NPOs should not risk their S18A status, leaving their donors in the lurch
If you are a Section 18A approved non-profit organisation (NPO) that relies on donations, you already know how important it is for donors to claim tax deductions on their contributions. But did you know that failing to submit your IT3(d) forms on time, or making errors in the process, could put your S18A status at risk and leave your donors in the lurch?
Zasha de Lange
Manager Trust and Deceased Estate Tax Compliance
The deadline for submissions of IT3(d) is fast approaching. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) requires all IT3(d) submissions for the 2024/2025 tax year to be made between 15 April and 31 May 2025.
The data on the IT3(d) forms includes all the S18A tax deductible receipts issued to donors during the year of assessment. Allowing this tax deduction encourages both individual and corporate donors to contribute to charitable causes that operate for public benefit.
What you need to know about IT3(d) compliance
The period for submissions may seem like plenty of time, but in reality, the submission process can be tricky, and last-minute filings often result in frustrating delays. This will complicate issues for donors who would want to claim the donations as a deduction on their taxable income.
SARS has also made it clear that they expect accurate submissions from the start. Submitting incomplete or incorrect data of tax-deductible receipts issued to donors during the tax period, leads to unnecessary revisions, which could slow down the process for the NPO and its donors.
Every year, countless NPOs scramble to submit in the final week before the cut-off date, only to face technical issues and processing delays.
Why your IT3(d) submission matters
The IT3(d) declaration by a NPO isn’t just a box-ticking exercise: it is a crucial part of maintaining transparency, compliance, and donor trust. If you miss the deadline or submit incorrect data, you could face:
As compliance standards tighten, staying on top of your reporting obligations is more important than ever. If you are uncertain, seek assistance from professional service providers who specialize in helping NPOs maintain compliance while they continue their vital work in addressing the pervasive socio-economic challenges facing our society.
Pick a team of experts who will provide:
Don’t leave it until the last minute
The first quarter of 2025 is already behind us and 31 May 2025 is around the corner. Now is the perfect time to get your IT3(d) submissions in order with the assistance of experts. The sooner you act, the smoother the process will be —and the less you’ll have to worry about penalties or unforeseen delays.
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