The South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced that it paid out R6 billion in refunds on the first day of the 2026 tax filing season, marking a successful start to the period. This information was reported by SABC Business.

As tax season begins, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has outlined its plans for how the collected funds will be allocated by the government. This information aims to provide transparency regarding the use of taxpayer money during this period.

South Africans have a limited time to submit their feedback on the proposed tax changes outlined in the 2026 draft Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill. The deadline for public input is approaching, emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement in the legislative process.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has extended the operating hours of its service centres, Huduma centres, and contact centres in anticipation of the rush for tax returns ahead of the 30 June 2026 deadline. Despite the extended hours, KRA emphasizes that filing tax returns online remains the faster option for taxpayers.

Kenya has launched a six-month tax amnesty program, allowing eligible taxpayers to waive penalties, interest, and fines on qualifying tax debts. This initiative, introduced under the Finance Act 2026, aims to enable individuals and businesses to settle historic tax liabilities while assisting the Kenya Revenue Authority in recovering unpaid principal taxes.

Kenyan taxpayers will soon have the legal right to review and amend tax returns that have been pre-filled by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), as per amendments in the Finance Bill 2026. The changes, specifically in Clause 48, modify Section 75 of the Tax Procedures Act, requiring the Commissioner to notify taxpayers regarding their returns before they are finalized.