Compliance · Tax · Operating
What BURS actually wants from you
Most small business owners in Botswana are afraid of BURS. The fear is usually the result of not understanding what is actually required — and what happens when you don't comply. This article makes it plain.
What you need to file
Every registered company in Botswana must file an annual income tax return. If your turnover is above P1M you also file VAT returns every two months. If you have employees, you deduct PAYE from their salaries and remit it to BURS monthly.
What gets businesses into trouble
The most common issues are: not filing on time (penalties start immediately), not keeping records (BURS can assess you on estimated income), and not deducting PAYE correctly. All of these are avoidable with basic bookkeeping.
The simplest thing you can do today
Open a separate folder — digital or physical — and put every receipt, invoice, and bank statement in it. Date them. Do this consistently. When tax time comes, you have everything in one place. This single habit prevents 80% of the problems that make BURS interactions painful.
Test your knowledge
Did it stick?
3 quick questions. Answers are checked as you go — nothing is stored or scored.