Start your business.
Know what you need.
Three answers. Your list.
- CIPCCompanies only
- Bank accountEveryone
- SARSEveryone who earns
- RevPulseFrom day one
Do now
- Open a separate bank account in your namePersonal or business. Keep business money apart from your own.
- Register with SARS for income taxBusiness profit goes on your own return. Already have a tax number? Use it.SARS: sole proprietors(opens in a new tab)
- Keep records from your first saleInvoices, receipts and bank statements in one place.
When it applies
- Pay provisional taxTwo payments a year once the business earns: August and February.SARS: provisional tax(opens in a new tab)
- Register for VATA must once sales pass R2.3 million in 12 months.SARS: register for VAT(opens in a new tab)
- Register as an employerPAYE with SARS within 21 business days of hiring, plus UIF and the Compensation Fund.SARS: register as an employer(opens in a new tab)BizPortal(opens in a new tab)
Your choice
- Consider turnover taxA simpler tax on sales instead of profit, up to R2.3 million a year. Conditions apply.SARS: turnover tax(opens in a new tab)
Not needed
- CIPC registrationTrading in your own name, or a trading name, needs none.
- Selling food or health services? Ask your municipality about a business licence.
- Selling to government? Register on the supplier database. Central Supplier Database(opens in a new tab)
- Clients asking for B-BBEE? Small businesses get a free certificate or affidavit. CIPC: B-BBEE certificates(opens in a new tab)
VAT waits for your sales.
Not yet
From R0You
You may register
Over R120,000
You must register
Over R2.3 million
- Counts sales taxed at 0% too, and sales outside RevPulse.
- Over R2.3 million? Apply within 21 business days.
- RevPulse prompts you to check as your recorded sales pass each amount.
SARS uses these amounts from 1 April 2026. SARS: register for VAT(opens in a new tab)
Your year with SARS.
Provisional tax · End of August and end of February
Income tax return · Filing season; SARS sets the dates
- Keep records for five years
Good standing: returns filed, debts paid or arranged, and registered for every tax that applies. Share a Good Standing PIN from eFiling when a client or tender asks. SARS: tax compliance status(opens in a new tab)
Do you need a company?
Partners or investors joining you?
Yes Company
Want business debts kept off your personal assets?
Yes Company
Clients or tenders asking for a registered company?
Yes Company
All no? Start in your own name.
You can register a company later.
Own name or company, side by side
| Your own name | Company (Pty) Ltd | |
|---|---|---|
| CIPC | Not needed | Register on BizPortal |
| Business debts | Yours personally | The company’s |
| Income tax | Your own return | The company’s return |
| Bank account | Separate one in your name | In the company’s name |
| Every year | Tax return | Tax return and CIPC annual return |
Keep the records
that make it easy.
- Sell
- Record
- Prepare for SARS
Free for 30 days. No automatic renewal.
RevPulse doesn’t register you or file returns.
What you need to sign upGeneral guidance, checked 22 October 2026. Not tax or legal advice: confirm with SARS, CIPC or a registered tax practitioner.