Bookkeeping for sole proprietors

Bookkeeping for sole proprietors in South Africa

Updated 4 November 2026

Bookkeeping for a sole proprietor in South Africa usually costs from about R 950 to R 3,500 a month, and an entry-level package starts from R 1,200 a month. Hourly bookkeeping is listed at R 480 to R 575. For a price on your books, send a request on BlaBlaPrice.

What SARS expects you to keep

A sole proprietorship is taxed through the owner's own income tax return, so the business income must be included there, and a sole proprietor files an ITR12 return. Records must be kept for five years. A separate bank account is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended for bookkeeping and tax purposes. One bookkeeping firm notes that small businesses can pay 0% turnover tax, so check your own position before you assume it.

VAT and the R 2.3 million threshold

VAT registration applies from a turnover of R 2.3 million, a threshold that took effect in April 2026. Providers name VAT registration as one of the factors that changes the fee, together with the number of transactions and any years of records still outstanding. If you are close to the threshold, tell the bookkeeper early so the quote covers VAT from the start.

Setup cost and structure

Setting up as a sole proprietor is inexpensive: the cost is mostly tax registration and possibly a trade name reservation, according to one comparison of structures. Keep the business money separate from personal money from the first month, so the monthly records are easy to reconcile.

Season and timing

Summer runs from December to February and winter from June to August, and neither changes the books themselves. Monthly records are what make the annual return easier, so starting in November means the year's records are complete before the return is due.

What to write in your request

Say which tax group you are in, whether you have employees, what kind of business you run, roughly how many transactions you have each month, and whether you need VAT returns or payroll. State your monthly budget and your city.

BlaBlaPrice is free for buyers. You describe what you need in your own words, and the AI asks for missing details, looks through bookkeeping price lists and websites in South Africa, and shows the prices and businesses it found. Registered sellers receive your request and reply in the chat with their own offer and terms. Your contact details stay hidden until you decide to share them. Related categories: Accounting services and Business services.