CassKai South Africa - IFRS Accounting Software & SARS eFiling

Q: How are SARS eFiling returns handled with CassKai?

CassKai automatically prepares all main SARS returns: VAT201 (bi-monthly or monthly VAT), EMP201 (monthly PAYE/UIF/SDL), EMP501 (bi-annual reconciliation), ITR14 (annual corporate income tax) and IRP6 (Provisional Tax). Data is pre-filled from your accounting, validated against SARS rules, and exportable in eFiling-compatible format. You retain control over final submission in your eFiling profile.

Q: Will CassKai be ready for the future SARS e-invoicing in 2026?

Yes, CassKai anticipates the future SARS e-invoicing framework scheduled for pilot in 2026. Our architecture is already ready for a clearance API model similar to FIRS (Nigeria) or eTIMS (Kenya) which we already operate. As soon as SARS publishes technical specifications, we will update the South African module to ensure native compliance from the start of the pilot, with no action required from you. Your invoices will continue to comply with section 20 of the VAT Act in the meantime.

Regulations

Full IFRS and IFRS for SMEs

South Africa applies full IFRS for all companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), public interest entities and companies with high public accountability. IFRS for SMEs applies to SMEs based on their Public Interest Score (PIS) defined by the Companies Act 71 of 2008. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) oversee standards enforcement.

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SARS eFiling and eAccount

Unified platform of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for all tax filings: VAT201 (VAT), EMP201 and EMP501 (payroll), IRP5/IT3 (employee certificates), ITR12 and ITR14 (personal and corporate income tax). Authentication via eFiling profile, payments via eAccount. The system is undergoing continuous modernisation with AI and SARS data matching, and an e-invoicing pilot is expected in 2026.

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Income Tax Act and VAT Act

South African tax framework: corporate income tax at 27% (reduced from 28% in April 2023), VAT at 15% (raised from 14% in April 2018), PAYE progressive from 18% to 45%, dividend tax at 20%, effective Capital Gains Tax of 21.6% for companies. The Davis Tax Committee regularly influences tax reforms. Annual updates via the Taxation Laws Amendment Act.

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UIF, SDL and COIDA

South African social contributions: UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) at 1% employer and 1% employee, capped; SDL (Skills Development Levy) at 1% of gross salary for companies with payroll above ZAR 500,000 per year; COIDA (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act) at variable rates by sector. Monthly EMP201 and bi-annual EMP501 filings via SARS eFiling.

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E-invoicing

SARS eFiling (e-invoicing pilot 2026)

South Africa does not yet have a mandatory e-invoicing system, but SARS is actively preparing a pilot scheduled for 2026 as part of tax modernisation and the fight against VAT fraud. To date, invoices must comply with the requirements of section 20 of the VAT Act (mandatory mentions, sequential numbering). Payments massively transit through EFT and PayShap, and the ecosystem of tax service providers (SARS-recognised vendors) is very mature. CassKai anticipates compliance with the future SARS framework while offering native integration with eFiling for current returns.

✓Generation of invoices compliant with section 20 VAT Act (mandatory mentions, TIN, sequential numbering)
✓Automatic 15% VAT calculation and management of zero-rated supplies (exports) and exempt supplies
✓eFiling integration for preparation and submission of VAT201, EMP201, EMP501 returns
✓Readiness for the future SARS e-invoicing (2026 pilot), with architecture ready for clearance API
✓Secure electronic retention of invoices for 5 years (Tax Administration Act)

Tax Specifics

South African tax regime

The South African tax system is governed by the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962, the VAT Act 89 of 1991 and the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011, and administered by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). eFiling is the unified portal for all filings and payments. The Companies Act 71 of 2008 defines accounting and governance obligations.

Main taxes and duties

VAT: standard rate of 15% (raised from 14% on 1 April 2018). Zero-rated for exports and certain basic foodstuffs. VAT201 bi-monthly or monthly returns via eFiling.
Corporate Income Tax: 27% on profits (reduced from 28% on 1 April 2023). Provisional Tax payable in two instalments (6th month and year-end).
PAYE: progressive scale from 18% to 45% on salaries. Withheld monthly by the employer and remitted via EMP201.
Dividend Tax: 20% withheld at source on distributions.
Capital Gains Tax: effective rate of 21.6% for companies (80% of the gain included in taxable income at CIT rate).
Withholding Tax: 15% on interest and royalties paid to non-residents (subject to tax treaties).

Filing obligations

VAT201: bi-monthly VAT return (category A and B) or monthly (category C, turnover above ZAR 30M), filed within 25 days of period-end.
EMP201: monthly PAYE/UIF/SDL return, filed within 7 days of the payroll month.
EMP501: bi-annual reconciliation (August and October/November) with employee IRP5/IT3.
ITR14: annual corporate income tax return, filed within 12 months of fiscal year-end.
Provisional Tax (IRP6): bi-annual corporate tax instalments.
Beneficial Ownership (CIPC): annual update of beneficial owners with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.

Accounting specifics and IFRS

Full IFRS: mandatory for JSE-listed companies, public interest entities, and companies with a high Public Interest Score (PIS).
IFRS for SMEs: applicable to companies with a lower PIS.
Mandatory audit: depending on PIS and Companies Act thresholds. Independent Review possible for small entities.
Financial statements: Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Comprehensive Income, Statement of Cash Flows, Statement of Changes in Equity and notes in ZAR.
JSE: Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Africa's largest by market capitalisation.
Strong local competition: Sage Pastel (local incumbent), Xero (cloud), QuickBooks well established. CassKai differentiates through multi-standard cross-Africa consolidation (Full IFRS + IFRS-SME + SYSCOHADA + PCG).

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounting standard is mandatory in South Africa?

South Africa applies two frameworks based on the Public Interest Score (PIS) defined by the Companies Act 71 of 2008. JSE-listed companies, public interest entities and large companies apply full IFRS. Other SMEs may apply IFRS for SMEs (simplified framework). SAICA and IRBA oversee standards enforcement. CassKai natively supports both frameworks and enables cross-Africa consolidation with SYSCOHADA and PCG entities, which is unique on the market.

How are SARS eFiling returns handled with CassKai?

CassKai automatically prepares all main SARS returns: VAT201 (bi-monthly or monthly VAT), EMP201 (monthly PAYE/UIF/SDL), EMP501 (bi-annual reconciliation), ITR14 (annual corporate income tax) and IRP6 (Provisional Tax). Data is pre-filled from your accounting, validated against SARS rules, and exportable in eFiling-compatible format. You retain control over final submission in your eFiling profile.

Does CassKai handle PAYE, UIF, SDL and COIDA payroll?

Yes, CassKai supports the full South African payroll module: PAYE (progressive scale 18% to 45%), UIF (1% + 1% capped), SDL (1% for companies with payroll above ZAR 500,000), COIDA (variable rate by sector) and Tax Directives computation. Automatic generation of payslips, IRP5/IT3 at fiscal year-end (March-February), and preparation of monthly EMP201 and bi-annual EMP501 returns via SARS eFiling.

What competitors exist in South Africa and why choose CassKai?

The South African market is very mature with well-established players: Sage Pastel (historical local leader), Xero (cloud) and QuickBooks. CassKai positions itself on a unique ground: we are the only platform to natively support Full IFRS + IFRS for SMEs + SYSCOHADA + PCG in a single application, making it the reference tool for pan-African groups with francophone African and South African subsidiaries to consolidate. CassKai targets multi-country holdings and groups, not local single-entity micro-businesses.

Is CassKai compatible with EFT and PayShap for payments?

Yes, CassKai supports the main South African payment methods: EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) for bank transfers, PayShap (instant interbank payments launched by BankservAfrica), Debit Order and integrations with the main South African banks (Standard Bank, FNB, ABSA, Nedbank). Automatic generation of payment files, bank reconciliation and import of MT940/CSV statements. Compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) for card flows.

Will CassKai be ready for the future SARS e-invoicing in 2026?

Yes, CassKai anticipates the future SARS e-invoicing framework scheduled for pilot in 2026. Our architecture is already ready for a clearance API model similar to FIRS (Nigeria) or eTIMS (Kenya) which we already operate. As soon as SARS publishes technical specifications, we will update the South African module to ensure native compliance from the start of the pilot, with no action required from you. Your invoices will continue to comply with section 20 of the VAT Act in the meantime.

The accounting and financial solution designed for South Africa

Regulations

Full IFRS and IFRS for SMEs

SARS eFiling and eAccount

Income Tax Act and VAT Act

UIF, SDL and COIDA

E-invoicing

SARS eFiling (e-invoicing pilot 2026)

Tax Specifics

South African tax regime

Main taxes and duties

Filing obligations

Accounting specifics and IFRS

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounting standard is mandatory in South Africa?

How are SARS eFiling returns handled with CassKai?

Does CassKai handle PAYE, UIF, SDL and COIDA payroll?

What competitors exist in South Africa and why choose CassKai?

Is CassKai compatible with EFT and PayShap for payments?

Will CassKai be ready for the future SARS e-invoicing in 2026?

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