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What Is Turnover Tax for Small Business

Updated: June 2026 5 min read
Quick Overview: Turnover tax is a simplified system for micro businesses with turnover of R1 million or less. You pay a single tax based on total turnover instead of income tax, VAT, and provisional tax separately.
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Andre van Niekerk

Registered Tax Practitioner, Admin Boss

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Table of Contents
  1. Quick Answer
  2. Who Qualifies
  3. Turnover Tax Rates 2026
  4. Turnover Tax vs Normal Tax
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answer

Apply via SARS eFiling before the start of the tax year by 1 March.

Who Qualifies

Your business must have annual turnover of R1 million or less, not be a personal service provider, not be a professional service firm, and meet other SARS requirements.

Turnover Tax Rates 2026

R0 to R335,000 at 0%. R335,001 to R500,000 at 1% of amount above R335,000. R500,001 to R750,000 at R1,650 plus 2% above R500,000. R750,001 to R1,000,000 at R6,650 plus 3% above R750,000.

Turnover Tax vs Normal Tax

Turnover tax is simpler with no need for detailed records or provisional tax. Normal tax allows deducting business expenses. The best option depends on your profit margin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?

Apply via SARS eFiling before the start of the tax year by 1 March.

Can I claim expenses?

No. Turnover tax is on total revenue, not profit. You cannot deduct business expenses.

What if turnover exceeds R1 million?

You must deregister and switch to the normal tax system, including provisional tax and possibly VAT.

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.