Johannesburg: The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has thanked the nation’s compliant taxpayers after the revenue service recorded a historic R2 trillion in net tax collections for the 2025/26 financial year. Kieswetter announced the record-breaking collections during a presentation of the preliminary revenue outcome for the financial year on Wednesday.

According to South African Government News Agency, the unprecedented collections are not merely a financial statistic but a testament to the collective fiscal responsibility of taxpayers who comply with their duties. Kieswetter highlighted that without SARS, democracy in South Africa would lack funding, emphasizing the role of the 62 million people they serve as taxpayers.

Kieswetter expressed gratitude to compliant taxpayers for their fiscal citizenship and contribution to helping the most vulnerable in society. The Commissioner noted that while SARS’s mandate is to collect taxes, ensure compliance, and facilitate legitimate trade, the organization has adopted a deeper mission aimed at enabling government to build a capable state that fosters economic growth and social development.

Kieswetter described SARS’ work as transformative for ordinary South Africans, stating that every Rand collected helps build a capable state that honors the social contract and strengthens the fiscal integrity of South Africa. He emphasized that the work of SARS is crucial, especially for vulnerable populations who rely on government support.

Despite the achievements, SARS faces ongoing challenges from illicit activities that hinder optimal revenue collections. The economy loses approximately R100 billion annually due to criminal activities such as smuggling, customs and excise fraud, and organized tax crime. Kieswetter warned that those purchasing illicit goods are inadvertently funding the destruction of legitimate businesses and jobs.

The Commissioner stated that SARS is actively clamping down on illicit activities, highlighting recent operations including search and seizure actions against customs officials and the seizure of illicit goods. SARS, in collaboration with law enforcement, is committed to dismantling illicit trading networks and ensuring that non-compliance becomes difficult and costly.