As we head into the second half of the year, it’s a good time to reflect on the progress made so far and the opportunities that lie ahead. From time spent on farms and at industry events to ongoing conversations with clients and producers, we’re continually reminded of the resilience and innovation that drive our sector forward. We hope you enjoy this month’s collection of updates, insights and highlights from across the Pinion network.

🌍 Strengthening Our Global Reach

As a proud member of the Pinion Global Network, Pinion South Africa is excited to celebrate the addition of IFAC Ireland to our international community.

The expansion of the network strengthens our global presence and creates even more opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation across borders. Through the growing Pinion Global Network, we are able to combine local expertise with international insight, ensuring our clients benefit from world-class advice and solutions wherever they do business.

We look forward to the valuable connections and opportunities this new partnership will bring as we continue to strengthen our global reach and deliver exceptional service through the power of the Pinion network.

Regulatory Updates & Compliance News

📢 SARS Filing Season 2026 Is Here – Key Dates & Important Changes

SARS has announced the 2026 Filing Season, with auto-assessments running from 1–12 July 2026. Non-provisional individual taxpayers who are not auto-assessed may submit returns from 13 July 2026 until 23 October 2026, while provisional taxpayers have until 22 January 2027. Trust filing opens on 19 September 2026 and closes on 22 January 2027.

What’s New for 2026?
✅ More information will be pre-populated on returns, including certain investment income.
✅ A simplified ITR12 return with clearer questions and improved navigation.
✅ Enhanced guidance on tax residency declarations.
✅ Medical aid claims now include a drop-down list of approved schemes.
✅ Auto-assessed taxpayers can receive their Notice of Assessment (ITA34) via WhatsApp in qualifying circumstances.
✅ A new declaration questionnaire aims to reduce unnecessary verifications and speed up processing.

Do not accept your auto-assessment without reviewing it carefully. SARS only uses information received from employers, banks, medical schemes, retirement funds and other third parties. If you have rental income, freelance earnings, home-office expenses, donations, travel claims, or other deductions not reflected in the assessment, review it carefully and submit corrections where necessary.

Take action now: Ensure your banking details, contact information and tax profile are up to date to avoid delays in refunds or processing.

⚠️ Fraud Alert: Beware of SARS Scams During Filing Season

As SARS Filing Season gets underway, fraudsters are becoming increasingly active. Taxpayers are urged to remain vigilant against fake emails, SMSs, WhatsApp messages and phone calls claiming to be from SARS.

Remember:
✅ SARS will never ask for your banking PIN, passwords or OTPs.
✅ Do not click on suspicious links or open unexpected attachments.
✅ Always access SARS services directly through SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.
✅ Be cautious of messages promising refunds or threatening legal action if immediate payment is not made.

If you receive a communication that seems suspicious, contact your Pinion advisor or verify the information directly through official SARS channels before taking any action.

Protecting your personal and financial information starts with staying alert. Stay safe this Filing Season! 

✈️ New SARS Online Traveller Declarations Effective 1 July 2026

South African travellers should take note of an important Customs change coming into effect on 1 July 2026. SARS will require travellers entering or leaving South Africa to submit a Traveller Declaration electronically before travelling, unless they qualify for one of the limited paper-based exceptions.

The new system applies to South African citizens, residents and foreign travellers travelling by air, road, sea or rail. Travellers must submit their declaration no more than 24 hours before departure and disclose any goods, currency or other items that may require Customs attention.

Key points to remember:
✅ Online declarations must generally be completed before travel.
✅ Children and infants must also be covered by a declaration.
✅ Cash, commercial goods and items exceeding duty-free allowances must be declared.
✅ Failure to make a truthful declaration may result in penalties, delays, detention of goods or other enforcement action.
✅ Limited paper declarations will only be permitted in cases such as system failures or lack of internet access.

The initiative is designed to streamline Customs processing, improve traveller convenience and strengthen border security compliance.
 
If you’re travelling internationally after 1 July 2026, ensure you complete your SARS Traveller Declaration before arriving at the airport or border post to avoid unnecessary delays.

CIPC UBO Compliance Reminder

CIPC continues to strictly enforce Beneficial Ownership (UBO) reporting requirements. Companies must ensure their Beneficial Ownership information is accurate and up to date, as BO declarations are now a mandatory part of Annual Return submissions. Failure to comply may result in blocked annual returns, penalties, or deregistration. Now is a good time to review your ownership structures and ensure your records remain compliant.

Out & About: Industry Events & Engagement

SA Large Herds 2026 🐄🥛

Our team recently had the privilege of attending SA Large Herds 2026, an event that brought together dairy producers, industry leaders, and experts from across South Africa and abroad.

While the event addressed many of the challenges currently facing the dairy sector – and those anticipated in the future – it was equally focused on the opportunities that exist within this resilient and innovative industry. Insightful discussions from farmers, industry representatives, and international speakers reinforced the importance of continuously refining and strengthening South Africa’s world-class dairy production systems.

As a multi-disciplinary group, Pinion SA values opportunities like these to engage with stakeholders across the entire value chain – from on-farm solutions and operational efficiencies to post-farm gate optimisation and broader industry-level opportunities. These conversations enable us to better support our clients and contribute to the ongoing growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.

Of course, it wasn’t all business! The two-day event also provided plenty of opportunities to build relationships, share experiences, enjoy some well-earned social time, and even take in a few memorable moments of entertainment and demonstrations along the way.

Thank you to the organisers and everyone who contributed to another successful SA Large Herds event. We look forward to continuing these important conversations and working together to strengthen the future of South African dairy.

Tweeddale Dohnes – 2025 Sheep Farmer of the Year Farmers Day 🐑

Our team had the privilege of attending the 2025 Sheep Farmer of the Year Farmers Day in Cathcart, celebrating the outstanding achievements of Richard and Mandy from Tweeddale Dohnes.

The day provided a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow producers, share insights, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of the sheep industry. We were also grateful for the opportunity to present to attendees and contribute to the discussions.

A big congratulations to the Tweeddale team on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing what 2026 has in store for your operation and continued success in the years ahead.

Great farmers and great conversations make for great mornings.

Our Advisory team recently spent the morning at VELD Restaurant outside Middelburg, engaging with producers on the power of data analytics, study groups, and the practical steps that drive improved on-farm performance.

These sessions provide valuable opportunities to share insights, learn from one another, and explore innovative ways to support sustainable growth in the agricultural sector. We’re always encouraged by farmers who are committed to continuous improvement and building stronger businesses for the future.

Pinion Global Network Visit to Just Beef Beefmasters 🌿🐄

There’s nothing quite like a farm visit to bring strategy and practice together.
Our team recently joined Just Beef Beefmasters alongside our Australian colleagues, Basil and Tom, for a morning of knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and first-hand insight into the operation. These conversations provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from different perspectives, and explore opportunities across our global network.
A special thank you to Emily, Nic, and Ed for hosting and making the visit such a valuable experience.

Seeing progress up close and sharing expertise across borders is what the Pinion Global Network is all about.

Pinion Livestock Study Group – Cathcart 🐑🌱

The Pinion Livestock Study Group recently gathered in Cathcart for a valuable day of learning, collaboration, and on-farm insight.

Hosted by the Lindisfarne and Tweeddale Dohnes teams, the group had the opportunity to look beyond the numbers and explore the farming systems behind the data. Open discussions around production systems, performance, and future plans created an environment for meaningful knowledge-sharing and practical learning.

A sincere thank you to Duncan and Richard for their hospitality and willingness to share their experiences so openly. It’s encouraging to see growing interest from farmers across the region who are committed to data-driven decision-making and collaborative learning.

We look forward to the next study group and continuing these important conversations that help drive progress across the livestock industry.

July 2026: Events & Key Compliance Dates

July brings a busy calendar of compliance deadlines and industry events. From SARS filing season and tax submissions to agricultural conferences, festivals and producer days, use this month’s calendar to stay organised, compliant and connected to opportunities within the sector📈✅🌱

Disclaimer: 
The information supplied herein should not be used or relied upon as professional advice.  No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.  Always contact our office for specific and detailed advice. Any legal information presented is a precis of current legislation, is subject to change and should not be used as a substitute for detailed professional advice.

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