#tax

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has begun the 2026 tax filing season, with millions of taxpayers receiving auto-assessments and billions of rand in refunds already distributed. This marks the start of a significant period for taxpayers in South Africa, as they navigate their tax obligations and potential refunds.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reintroduced a tax amnesty program that allows taxpayers with unpaid principal tax to waive penalties and interest. Taxpayers can benefit from this amnesty by either paying the full amount owed during the designated period or by applying for a structured payment plan via the KRA iTax system.

Ettienne Bezuidenhoudt, a wealth manager at Alexforbes, explains the increasing importance of tax considerations in investment decisions. He highlights how tax-related choices are becoming critical for achieving investment success.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) provides information on auto assessments, advising individuals to check their status by visiting the SARS website and selecting ‘My Auto Assessment Status’. This feature is designed to help taxpayers understand if they will be auto assessed.

Uganda aims to achieve a 20% tax-to-GDP ratio by 2030, marking one of its most ambitious fiscal targets in decades. This goal is part of a new strategy developed by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MOFPED) in collaboration with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has requested the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to extend the June 30, 2026 deadline for filing Company Income Tax (CIT) returns by one month. This request is based on what LCCI describes as widespread technical failures on the newly deployed Rev360 tax platform, which impacted the filing process.

A coalition of approximately 60 Ugandan subcontractors has requested an emergency administrative stay from the Finance Minister due to a $9.7 million payment dispute related to the Tilenga oil project’s worker camp. The subcontractors claim they are unable to meet an upcoming tax amnesty deadline because their capital is frozen amid the unresolved payment issues.

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.

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.

Filing taxes jointly with a spouse can simplify financial management, but it may also lead to unforeseen liabilities if one partner underreports income or claims improper deductions. The article discusses the Innocent Spouse Tax Relief, which provides options for individuals who may be affected by their partner's tax reporting issues, helping them understand if they qualify for this relief.