13/10/2026
One of the most common mistakes South African seafarers make is assuming that working offshore means SARS no longer expects to hear from them.
"My income was earned at sea, so I do not need to submit a tax return."
Unfortunately, it is not always that simple.
Even if your foreign income may qualify for tax relief, your reporting obligations do not necessarily disappear. Missed filings can lead to penalties, unnecessary delays, and unwelcome questions from SARS down the line.
Speak to Seafarers Global about managing your annual tax obligations: https://bit.ly/4aQWcvN