National Treasury Invites Technical Tax Proposals for 2026 Budget Review

“More substantive tax policy proposals and rate changes are dealt with through a different process, and hence this request does not apply to major tax policy proposals,” the department stated.

The National Treasury has officially opened the annual window for submissions of technical tax proposals for possible inclusion in the 2026 Budget Review, inviting input from taxpayers, tax practitioners, and the general public. This initiative is part of Treasury’s long-standing commitment to ensuring that the South African tax system remains responsive, equitable, and efficient by correcting legislative anomalies, sealing loopholes, and addressing unintentional revenue leakages.

This call is strictly limited to technical matters related to the current tax framework and does not encompass broader or more substantial tax policy changes or rate adjustments, which are handled through a separate and more comprehensive policy review process.

Focus on Technical Corrections, Not Policy Changes

National Treasury clarified on Monday that the proposals sought under this invitation must focus exclusively on:

• Unintended anomalies within tax legislation

• Revenue leakages and legal loopholes

• Technical oversights or inconsistencies that require correction

More sweeping changes to tax policy, including new tax instruments or changes to tax rates, should be submitted separately and will not be considered under this process.

“More substantive tax policy proposals and rate changes are dealt with through a different process, and hence this request does not apply to major tax policy proposals,” the department stated.

How the Proposals Feed into the Budget Review

Each February, the Minister of Finance, currently Enoch Godongwana, presents the National Budget, which outlines government spending, revenue projections, and tax proposals for the fiscal year ahead. The Budget Review, released alongside the Budget Speech, provides the technical details behind the tax measures introduced.

• Chapter 4 of the Budget Review usually outlines major tax policy proposals and changes in tax rates.

• Annexure C, by contrast, captures technical tax amendments that are needed to enhance the integrity and efficiency of existing tax laws.

The current call for submissions is aimed specifically at proposals that may be featured in Annexure C of the 2026 Budget Review.

Deadline for Submissions and Engagement Opportunities

Interested stakeholders are required to submit their written proposals by Friday, 28 November 2025. Submissions will be reviewed jointly by National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). To enhance transparency and engagement, the Treasury has also planned virtual workshops with stakeholders on 11 and 12 December 2025.

These workshops are intended to:

• Clarify the issues raised in submitted proposals

• Prioritise submissions based on feasibility and urgency

• Gather additional technical input from stakeholders

All individuals and organisations that submit proposals will receive electronic invitations to the workshops.

Following these consultations, Treasury and SARS will formulate a list of recommendations for the Minister of Finance, who will then decide which proposals, if any, will be included in the final version of Annexure C in the 2026 Budget Review.

However, National Treasury has cautioned that participation in consultations or the request for more information does not guarantee inclusion.

“It should be noted that engagement or request for more information on any proposal before the 2026 Budget is no indicator that the proposal will be included in the 2026 Budget Review. The final decision to include any proposal is the sole prerogative of the Minister of Finance,” the Treasury said.

Submission Details and Contact Information

• Technical proposals for Annexure C can be emailed to: 📧 AnnexCProposals@Treasury.gov.za 📧 2026LegislationComments@sars.gov.za

• Substantive tax policy proposals, such as new taxes or major rate adjustments, should be submitted separately to: 📧 Christopher.Axelson@treasury.gov.za (Deputy Director-General: Tax and Financial Sector Policy, National Treasury)

Stakeholders are encouraged to ensure their submissions are well-reasoned, clearly stated, and supported by appropriate examples or documentation to facilitate efficient review.

This annual process is a crucial component of participatory governance in fiscal policy, helping the government to maintain a modern, technically sound tax system while offering the public a voice in the country’s economic direction.