Vatco Consulting Services
Register Your Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) – Vatco Makes It Simple
We help non-profit organisations register as Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs) with SARS, enabling them to receive tax-deductible donations and qualify for tax exemptions.
Providing Quality Services
with Experienced Consultants
1. Schedule A Consultation
Visit our website and schedule a consultation with one of our experienced accountants.
2. Discuss Your Financial Goals
Our team will sit down with you to discuss your financial needs and goals, and develop a customized plan to achieve them.
3. Watch Your Business Thrive
We’ll work with you to implement the plan and ensure that your business is thriving financially.
Contact us at the Vatco nearest to you or submit a business inquiry below.
- VAT Registration
- Tax Clearance Certificate
- PAYE Registration
- Income Tax Registration
- Tax Compliance Status Pin
- Customs Code Registration
- Provisional Tax Returns (IRP6)
- Personal Income Tax Returns
- Business Income Tax Returns
- Tax Directives Application
- EMP201 & EMP501 Submissions
- Tax Debt Negotiation & Payment Arrangements
- Public Officer Activation
- Trust Income Tax Registration
- PBO Registration
- Bonded Cargo Registration
- Remover of Goods in Bond
What Is PBO Registration?
A Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) is a non-profit organisation that has been officially approved by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) under Section 18A of the Income Tax Act. This approval allows the organisation to be partially or fully exempt from income tax and enables it to issue tax-deductible donation receipts to donors.
Vatco guides organisations through the full PBO registration process — from compliance readiness to SARS submission and Section 18A approval.
Why PBO Registration Matters
Tax Exemption: Approved PBOs are exempt from certain income taxes and donations tax.
Section 18A Receipts: Allows you to issue tax certificates that donors can use for deductions.
Funding Eligibility: Many donors, government departments, and international funders require PBO status.
Credibility & Transparency: Boosts trust with donors, partners, and the public.
What’s Included in Our PBO Registration Service?
✅ Review of your organisation’s founding documents
✅ Preparation and submission of the PBO application to SARS
✅ Assistance with Section 18A tax-deductible donation approval
✅ Guidance on PBO compliance and recordkeeping
✅ SARS liaison and confirmation of registration
Who Should Apply for PBO Status?
Non-Profit Companies (NPCs) registered with CIPC
Voluntary associations with formal constitutions
Trusts registered for charitable, welfare, or religious purposes
Any qualifying NPO engaging in public benefit activities
Step-by-Step: How Vatco Assists
Eligibility Review: We assess your organisation’s founding documents and objectives.
Document Collection: We gather your constitution or trust deed, CIPC/NPO certificates, and board info.
Application Submission: We prepare and submit the PBO application and required annexures.
Section 18A Request (Optional): We request approval to issue donation tax certificates.
Follow-Up: We liaise with SARS until approval is granted.
What Documents Are Needed?
Constitution or Trust Deed (with approved public benefit objectives)
NPO certificate (if applicable)
CIPC registration certificate (for NPCs)
Certified ID copies of directors or trustees
Bank confirmation letter and proof of address
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs: PBO Registration
1. What is a PBO?
A Public Benefit Organisation is an NPO approved by SARS for tax exemption and donor deduction benefits.
2. How long does PBO registration take?
Usually 4–8 weeks depending on documentation and SARS processing time.
3. What is Section 18A approval?
It allows approved PBOs to issue receipts for donations that are deductible for the donor.
4. Can any NPO become a PBO?
Only those that meet SARS’s public benefit activity criteria.
5. Does PBO status mean automatic NPO registration?
No. NPO registration is done separately through the Department of Social Development.
6. Can a trust be registered as a PBO?
Yes. Trusts with public benefit objectives and proper governance can apply.
7. What happens if my PBO doesn’t comply?
SARS may withdraw your approval and revoke tax benefits.
8. Can Vatco help maintain compliance?
Yes. We offer annual advisory and return filing to protect your PBO status.
