Financial Tips and VAT Essentials for SMEs

Updated on 24 July 2025 • Reading Time: 3 minutes

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Struggling with your business finances? You’re not alone, and the good news is, it’s easier to take control than you think. In this brief, we share simple financial tips to help you manage money better and avoid mistakes. We also unpack VAT essentials every SME should know to stay compliant and grow with confidence.

Here’s What SARS Expects

Small businesses must register for VAT once they exceed the income threshold. They must then issue tax invoices, file returns on time, and keep accurate records. You can also choose to register voluntarily if your business hasn’t yet met the compulsory threshold but wants to take advantage of VAT benefits.

This can enhance your credibility, allow VAT claims on business expenses, and prepare you for future growth. For step-by-step guidance, you can visit a SARS branch, use the eFiling platform, or consult with a trusted tax professional to ensure everything is done correctly. Don’t miss out on getting VAT-ready the right way.

Smarter Money, Stronger Business

Financial management is crucial for SMEs, involving tracking income, expenses, and records. Digital tools and fintech simplify finance management, invoicing, and credit access. These tools offer insights to improve decisions, cut costs, and boost growth. Prioritising financial management ensures compliance and supports long-term business success.

Driving Business Success with Technology

Digital transformation is changing the way entrepreneurs do business. AI and tech innovations are driving smarter operations, expanding access to healthcare, and opening doors for youth empowerment. As South Africa’s digital economy grows, resilience and adaptability are more important than ever. Embracing new tools and strategies is key for entrepreneurs who want to lead and thrive in a fast-evolving landscape. Watch the video now!

Cut Your Payables Time in Half — Let AI Do the Heavy Lifting

Tired of chasing invoices, manually entering data, and struggling to stay on top of payments? Sage Intacct’s AI-powered Accounts Payable Automation is built to free you from those time-draining tasks, so you can focus on growing your business.

Now, you can upload or e-mail an invoice and let Sage AI do the rest. It instantly extracts supplier details, amounts, and line items, and creates draft entries ready for approval. From purchase order matching to duplicate detection and smart approval workflows, it’s automation that learns your business and gets smarter every time you use it.

You’ll get full visibility across your accounts, real-time cash flow insights, and a central dashboard that tracks everything. From vendor payments to audit trails.

Whether you’re a solo finance operator or managing multiple entities, this is how modern entrepreneurs manage spend, stay compliant, and gain back hours each week.

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Important – Please Read Before Applying:

  • This funding is strictly for registered businesses with a valid CIPC registration number.
  • Your business must have an active business bank account (applications using personal accounts will not be accepted).
  • Minimum monthly turnover: R50,000 for the past 6 months.
  • This is not personal funding or a grant.

Applications that do not meet these requirements will, unfortunately, not be processed.