You Earn) — tax deducted from employee salaries
- •UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) — 2% of monthly payroll
- •SDL (Skills Development Levy) — 1% of monthly payroll
These are registered separately from income tax.
Amashad's SARS Registration Service
Amashad handles complete SARS registration packages — income tax, VAT, PAYE, and TCC applications. Request a quote today.
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