A business owner and an advisor review a printed schedule beside an open laptop

SARS Payment Arrangement Assistance

Spread what you owe SARS over time in instalments your business can actually afford — with a request that is prepared properly from the start.

Instalment payment arrangements

Pay what you owe — at a pace you can sustain.

A payment arrangement is an agreement with SARS to settle a tax debt in instalments, or to defer payment, where paying the full amount immediately would cause real hardship.

SARS considers each request against your circumstances. A clear proposal, backed by realistic cash-flow information, makes a real difference to whether it is accepted — and on what terms. Interest generally continues to run while the debt is being paid.

Unlike a compromise, a payment arrangement settles the full debt — just over a manageable period.

Calculator, business bills and repayment schedule illustrating tax debt planning

Plan it properly

Affordable
instalments.

When it may help

Is a payment arrangement right for you?

A payment arrangement is often the most practical route when the business is viable but cash is tight.

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  • You cannot pay in one lump sum

    The debt is affordable over time, but not all at once.

  • You have a letter of demand

    SARS has asked for payment and you need a workable response quickly.

  • Cash flow is seasonal or uneven

    Your income varies and instalments need to reflect that reality.

  • You need your compliance status back

    An agreed arrangement can help restore a compliant tax status.

  • The business is fundamentally sound

    The debt is a temporary pressure, not a sign the business is failing.

  • You want to stop the debt escalating

    You would rather agree terms now than face collection action.

How it works

From first review to an agreed plan

We keep the process clear and keep you informed at every step.

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  1. Confirm the debt

    We check your SARS statement of account so the arrangement is based on the correct amount.

  2. Work out what is affordable

    We look at your cash flow to set instalments you can realistically keep up.

  3. Prepare the request

    We prepare the application with the financial information SARS needs to consider it.

  4. Negotiate with SARS

    We submit the request and respond to SARS’s questions or counter-proposals.

  5. Keep it on track

    We help you stay current with instalments and new returns so the agreement holds.

Received a letter of demand?

Deadlines are short. Talk to us now and we will help you respond in time.

Requirements

What to have ready

These documents help us prepare a request SARS can consider quickly.

  • SARS statement of account

    The latest statement showing the balance, interest and penalties.

  • SARS correspondence

    Letters of demand and any notices you have received.

  • Bank statements

    Recent statements that show your current cash position.

  • Cash-flow forecast

    What the business expects to earn and spend over the coming months.

  • Financial statements

    Your latest financial statements or management accounts.

  • Business details

    Registration documents and your SARS eFiling profile access.

Don’t have everything? Bring what you have — we will tell you what is missing.

Ask us a question

FAQ

Payment arrangement questions

Does interest stop once I have an arrangement?

Generally not. Interest usually continues to accrue on the outstanding balance, which is why realistic instalments that clear the debt steadily matter.

How long can a payment arrangement run?

It depends on your circumstances and what SARS agrees to. We aim for a period that clears the debt without putting the business under strain.

What happens if I miss an instalment?

Missing payments can cause SARS to cancel the arrangement and resume collection. If cash flow changes, speak to us early so we can approach SARS before a default.

Can I still be compliant with an arrangement in place?

An agreed and honoured arrangement can support a compliant tax status, provided your returns are also up to date.

Still have questions? We’re happy to help.

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More detail in our guide: How does a SARS payment arrangement work?

Get a payment arrangement that works

Book a consultation and we will help you agree instalments you can keep.