IRP6 Company Tax Return: Why Accuracy Matters in 2026
For many South African business owners, IRP6 Tax Return submissions have become a familiar routine. August comes and goes: an estimate is submitted, a payment is made, and it’s done. Then February arrives, and the same mindset kicks in: submit what you can, pay what you can, and “we’ll fix it later” when the ITR14 is due.
That single sentence changes how you should think about the 27 February IRP6 deadline entirely.
This article unpacks why February is different, what
SARS expects at this stage, and why the margin for error is far smaller than most SMEs realise.
Key Corporate Tax Deadlines (General):
- 1st Provisional Tax (IRP6): Due 6 months from the start of the financial year.
- 2nd Provisional Tax (IRP6): Due on or before the last day of the financial year.
- Annual Tax Return (ITR14): Within 12 months of the financial year-end.
February IRP6: The Moment SARS Stops Guessing
The biggest misconception around provisional tax is that August and February are treated equally by SARS. They’re not. Read more about the August IRP6 submission and how it works here.
The first IRP6 (August) is understood to be an early estimate. SARS accepts that the financial year is still unfolding. Income may fluctuate, and expenses may still be uncertain.
By February, however, SARS assumes something very different.
This is where many businesses are caught off guard, not because they ignore SARS, but because no one ever explained that February is a risk checkpoint, not just a deadline.
Not Sure If Your IRP6
Estimate Is Accurate?
The second provisional submission leaves little room for error. Get expert guidance to ensure your IRP6 meets SARS’ February accuracy expectations.
Why Under-Estimation Penalties “Explode” in February
One of the harshest surprises for business owners comes from under-estimation penalties, and these are far more common in February than in August.
Here’s why.
If your second provisional estimate is materially lower than your final assessed income, SARS is entitled to levy:
- Under-estimation penalties
- Interest at the prescribed rate
- Penalties even if payments were made on time
SARS Assumes Your Books Are Mostly Done (Even If They Aren’t)
Another uncomfortable truth: SARS’ expectations do not adjust to your internal admin reality.
By February, SARS assumes:
- Invoices are issued
- Most expenses are recorded
- Profitability is visible
- Variances can be explained
Get Your February IRP6
Reviewed by a Tax Expert
A second provisional submission requires accuracy, not estimates. Get expert input to ensure your figures align with SARS’ expectations.
Interest Relief: Why It Rarely Applies to February IRP6
Many business owners assume that if penalties arise, interest can be waived later. That assumption is increasingly dangerous. SARS’ systems no longer view February errors as unfortunate; they view them as preventable.
Once interest is charged:
- Remission applications are often declined
- SARS cites access to prior-year data
- System-generated interest is rarely reversed
Why February IRP6 Errors Trigger Future Audits
One of the least understood consequences of a weak February IRP6 is that the damage doesn’t always show immediately. SARS tracks behaviour patterns.
A February submission that:
- is materially understated
- contradicts VAT or PAYE data
- shows inconsistent growth patterns
…may not trigger an immediate audit, but it raises a flag.
Why “We’ll Fix It at IT14” No Longer Works
Historically, many businesses relied on the annual ITR14 submission to correct provisional tax estimates. That safety net has narrowed significantly.
By the time ITR14 is submitted:
- Provisional tax penalties may already be locked in
- Interest has already accrued
- SARS has already assessed compliance behaviour
Ensure Your IRP6 Submission
Is SARS-Compliant
We help align your IRP6 with your accounting records, VAT, and PAYE data to support accuracy and reduce compliance risk.
The Smarter Approach to the 27 February IRP6 Deadline
The February IRP6 should never be treated as a formality. It is:
- A financial checkpoint
- A compliance signal
- A SARS risk assessment moment
Businesses that approach it strategically stay compliant, protect cash flow, and reduce audit exposure. Those who don’t often only realise the impact months later.
How Company Partners Helps You Get the February IRP6 Right
In short, Company Partners ensures your February IRP6 is accurate, compliant, and audit-ready – not just submitted. With over 50,000 South African businesses supported since 2006, we understand how SARS thinks and how to keep you one step ahead.
Final Thoughts: February Is Where Good Businesses Get Tripped Up
Most IRP6 penalties don’t come from negligence. They come from misunderstanding how February tax payments work. The 27 February deadline isn’t just another date on the calendar; it’s a moment when SARS expects accuracy, consistency, and credibility.
If you’re unsure whether your estimates are solid, your books are aligned, or your risk is under control, now is the time to act.
