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SARS Verification and Audit: What Taxpayers Should Prepare

September 2, 2026 by
Nkgolo Monye
A SARS verification and a SARS audit are related compliance processes, but they are not the same. A verification is generally a face-value review of information declared in a return against supporting or third-party information. An audit is broader and may examine financial statements, accounting records, transactions and supporting documents to determine whether the taxpayer correctly declared the tax position.

When assistance may be required

• SARS has issued a request for supporting documents or relevant material.

• A refund is being withheld while a verification or audit is in progress.

• The return does not reconcile to accounting records or third-party information.

• SARS has issued a referral-for-audit, notification-of-audit or findings letter.

• A revised or additional assessment has been issued after the review.

What Candid Accountants can assist with

We can review the SARS notice, identify the affected tax type and period, reconcile the filed return to available records, prepare an indexed response pack, submit authorised material through the appropriate SARS channel and maintain a traceable record of correspondence. Where an outcome results in an assessment that appears incorrect, the next step may be a correction or dispute process rather than a further verification response.

Information normally required

• The SARS notice, case number and stated submission deadline.

• The filed return, assessment and statement of account for the affected period.

• Financial statements, trial balance, tax computation or payroll/VAT reconciliations where relevant.

• Bank statements, invoices, certificates and other evidence specifically requested by SARS.

• Previous submissions and correspondence relating to the same matter.

Practical process

• Identify the scope: confirm the notice, tax type, period and deadline.

• Reconcile the return: compare declared amounts with accounting and third-party information.

• Prepare the evidence: organise complete, readable and relevant supporting material.

• Submit and retain proof: use the authorised SARS channel and preserve the submission record.

• Review the outcome: determine whether the matter is finalised or whether a correction, objection or other remedy is required.

Important considerations

SARS may request further material and an audit may follow a verification. Where a refund is subject to review, payment may remain withheld until the relevant validations or audit process is complete. If SARS issues an assessment, the assessment and any collection activity must be considered separately: a challenge to the assessment does not automatically stop collection.

Related service

Review the related SARS verification and audit support and use the request link below to submit an enquiry.

https://www.candidaccountants.co.za/helpdesk/client-service-requests-1 

Official SARS reference

Official SARS guidance is linked below.

Service availability and the appropriate response depend on the notice, available evidence, statutory requirements and an accepted engagement. No SARS outcome or refund is guaranteed.

https://www.sars.gov.za/individuals/what-if-i-do-not-agree/being-audited-or-selected-for-verification/ 

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