🏛️ SARS Approved Registration Service · Trusted by 200+ NPOs
PBO Registration With SARS
Get your Non-Profit Organisation registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) with SARS. Unlock tax exemption benefits, qualify for Section 18A status, and enhance your organisation’s credibility with donors and funders.
💰 Tax Exemption Benefits | ⏱️ 30–90 Days Processing | 📋 Section 18A Potential
🏛️ PBO Registration R3,990 | ⏱️ 30–60Days | ✅ 100% Compliance Guaranteed
✅ Complete PBO Registration Package
PBO Registration with SARS
Everything for SARS PBO approval
R3,990
once-off · all-inclusive
✅ PBO Application Preparation
✅ SARS Appointment Setup
✅ SARS eFiling Submission
✅ Constitution / MOI Review
✅ Full SARS Follow-up
✅ PBO Approval Letter
100% Compliance Guaranteed
Why Register as a PBO with SARS?
PBO status provides significant tax benefits and enhances your organisation’s credibility with donors and funders.
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Tax Exemption
Enjoy tax exemption on income from public benefit activities. As a result, more of your funds go directly to your cause instead of being lost to taxation.
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Section 18A Status
Qualify for Section 18A status, allowing donors to claim tax deductions on their donations. Consequently, your organisation becomes significantly more attractive to corporate and individual donors.
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Enhanced Credibility
Build trust with donors, funders, and government agencies through official PBO recognition. Furthermore, many CSI programmes require PBO status before funding an organisation.
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Funding Opportunities
Access more funding opportunities, as many funders require PBO status for grant applications. In addition, government and international funders often prioritise PBO-approved organisations.
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Legal Compliance
Ensure your organisation meets all SARS requirements for non-profit tax exemptions. Indeed, PBO registration demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability.
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Donor Confidence
Give donors peace of mind knowing their contributions support a SARS-approved organisation. Therefore, donors are more likely to give generously and repeatedly.
What Is PBO Registration in South Africa?
A Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) is an organisation approved by SARS that conducts qualifying public benefit activities as listed in Part I of the Ninth Schedule to the Income Tax Act. PBO registration South Africa grants your NPO tax-exempt status on income earned from approved activities.
In particular, PBO registration is the gateway to Section 18A status, which allows your organisation to issue tax deduction certificates to donors. As a result, donors can claim their contributions as deductions against their taxable income, which significantly incentivises giving.
To qualify for PBO status, your organisation must be registered as an NPC with CIPC or as an NPO with the Department of Social Development. Furthermore, your constitution must contain specific clauses required by SARS, and your activities must fall within the approved categories listed in the Ninth Schedule.
How PBO Registration Works in 3 Steps
We guide you through the entire SARS PBO application process.
1
Submit Your Documents
Firstly, provide your NPO registration certificate, constitution or MOI, founding documents, and details of your public benefit activities. We review everything to ensure SARS compliance.
2
We Prepare & Submit
Next, our team reviews your constitution for required PBO clauses, prepares the complete PBO application, and submits it to SARS via eFiling on your behalf.
3
Receive PBO Approval
Finally, once SARS approves your application, you receive your official PBO approval letter confirming your tax-exempt status. We handle all follow-up with SARS until approval.
What’s Included in Your PBO Registration
Everything you need for successful PBO registration with SARS.
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PBO Application Preparation
Complete preparation of your SARS PBO application forms, ensuring all required information is accurately presented.
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SARS Appointment Setup
We book and manage your SARS appointment for document submission, saving you time and ensuring a smooth process.
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SARS eFiling Submission
Professional submission of your PBO application through the SARS eFiling system, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all requirements.
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Constitution / MOI Review
Thorough review of your constitution to ensure it contains the specific PBO clauses required by SARS. We advise on amendments if needed.
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Full SARS Follow-up
We handle all communication and follow-up with SARS on your behalf until your PBO status is confirmed. No chasing SARS yourself.
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PBO Approval Letter
Your official SARS approval letter confirming PBO status and tax-exempt classification. This document is required for donor certificates and funding applications.
What Activities Qualify for PBO Status?
Your organisation must conduct activities listed in the Ninth Schedule of the Income Tax Act.
✅ Welfare & Humanitarian
✅ Education & Development
✅ Religion, Belief & Philosophy
✅ Healthcare
✅ Land & Housing
✅ Conservation & Environment
✅ Cultural Activities
✅ Research & Consumer Rights
✅ Sport & Recreation
✅ Animal Welfare
💡 Not sure if your activities qualify? Contact us for a free assessment. We’ll review your organisation’s objectives and advise whether PBO registration South Africa is suitable for your NPO.
What You Need for PBO Registration
Have these documents ready to apply for PBO status with SARS:
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NPO Registration Certificate
Your NPO registration certificate from CIPC (NPC) or Department of Social Development. This is a prerequisite for PBO registration.
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Constitution / MOI
Your organisation’s founding document with the required SARS PBO clauses. We review this and advise on any amendments needed.
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Directors’ / Trustees’ IDs
Valid ID documents for all directors or trustees of the organisation. SARS requires these for the application process.
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Physical Address
The registered and operational address of the organisation. SARS requires both a physical and postal address for PBO applications.
💡 Good to Know
✅ Your constitution must include specific PBO clauses required by SARS
✅ Activities must qualify as public benefit activities (Ninth Schedule)
✅ We can assist with constitution amendments if needed
✅ Section 18A status can be applied for separately or together
✅ You must be registered as an NPO/NPC before applying for PBO
Unlock tax exemption for your NPO — apply for PBO status today.
Understanding Section 18A Tax Deduction Certificates
Section 18A of the Income Tax Act allows approved PBOs to issue tax deduction certificates to donors. When a donor receives a Section 18A certificate, they can deduct the donation from their taxable income — up to 10% of their total taxable income.
However, not all PBOs automatically qualify for Section 18A status. Your organisation’s activities must specifically fall within Part II of the Ninth Schedule, which is more restrictive than Part I. For example, religious activities alone generally do not qualify for Section 18A, but welfare, education, and healthcare activities typically do.
Want the full breakdown? Read our complete guide to Section 18A registration and certificates — including Forms EI1 and EI2, who qualifies, valid receipt requirements, and IT3(d) reporting.
Consequently, obtaining Section 18A status makes your organisation significantly more attractive to corporate donors and CSI programmes. At Bekin Consulting, we assess your organisation’s activities and advise whether Section 18A status is achievable as part of the PBO registration South Africa process.
PBO Registration in South Africa — Nationwide Service
Bekin Consulting offers professional PBO registration services across all provinces of South Africa. Whether your NPO is based in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, or any other city, we handle the entire SARS application process remotely.
In particular, we have successfully registered more than 200 organisations as PBOs with SARS, including churches, welfare organisations, educational institutions, and community development NPOs. Indeed, our experience with SARS processes means we know exactly what they require and how to avoid common pitfalls.
For example, if your NPO was recently registered and you need PBO status to attract funding, we can typically prepare and submit your application within the first week. In addition, we follow up with SARS regularly until your PBO approval letter is received.
Frequently Asked Questions
PBO Registration Process
What is a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO)?
A PBO is an organisation approved by SARS that conducts public benefit activities as listed in the Ninth Schedule of the Income Tax Act. PBO status grants tax exemption on income related to approved activities, allowing more funds to go toward your cause.
Who can apply for PBO status?
NPOs, churches, charities, educational institutions, and organisations conducting approved public benefit activities can apply for PBO status with SARS. You must first be registered as an NPC with CIPC or as an NPO with the Department of Social Development.
How long does PBO registration take?
PBO registration typically takes 30–60 days, depending on SARS processing times and the completeness of your application. Our professional service ensures all documents are prepared correctly to minimise delays and avoid rejections.
More Questions About PBO Registration
What is Section 18A status?
Section 18A allows approved PBOs to issue tax deduction certificates to donors, enabling them to claim donations as deductions against their taxable income. Not all PBOs automatically qualify — your activities must fall within Part II of the Ninth Schedule. We advise on eligibility as part of our service.
Do I need an NPO certificate before applying for PBO?
Yes, you must be registered as an NPO with CIPC or the Department of Social Development before applying for PBO status with SARS. If you haven’t registered yet, we offer an NPO registration service for R1,290 that includes both NPC and DSD registration.
What activities qualify as public benefit?
Qualifying activities are listed in the Ninth Schedule of the Income Tax Act and include welfare, education, religion, healthcare, cultural activities, conservation, animal welfare, sport, land and housing, research, and consumer rights. We assess your organisation’s specific activities to confirm eligibility before submitting your PBO application.
Which form is used to apply for PBO registration?
PBO registration is applied for using SARS Form EI1, submitted to the SARS Tax Exempt Institutions (TEI) unit together with your founding document and supporting papers. If you also want to issue tax-deductible donation receipts, Form EI2 (Section 18A) is submitted at the same time.
What is the difference between PBO registration and Section 18A?
PBO registration (Form EI1, under Section 30) exempts your organisation from income tax. Section 18A approval (Form EI2) is an additional status that lets you issue tax-deductible receipts to donors. You need PBO status first, and only certain activities qualify for Section 18A. See our dedicated Section 18A registration page for full details.
What are the ongoing compliance requirements for a PBO?
An approved PBO must submit an annual income tax return (ITR12EI), keep its founding documents up to date, notify SARS of any material changes, and stay within the limits on trading or business income. PBOs that issue Section 18A receipts must also submit IT3(d) third-party data returns to SARS. Failure to comply can lead to withdrawal of PBO status.
Related Services for NPOs
Additional services to help your organisation succeed:
NPO Registration — CIPC NPC + DSD registration (R1,290)
BEE Certificate — B-BBEE affidavit or certificate for your NPO
SARS Tax Registration — Income tax, PAYE, and UIF registration
Organisation Profile — Professional profile design for funders
Church Registration — NPC + SARS tax exemption for churches
All Services — View all Bekin Consulting services
Ready to Apply for PBO Status?
Complete PBO Registration for R3,990 · 30–60 Days
Join hundreds of NPOs that have trusted us with their PBO registration.
✅ Constitution review included | ✅ SARS follow-up handled for you | ✅ 100% money-back guarantee
Or call us: 021 525 9615 · sales@bekinconsulting.co.za