The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has warned trustees to meet their tax obligations as the 2026 Trust filing season gets underway. The filing season for trusts opened over the weekend and will run until 22 January 2027. All qualifying trusts must submit their Income Tax Return for Trusts (ITR12T), while trustees of passive trusts have also been reminded that they must declare assets, liabilities, income and related expenses.
SARS will focus on nil returns and assessed-loss positions as part of its compliance efforts. The revenue service will also emphasize the accurate disclosure of trust assets and income. SARS has provided an easy digital solution for Trusts to register for income tax via the SARS Online Query System, which is accessible on the SARS website.
Trustees remain responsible for the tax affairs of their trusts, even when they appoint a tax practitioner to assist with their obligations. Changes to a trust’s registered details, including changes to trustees, contact details and addresses, must be reported to SARS within 21 business days. The Trust Property Control Act mandates Trustees to act with care, diligence, and skill in managing Trust affairs.
The ITR12T has been enhanced this year, with income, vested amounts and certain expense information pre-populated using IT3(t) data. Beneficiary schedules will also be pre-populated using third-party information. The return now includes enhanced beneficial ownership questions, while tax practitioner contact details have been made mandatory.
Trustees can submit the ITR12T through SARS eFiling or at a SARS branch by appointment. A simplified return is available on eFiling for passive trusts. SARS has emphasized that the responsibility for obtaining, maintaining, and updating accurate Trust information rests exclusively with the Trustees.
SARS is making it easy and simple to register by providing an easy digital solution for Trusts to register for income tax. The revenue service has reminded trustees that they may delegate certain functions to a tax practitioner, but they remain ultimately responsible for the trust’s tax compliance.
The 2026 Trust filing season will close on 22 January 2027. Trustees are urged to ensure that their tax affairs are in order to avoid any potential penalties or fines. SARS will continue to focus on compliance efforts, including the verification of trust assets and income.
Key points
- SARS has warned trustees to ensure their tax affairs are in order as the 2026 Trust filing season gets underway.
- The ITR12T has been enhanced this year, with pre-populated information using IT3(t) data and third-party information.
- Trustees remain responsible for the tax affairs of their trusts, even when they appoint a tax practitioner to assist with their obligations.
