SARS Extends Tax Deadline After System Glitches Leave Employers Scrambling

SARS Pushes Back Tax Deadline After System Chaos Throws Employers Off Track

Joburg tax practitioners and business owners were left frustrated this week as the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) online systems crashed right before a key submission deadline. Now, in response to the disruption, SARS has officially extended the deadline to file monthly tax declarations to Monday, 14 July 2025.

The extension comes after widespread technical problems on Monday, 7 July, which left many unable to access their filing profiles or submit their EMP201s — a monthly requirement that covers PAYE, UIF, and the Skills Development Levy.

What Went Wrong?

SARS blamed the system crashes on higher-than-expected traffic volumes, likely triggered by the overlap of EMP201 filings and the launch of the 2025 tax season’s auto-assessments. The result? Digital chaos for thousands trying to meet their monthly employer tax obligations.

Though some system stability returned by Wednesday, damage had already been done. Tax professionals took to social media to express their frustration, with several asking if SARS would hold them accountable for missed deadlines caused by internal glitches.

One Joburg-based tax practitioner posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“We try to do the right thing, file on time, stay compliant — and then the system just locks us out. Please don’t penalise us for your tech issues, SARS!”

Penalty Panic Turns to Relief

Thankfully, SARS stepped in with a rare show of flexibility. In a public statement, the revenue service acknowledged the disruption and confirmed that no penalties or interest will be charged — as long as employers file their EMP201s by 14 July.

“We recognise that some employers experienced delays… and as a result, we will consider not imposing penalties and interest on employers who would otherwise have been compliant,” SARS said.

The extension was granted under Section 3 of the Income Tax Act, which allows the SARS Commissioner to shift due dates at their discretion.

What You Need to Do Now

If you’re an employer or payroll officer, here’s what to keep in mind:

• New deadline: Monday, 14 July 2025

• What to file: Your EMP201 (monthly employee tax return)

• Why it matters: Avoid penalties and keep your PAYE, UIF, and SDL contributions up to date

• How to file: Use SARS eFiling or contact your tax practitioner for help before the new cut-off

The Bigger Picture

While SARS has taken the right step in giving businesses more time, the incident raises broader concerns about the resilience of government systems during peak filing periods. Many have called for greater investment in digital infrastructure to prevent future disruptions — especially with tax season expected to get even busier in the coming weeks.

For now, though, Joburg employers can breathe a small sigh of relief and get back to business — with just a bit more time on the clock.

Source:Business Tech 

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