Expenses

Generate SARS-compliant expense reports and exports

Exporting Expenses for SARS

Generate SARS-compliant expense reports and exports for your tax return.

Overview

When it's time to file your tax return or meet with your accountant, ProcessX makes it easy to export your expense data in formats that meet SARS (South African Revenue Service) requirements.

Export Options

1. CSV Export

Ideal for:

  • Sharing with accountants
  • Importing into other software
  • Detailed analysis in Excel

2. PDF Report

Ideal for:

  • Printing for records
  • Submitting as supporting documents
  • Professional presentation

3. Summary Report

Ideal for:

  • Quick overview for tax return
  • Category totals for ITR12
  • Year-end review

How to Export Expenses

Step 1: Go to Reports or Expenses

You can export from two locations:

  • Reports > Expense Summary
  • Expenses > Export button

Step 2: Select Date Range

Choose the tax year you're exporting for:

  • 2024/2025 Tax Year: March 2024 - February 2025
  • Custom Range: Select specific dates

Learn more about tax year dates on SARS.

Step 3: Apply Filters (Optional)

Narrow down your export:

  • By category
  • By vendor
  • By amount range
  • Include/exclude specific items

Step 4: Choose Format

Select your preferred format:

  • CSV: Spreadsheet format
  • PDF: Document format
  • Excel: .xlsx file

Step 5: Download

Click Export or Download to get your file.

Understanding the Export

CSV/Excel Fields

PDF Report Sections

  • Summary: Total expenses, count, categories
  • Category Breakdown: Totals by category
  • Detailed List: All expenses with details
  • Receipt Reference: Links to uploaded receipts
  • SARS ITR12 Categories

    When completing your ITR12 tax return, you'll need totals for specific categories. ProcessX maps to SARS codes:

    ColumnDescription
    DateExpense date
    DescriptionWhat was purchased
    CategoryExpense category
    VendorWhere purchased
    AmountTotal including VAT
    VATVAT portion (if applicable)
    Net AmountAmount excluding VAT
    ProcessX CategorySARS ITR12 Section
    Office SuppliesParagraph (a) - Other expenses
    Professional ServicesParagraph (a) - Legal/Accounting
    TravelParagraph (a) - Travel expenses
    Vehicle (actual)Paragraph (a) - Motor vehicle expenses
    Vehicle (logbook)Travel Allowance section
    Home OfficeParagraph (a) - Home office expenses
    For detailed guidance on allowable deductions, see the SARS guide on business expenses.

    Deduction Summary Report

    For easy tax filing, use the Deduction Summary:

  • Go to Reports > Deduction Summary
  • Select the tax year
  • View totals already grouped for your ITR12
  • Export the summary
  • This report shows:

    • Total deductible expenses
    • Non-deductible items (excluded)
    • Category totals matching SARS requirements
    • Supporting notes

    What to Give Your Accountant

    When sharing with your accountant, provide:

  • Expense Summary (PDF): Overview and totals
  • Detailed Export (CSV/Excel): Full transaction list
  • Receipts: Access to uploaded receipts or export
  • Income Summary: If they need the full picture
  • Need a registered tax practitioner? Find one on the SARS website.

    Keeping Records

    SARS requires you to keep records for 5 years. See the SARS record-keeping requirements. ProcessX stores:

    • All expense data
    • Uploaded receipts
    • Export history
    • Report archives

    You can always re-export historical data.

    Provisional Tax Payments

    For provisional tax (IRP6), export quarterly:

    • First period: March - August
    • Second period: September - February
    • Third period (top-up): After year-end

    External Resources

    Related Articles


    Last updated: March 2025

    Topics covered:

    exportSARStax returnCSVreport

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