To expand the tax base, detect dishonest taxpayers, deal with tax avoidance, expand debt collection, and improve service levels, SARS will:  

• Deploy more data science and artificial intelligence (AI).
• Broaden the tax base via third-party data sources (banks, medical schemes, fund administrators etc.
• Use predictive modelling to ensure all taxpayers and traders are registered, filing returns and paying dues. 
• Build detection capability using machine learning models and AI. 
• Enforce Customs and Excise trade laws against the illicit economy.
• Focus on dispute prevention and resolution.

Your company needs to:

• Be registered with SARS for all the tax types applicable to your company.
• Have either merged or declared all registered tax reference numbers on eFiling.
• Timeously submit all tax returns and other documentation requested.
• Keep all registered particulars updated.
• Pay all tax debt on time, or timeously secure a payment arrangement or suspension of payment.
• Deregister the business if it is liquidated or closed.

Benefit from the advantages of tax compliance

When you comply with your tax obligations, you give your business some compelling advantages.

• Eliminate the costs of non-compliance, like penalties, interest, and additional accounting and admin fees
• Avoid the risk of criminal offences, which may result in a fine, imprisonment or both. Common offences include not registering for a tax type, or simply not submitting tax returns.
• Proof of tax compliance is considered an indicator of good company management and legal good standing.
• Good standing tax clearance certificates are often required for tender applications, bidding processes or prequalification as a supplier. They can also be needed to receive payment, or for foreign investment allowances. 
• Compliance enables companies to gain the confidence of clients, stakeholders and investors; take advantage of business opportunities; and prevent reputational damage.
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SARS itself recommends “employing an accountant, tax practitioner, or other tax professional to complete returns, or from whom to obtain advice before completing a return with entries that are not understood or adopting a position with tax implications” to ensure you have taken “reasonable care” when it comes to your tax affairs.