If you earn commission, your tax picture works a little differently from someone who only earns a salary. When more than half of your income comes from commission, SARS may allow wider work related deductions and may also require you to register as a provisional taxpayer.
Understanding how your income is structured is the first step to staying organised, avoiding penalties and keeping your year end stress free.
The Big Dates to Know
Commission earners who are provisional taxpayers have two important deadlines each year.
- 31 August for your first provisional submission
- End February for your second provisional payment
- Your annual return is then submitted once the tax season opens in July.
Knowing these dates early helps you plan ahead, manage cash flow and avoid penalties from late submissions.
What You Can Claim
Commission earners may claim many of the same deductions as small business owners. This includes travel and petrol, laptops and phones, data costs, home office expenses, marketing costs and professional memberships.
The important part is keeping clear records. Keep your slips, track mileage and keep a simple log of the expenses that relate directly to your work.
Making it Simple
If you are unsure whether you should be registered for provisional tax or whether your records are complete enough for claims, we are here to help. A quick review now can make next year’s submissions calmer and clearer. Our aim is to make tax feel simple and manageable so that you can focus on your work.