Admin Boss Tax Knowledge Hub

Small Business Tax Checklist

Updated: June 2026 5 min read
Quick Overview: Small business owners need financial statements, expense records, VAT documents if registered, and provisional tax records before filing.
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Andre van Niekerk

Registered Tax Practitioner, Admin Boss

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Table of Contents
  1. Quick Answer
  2. Financial Statements
  3. Expense and Receipt Records
  4. VAT and Provisional Tax
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answer

SARS requires you to keep all tax-related documents for at least 5 years from the date of assessment.

Financial Statements

Prepare your income statement and balance sheet for the tax year. If turnover exceeds R1 million, you need full annual financial statements prepared by an accountant.

Expense and Receipt Records

Gather all supplier invoices, receipts, bank statements, and proof of payment for business expenses. Organise by category: rent, salaries, utilities, supplies.

VAT and Provisional Tax

If VAT registered, have your VAT201 returns for the year. Have IRP6 provisional tax payment confirmations. Check if any tax clearances are needed for tenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must I keep these documents?

SARS requires you to keep all tax-related documents for at least 5 years from the date of assessment.

Can Admin Boss help me prepare?

Yes. Admin Boss is a registered tax practice that can help organise your documents and ensure nothing is missed. Visit adminboss.co.za/need-more-info/.

What happens if I miss a document?

Contact the issuer and request a duplicate. For bank statements, download from online banking. Missing documents may result in denied deductions.

Need Help With Your Tax?

Admin Boss is a registered tax practice with over 20 years of experience helping South African individuals and businesses navigate SARS.