Appointing a Public Officer at SARS: Everything You Need to Know
Every company registered in South Africa must appoint a public officer at SARS. The public officer is the company’s official representative for all tax matters, responsible for submissions, correspondence, and ensuring tax compliance. Failing to appoint or update your public officer can result in penalties, blocked eFiling access, and legal issues. Admin Boss assists companies across South Africa with the accurate and timely appointment of public officers, ensuring your business remains fully compliant with SARS regulations.
What Is a Public Officer?
A public officer is the official representative of a company at SARS, responsible for tax compliance, submitting returns, and communicating with SARS on behalf of the company. They are legally required for all South African companies.
Why Companies Must Appoint a Public Officer
- Legal requirement under the Companies Act and SARS regulations
- Ensures proper tax compliance
- Prevents penalties and interest charges
- Maintains smooth eFiling access
- Acts as the point of contact for SARS audits and correspondence
Who Can Be Appointed as a Public Officer?
- Must be a South African resident
- Can be a director or an external professional
- Should understand company tax obligations
- Must agree to act in writing
How Admin Boss Helps With Public Officer Appointments
Admin Boss simplifies the process:
- Collect required company and director documents
- Complete SARS appointment forms correctly
- Submit forms to SARS on your behalf
- Confirm approval and provide proof of registration
Penalties for Not Appointing a Public Officer
- Fines for non-compliance
- SARS correspondence may be delayed
- eFiling access can be blocked
- Increased risk during audits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can a director be a public officer?
Yes, a director or an external professional can be appointed.
Q2: How long does SARS take to approve a public officer?
Typically 2–5 business days, depending on SARS workload.
Q3: What happens if a public officer resigns?
The company must appoint a new public officer immediately.
Q4: Can Admin Boss handle the entire appointment process?
Yes, we handle submissions, follow-ups, and confirmation for full compliance.
H2: Conclusion / Call to Action
Appointing a public officer at SARS is mandatory for all companies and critical to maintaining compliance. Admin Boss helps South African businesses with fast, reliable, and fully compliant public officer appointments. Stay compliant—contact us today to appoint your public officer.
Click here if you need to appoint a public officer.
