SARS has issued guidance detailing how in-scope multinational enterprises must submit the GMT01, GMT02 and related tax calculations through eFiling, including filing deadlines, documentation requirements and payment procedures under the Global Minimum Tax framework.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has published guidance outlining how in-scope multinational enterprises (MNEs) must submit the global minimum tax return (GMT01), the global minimum tax declaration form (GMT02), and the related tax calculation for the applicable fiscal year through eFiling.
The guidance explains the use of the Global Information Return (GIR), a standardised filing framework developed under the OECD/G20 GloBE Model Rules (Pillar Two) intended to support transparency and enforcement of global minimum tax rules by enabling tax authorities to identify low-taxed profits and apply top-up tax rules. It also streamlines administration by allowing a single filing to be shared among participating jurisdictions through information exchange.
According to SARS, the GIR serves as the comprehensive return containing all tax calculations prepared by an MNE Group to support its Top-up Tax liability or demonstrate that no liability arises. Information exchanged through the framework varies according to the role of each jurisdiction. The Ultimate Parent Entity (UPE) receives the full GIR, while other jurisdictions receive only the sections relevant to their taxing rights or constituent entities located within their borders.
The guidance sets out filing deadlines for the GIR. The first return must be submitted within 18 months after the end of the first reportable fiscal year. Thereafter, returns are due within 15 months after the end of each subsequent reportable year. The same 18-month filing period applies to MNEs that become subject to Top-up Tax only after the 2024 fiscal year.
To access GMT functions, users must activate the GMT tax type through the “Organisation” and “Manage Tax Types” menus on eFiling and ensure appropriate Rights Groups permissions are assigned. Once activated, GMT records and returns can be accessed under the “Returns” tab through the “Global Minimum Tax Returns” option.
SARS said the GMT01, which constitutes the Global Information Return, must be filed by each constituent entity in an implementing jurisdiction unless a qualifying return has already been submitted by the UPE or a designated filing entity in a jurisdiction that has a competent authority agreement in place. The system allows users to capture information, save incomplete returns, and generate PDF copies. Where amendments are required after submission, taxpayers may initiate a Request for Correction (RFC).
The GMT02 Declaration Summary can only be generated once the GMT01 has been successfully processed. The form serves as the final declaration and requires confirmation that all information provided is true and correct. Any changes at this stage must be made by amending the original GMT01 submission.
The guidance also outlines supporting document requirements. Taxpayers may upload up to 20 documents, including audited financial statements, organograms and financial schedules. Once at least one document has been uploaded, the supporting documents can be submitted electronically to SARS.
Following submission, SARS issues correspondence through eFiling, including acknowledgement letters and outcome notices. These communications contain 19-digit Payment Reference Numbers (PRNs), including a bulk PRN for payments covering multiple entities and a unique PRN for payments relating to a single entity. Taxpayers may also request a Statement of Account (SOA) to review balances and amounts payable for specific periods.
Payments are made through the “Pay Now” function and require a Credit Push banking facility. After initiating the payment on eFiling, users must authorise the transaction through their banking platform. SARS noted that once a payment instruction has been confirmed and submitted, it cannot be reversed. Payment confirmations and transaction status information remain available through the “Payment History” section of eFiling.
