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Third-Party Data Submission Tracking in DataGrows

Third-Party Data Submissions have become an increasingly important SARS compliance requirement.

Written by Mariska

Managing multiple submission types, deadlines, and clients manually can quickly become difficult as your firm grows.

DataGrows helps firms track and manage Third-Party Data Submissions by automatically scheduling reminders, monitoring progress, and ensuring that important SARS deadlines are not missed.

The goal is simple: maintain visibility over your Third-Party Data obligations and avoid unnecessary penalties through structured task management.


What Are Third-Party Data Submissions?

Third-Party Data Submissions are information returns submitted to SARS on behalf of certain organisations and clients.

These submissions generally occur during the SARS submission periods, including:

  • May

  • October

Depending on the client and reporting requirements, multiple submission types may be required.


Activating Third-Party Data Services

To enable Third-Party Data Submissions:

  1. Navigate to the Clients Table

  2. Open the Client Record

  3. Go to the Billing & Services Tab

  4. Enable Third-Party Data Submissions

  5. Select the applicable submission type(s)

  6. Save the record

  7. Once saved, DataGrows automatically schedules the necessary reminders.


Multiple Submission Types

Some clients may be required to submit more than one type of Third-Party Data Return.

For these clients:

✅ Select multiple submission types

✅ DataGrows creates separate tasks

✅ Each submission can be tracked independently

This ensures that no reporting obligations are overlooked.


Automatic Scheduling

Once the service is enabled, DataGrows:

✅ Calculates the correct submission frequency

✅ Schedules tasks automatically

✅ Creates reminders for future submission periods

✅ Includes the tasks in your workflow management system

As regulations and deadlines evolve, this helps firms maintain visibility without relying on manual diaries or spreadsheets.


Working on Third-Party Data Submission Tasks

Third-Party Data tasks function like other automated compliance services in DataGrows.

Navigate to Task Departments → Tax → Third-Party Data Submissions

Here, you can:

  • Update progress

  • Add notes

  • Assign responsibility

  • Track completion

  • Use workflow checklists

  • Use custom workflows

This provides a structured process from preparation through to submission.


Managing Workloads Using All Tasks Due

All Third-Party Data Submission reminders flow into:

All Tasks Due

This allows your team to:

  • Monitor upcoming deadlines

  • Prioritise work

  • Allocate resources

  • Identify outstanding submissions

By consolidating reminders into one dashboard, firms gain better visibility across all compliance services.


Using Filters

Useful filters may include:

Due This Month

Identify upcoming submission deadlines.

Submission Type

Group similar filings together.

Assigned Staff Member

Review workloads and responsibilities.

Outstanding Submissions

Focus on work that still requires action.

Saved filters make it easy to revisit these views throughout the submission cycle.


Custom Workflows

Many firms include additional steps when preparing Third-Party Data submissions.

Examples may include:

  • Client information requests

  • Internal reviews

  • Management approval

  • Reconciliation checks

  • Submission confirmation

Where required, Custom Workflows can be assigned to provide a more detailed process for your team.


Why Use DataGrows for Third-Party Data Submission Tracking?

Managing these obligations manually often creates risk.

DataGrows helps firms:

✅ Track May and October deadlines

✅ Schedule reminders automatically

✅ Monitor progress

✅ Assign responsibilities

✅ Support custom workflows

✅ Centralise compliance management

✅ Reduce the risk of missed submissions and penalties


Key Takeaways

✅ Third-Party Data Submissions are enabled from the Client Services section.

✅ Multiple submission types can be selected per client.

✅ DataGrows automatically schedules the correct tasks and reminders.

✅ Tasks appear in All Tasks Due for easy monitoring.

✅ Standard or Custom Workflows can be used to manage the process.

✅ Saved filters help teams focus on upcoming deadlines and outstanding work.

✅ Automated scheduling reduces the risk of missed submissions and SARS penalties.

Remember: Third-Party Data Submissions may only happen a few times a year, but missing them can have significant compliance consequences. DataGrows helps ensure these important deadlines remain visible and actionable long before they become urgent. 📋✅📅

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