The compliance directory
The official places to register, file, verify and get help — and the recognised bodies where you can find or check a professional. Every entry is a real regulator, register or recognised body, not a paid listing.
How to find a verified accountant or tax practitioner
In South Africa, a "verified" tax practitioner is one registered with SARS and a Recognised Controlling Body (SAICA, SAIPA or SAIT). That registration is the real seal of trust — so the surest way to find a legitimate professional is through those bodies' member directories, and to confirm registration on SARS. Use the cards below to do exactly that. For CSD (government supplier) registration help, the same applies: work with a registered practitioner. Prefer we just match you to a vetted one? Ask NanoLeap.
SARS — registered tax practitioner check
Official registerIn SA, anyone who charges to handle your tax must be registered with SARS and a Recognised Controlling Body. Always check your practitioner is registered before handing over your tax affairs.
Check on SARSSAICA — find a Chartered Accountant CA(SA)
Professional bodyThe South African Institute of Chartered Accountants is a recognised controlling body. Use it to find or verify a CA(SA) for audits, financial statements and complex tax.
Visit SAICASAIPA — find a Professional Accountant
Professional bodyThe South African Institute of Professional Accountants is a recognised controlling body for professional accountants who serve SMEs — bookkeeping, accounts and tax.
Visit SAIPASAIT — find a tax practitioner
Professional bodyThe South African Institute of Taxation is a recognised controlling body specifically for tax practitioners — useful for tax disputes, structuring and SARS engagements.
Visit SAITCIPC — register a company & file annual returns
RegulatorThe Companies and Intellectual Property Commission registers companies and co-operatives, and is where you file your annual return each year on your incorporation anniversary.
Go to CIPCSARS eFiling — register for tax & file returns
RegulatorRegister for Income Tax, VAT, PAYE and customs, and file EMP201/EMP501, VAT201, provisional tax and company returns online.
Go to eFilingCSD — Central Supplier Database
Official registerTo do business with government you must register on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database. Registration is free and self-service on the CSD portal.
Register on CSDuFiling — UIF declarations
RegulatorThe Department of Employment & Labour service for registering for UIF and submitting monthly employee declarations and contributions.
Go to uFilingInformation Regulator — POPIA
RegulatorRegister your Information Officer and lodge POPIA/PAIA matters. Every business that processes personal information must comply.
Visit the RegulatorSARS — Tax Compliance Status (TCS)
Official statusThe modern replacement for the old "tax clearance certificate". Request a TCS PIN on eFiling to prove your tax compliance to clients, tenders and banks.
About TCSB-BBEE Commission
RegulatorGuidance on B-BBEE status, affidavits for Exempt Micro Enterprises (turnover up to R10m), and verification for larger businesses.
Visit the CommissionSEDA — Small Enterprise Development Agency
Government supportFree government support for small businesses — business plans, compliance help, mentoring and access to incentives. A genuinely useful first stop for new SMEs.
Visit SEDASEFA — Small Enterprise Finance Agency
Government fundingGovernment-backed funding for small and medium enterprises, from bridging finance to term loans, often with lighter requirements than commercial banks.
Visit SEFASARS Customs — register as an exporter/importer
RegulatorBefore you can export under SADC you must register with SARS Customs and get a Customs Client Number (CCN). Done via eFiling/RLA or a Customs branch office.
Register as exporterthe dtic — export development & promotion
Government supportThe Department of Trade, Industry and Competition supports exporters with development programmes, market access and incentive schemes.
Visit the dticITAC — import & export permits
RegulatorThe International Trade Administration Commission issues import and export permits, administers tariffs, and handles trade remedies. Some goods cannot move without an ITAC permit.
Visit ITACNCR — National Credit Regulator
RegulatorIf your business lends money or offers credit above the National Credit Act thresholds, you must register as a credit provider with the NCR.
Visit the NCRIDC — Industrial Development Corporation
Government fundingDevelopment finance for industrial and growth-stage businesses — larger funding than typical bank or micro-finance, aimed at job-creating projects.
Visit the IDCWant a person, not a portal?
These are the official registers and bodies. If you'd rather we matched you with a vetted accountant, tax practitioner or CSD-registration specialist, NanoLeap can do that.