As we approach February 2026, many companies are preparing for a key tax compliance date: the IT14 (ITR14) income tax return deadline for the 2025 financial year. Meeting this deadline with accurate information isn’t just good practice — it’s the law. Here’s what you need to know:
What Is the IT14 (ITR14)?
The IT14 is the company income tax return that all registered companies must complete and submit to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). It’s the formal declaration of your entity’s annual financial results — including income, deductions, expenses, tax liability and other required disclosures — for tax assessment purposes.
It is crucial to understand:
- The ITR14 must reflect your company’s true tax position for the year of assessment — not just estimates or projections.
- Submission is typically done electronically via SARS eFiling, which streamlines processing and reduces delays.
When Is the 2025 Financial Year ITR14 Deadline?
By South African tax law, a company must submit its ITR14 within 12 months after the end of its financial year. That means if your company’s financial year ended on 28 February 2025, the ITR14 deadline will be on or before 28 February 2026.
This deadline doesn’t change because of weekends or public holidays — it’s a statutory requirement tied to your year-end date. Missing it can trigger penalties and interest charges from SARS.
What Must Be Submitted With Your ITR14?
When filing your IT14 for the 2025 financial year, SARS expects the following:
- Basic return information
- Registered company details (name, tax number, year-end, registered representative)
- Management accounts, including Balance Sheet and Income Statement
- Tax computations and liability
- Financial statements
- Annual Financial Statements (AFS) — compulsory for most medium and large businesses, optional for smaller entities, but highly recommended.
- Supporting schedules
- Industry-specific schedules (e.g., mining, short-term insurance).
- Schedules reflecting capital gains, foreign income, and other disclosures.
NOTE: Keep all supporting documents for at least five years — SARS may request them after assessment.
How to Submit Your ITR14
Electronic filing via SARS eFiling remains the preferred and standard method:
- It’s secure, efficient and accepted by SARS around the clock.
- Tax practitioners can file on behalf of their clients, provided they have appropriate access rights.
Consequences of missing the deadline
Failing to submit your ITR14 by 28 February 2026 — or whichever date is 12 months after your financial year-end — may trigger SARS penalties:
- Administrative penalties based on how late you file.
- Interest on unpaid taxes if amounts owing are not paid on time.
- Possible compliance actions (e.g., restrictions on tax clearances)
NOTE: SARS has broad powers to pursue compliance, and late submission can affect everything from tender eligibility to your company’s standing with SARS.
Tips to Stay Compliant Before the Deadline
- Start early
Don’t wait until February 2026 — gather financial records and tax data well before year-end, even if you need to have backlog accounting brought up to date.
- Use professional help
A qualified tax practitioner or accountant can help ensure your return is accurate and compliant.
- Maintain accurate records
Good accounting systems and up-to-date records make preparation far easier.
- Verify e-filing information
Ensure your company details, financial year-end and tax types are activated correctly on SARS eFiling.
Final words
Filing your ITR14 (IT14) for the 2025 financial year by 28 February 2026 is not optional — it’s a legal requirement under South African tax law, and non-compliance carries real consequences.
Plan ahead, stay organised, and make use of professional accountants and tax practitioners to submit accurately and on time. With the right preparation, meeting your tax obligations becomes manageable — and helps keep your business in good standing with authorities and stakeholders alike.