Introducing My Free AI-Powered Knowledge Base for Personal and Provisional Income Tax

Posted by Regard Vermeulen Creator of SARS Questions Answered | October 3, 2025

As a passionate advocate for accessible financial literacy in South Africa, I've spent countless hours diving into the complexities of our tax system. What started as my own frustration with sifting through dense legislation and scattered resources evolved into something bigger: a comprehensive AI knowledge base designed to empower everyday South Africans. I'm thrilled to announce that I've made this tool publicly available at no cost. It's a conversational hub where anyone can ask questions about SARS personal and provisional income tax regulations and receive responses grounded solely in official, publicly available sources.

Important Disclaimer: This knowledge base is for informational purposes only and is not intended as tax advice. Always consult a qualified tax professional for personalized guidance.

Why I Built This Resource: Bridging the Gap in Tax Understanding

South Africa's tax landscape can feel like a labyrinth—full of intricate rules, frequent updates, and layers of legislation that leave even seasoned individuals scratching their heads. Drawing from my background in [briefly mention relevant experience, e.g., financial consulting or self-taught research], I realized that while SARS provides excellent resources, they're often buried in PDFs, scattered across websites, or overwhelming in volume. That's why I curated and integrated every publicly available legislative document, guide, ruling, and slated update related to personal and provisional income tax into an AI-driven chat interface.

This isn't just a static archive; it's an interactive companion. You can query it like a knowledgeable friend: "What are the deadlines for provisional tax payments?" or "How does the primary residence exclusion work under CGT?" The AI pulls directly from verified sources, ensuring responses are accurate, up-to-date, and free from interpretation bias. My goal? To democratize access to this information, making compliance less daunting for individuals, freelancers, and small business owners alike.

To get started, simply visit: https://sarsquestions.realandworks.com/sars_questions_answered.
Just drop your email to gain access, no fees—just ask away.

Reminder: This tool provides regulatory insights based on public documents and should not be considered tax advice. For your specific situation, seek advice from a certified advisor.

A Peek Inside: What You'll Find in the Knowledge Base

At the core of this resource is the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 (TAA)—the foundational legislation that governs how SARS operates and how we, as taxpayers, interact with the system. I've embedded the full text, broken down by chapters, so you can explore topics like taxpayer obligations, enforcement powers, and dispute resolution with ease. But it doesn't stop there. The knowledge base weaves in a treasure trove of supporting materials from SARS and key institutions, all fueled by the latest publicly available updates as of October 2025.

Here's a curated snapshot of the highlights:

The Pillars of Tax Administration

• General Powers and Taxpayer Rights: Dive into SARS's mandate, including its role in international tax agreements, and your core duties like record-keeping for five years and timely return submissions.

• Enforcement and Information Gathering: Understand SARS's audit and investigation tools—balanced by your rights to transparency—without the jargon overload.

• Assessments and Rulings: Learn about advance rulings for transaction certainty and the spectrum of assessments, from original to jeopardy.

Practical SARS Guides Tailored for You

I've prioritized user-friendly SARS publications to make real-world application straightforward:

• Capital Gains Tax (CGT): From beginner-friendly ABC guides to comprehensive breakdowns on calculating gains/losses, base costs, and pre-2001 asset valuations (e.g., market value or time-apportionment methods). Special exclusions, like for your primary residence, are highlighted for quick reference.

• Provisional Tax Essentials: Clarify who qualifies, payment timelines, and estimation via the IRP6 return—vital for self-employed folks planning ahead.

• Filing and Dispute Resolution: Step-by-step on ITR12 completion, lodging objections (NOO), and navigating appeals through ADR, the Tax Board, or Tax Court. There's even SMME-specific guidance to level the playing field.

Oversight and Staying Ahead

To give you a holistic view, the base includes insights on ecosystem players:

• SARS Overview: Its vision for a "smart modern" service and compliance focus.

• Tax Ombud: An impartial reviewer for service complaints post-internal channels (note: not for policy or appeals).

• Auditor-General (AGSA): Ensuring accountability in tax collection and spending.

And because tax laws evolve, I've incorporated dynamic elements like Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bills (TLAB/TALAB), filing season updates (e.g., ITR12 changes and the Tax Return Status Dashboard), and binding rulings (such as BGR 7 on wear-and-tear allowances). Query the AI for the most current slated updates, and it'll flag them based on official releases.

This setup means you get precise, regulation-fueled answers—think of it as having a digital tax librarian at your fingertips.

My Vision: Empowering You to Navigate with Confidence

Creating this knowledge base has been a labor of love, born from a belief that informed taxpayers build a stronger economy. By making it free and public, I hope to spark curiosity, reduce errors, and foster proactive compliance. Whether you're prepping for the next filing season or just curious about your rights, this tool is here to illuminate the path.

That said, please remember: This resource is educational and draws from public regulations—it's absolutely not a substitute for professional tax advice. Tax situations are unique, and errors can have consequences; always verify with an expert.

Head over to https://sarsquestions.realandworks.com/sars_questions_answered today and start chatting with the regs.

Final Note on Disclaimer: While I've poured heart and rigor into this project, it remains a non-advisory tool. Consult professionals for tailored tax strategies.