Provisional Tax Deadline: Everything You Need to Know Before 31 August 2025

The 31 August 2025 deadline for first-period provisional tax is quickly approaching. If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or earning income outside of a typical salary, this deadline could apply to you — and missing it could cost you more than you think. Here’s everything you need to know about provisional tax — including who must submit, what documents are needed, the risks of missing the deadline, and how TTT Financial Group can help.

What Is Provisional Tax?

Provisional tax is not a separate tax — it’s a way to pay your normal income tax in advance over the year, rather than in one lump sum. This system is designed for individuals and businesses whose income is not subject to Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE). Instead of waiting until the end of the tax year, provisional taxpayers pay their tax in two instalments (or three, optionally) to SARS.

Who Needs to Submit Provisional Tax?

You’re considered a provisional taxpayer if you earn income outside of a regular salary, such as:

Freelance work or consulting income
Small business profits
Rental income from property
Investment income (interest, dividends, etc.)
Side hustles, online sales, or part-time businesses

TIP: If you receive more than R30,000 annually from sources other than a salary, you’re likely a provisional taxpayer.

Key Provisional Tax Dates (2025)

1st Submission Deadline: 31 August 2025
2nd Submission Deadline: 28 February 2026
(Optional) 3rd Top-Up Payment: 30 September 2026

What You Need to Submit

To ensure accurate submission, you’ll need:

Business or freelance income statements
Records of rental income or investment income
Medical aid contributions
Retirement annuity contributions
Bank statements or invoices
Your last income tax assessment from SARS

Penalties for Missing the Deadline

Missing the provisional tax deadline can lead to:

SARS Penalties – starting at R250/month and increasing based on income
Interest on underpayments
Negative tax compliance status – affecting tenders, financing, and SARS clearances

Submitting late is not worth the financial or reputational risk. Let us help you meet the deadline.

How Is Provisional Tax Calculated?

SARS uses one of two methods to calculate your provisional tax:

Your most recent assessed taxable income
An estimate based on your current income and deductions

If your estimate is too low (under 90% of actual), you may be penalised — which is why accurate calculations are key.

How TTT Financial Group Can Help

At TTT Financial Group, our tax professionals take the stress out of the process. We offer:

A free check to see if you qualify as a provisional taxpayer
Accurate income estimation and SARS-compliant submissions
End-to-end filing on your behalf
Fast turnaround to avoid last-minute panic

“Don’t leave it too late — let our expert team submit your tax return accurately and on time.” TTT Financial Group – Clarity. Compliance. Confidence.