Enhancing tax literacy among South African small business owners

Orientation: Small enterprises are vital contributors to South Africa’s economy, yet many continue to struggle with the complexities of tax compliance. Limited taxation literacy often undermines their sustainability, leading to business closures and missed opportunities for growth. Research purpose: This study explores the primary tax-related challenges encountered by small business owners in South Africa and investigates the strategies they use to manage their tax responsibilities effectively. Motivation for the study: Despite numerous government interventions to support small businesses, limited research has examined how taxation knowledge gaps affect their operational stability. Understanding these dynamics is critical for improving tax compliance and enhancing enterprise resilience. Research design, approach and method: A qualitative research design was employed. Ten small business owners were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. Data were analysed through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns, perceptions and coping mechanisms related to taxation. Main findings: The study found that small business owners face persistent challenges, including frequent legislative changes, administrative burdens and fear of penalties. Participants also reported perceptions of bias within the tax system and difficulties accessing government incentives. Nonetheless, many demonstrated adaptability through tax planning, consulting professionals and leveraging available relief measures. Practical/managerial implications: Enhanced tax education programmes and simplified administrative procedures could strengthen compliance and operational performance. Peer-to-peer learning initiatives may further improve taxation literacy within the small business sector. Contribution/value-add: The study contributes to understanding how taxation literacy influences the sustainability of small enterprises in South Africa. It provides evidence-based insights for policymakers to design more equitable and accessible tax support systems tailored to small business realities.