How to choose a compliance tool
Before you pay for any compliance app or service, ask these nine questions. They apply to every tool, including ours.
- Does it cover your kind of business? Many tools only track registered companies (CIPC). Sole proprietors, side hustles and informal traders have licences, permits and SARS dates too. Check your exact business type is listed, not only "company".
- Where does each requirement come from? Look for the official source (SARS, CIPC, the Department of Employment and Labour, your municipality) and the date it was last checked, on every item.
- What can you see before you pay? A good tool shows you what your business needs for free, so you can judge it before you spend anything.
- How is the price worked out? Per company, per seat or per client makes a big difference if you run more than one business or advise clients. Add up a year at the yearly price, and check what is charged when you go over.
- Can your accountant or bookkeeper see it, with your permission? Under POPIA, sharing should be something you agree to and can stop. Check who can see your information and whether they can change it.
- Do reminders come when you need them? Check which deadlines are covered (SARS, CIPC, UIF, COIDA, licences you add yourself) and whether you can choose how early you are reminded.
- Does it file anything for you, and is that allowed? Some services submit forms on your behalf. Ask whether they are authorised to, what they need from you, and who is responsible if something goes wrong. A tool that only guides you keeps you in control.
- How do you cancel? Look for cancel-any-time, how a debit order is stopped, and what happens to your information afterwards.
- Is it clear that it is not legal advice? Compliance tools give general guidance. For a decision that matters, confirm with the regulator or a qualified adviser.
How SignalLedger answers them
| Business types | 1 003, including sole proprietors and informal traders |
|---|---|
| Sources and dates | Official link and "checked on" date on every item |
| Free before paying | Gap report, 20+ tools and the deadline calendar |
| Price | Free account; Pro R50 a month or R500 a year for 5 businesses or clients |
| Accountant access | Only after you accept from your own inbox; view only; stop any time |
| Reminders | Pro: you choose 60, 30, 14, 7, 3 or 1 days before |
| Filing for you | No. SignalLedger guides you and links to the official site |
| Cancel | Any time from My account; Pro stays on to the end of the paid period |
Get my free gap report →See what your business needs before you decide anything.
General guidance, not legal advice.
General guidance only, not legal, tax or compliance advice. Requirements, fees and processes change: confirm each item with the official body before you act. SignalLedger is an independent private platform, not a government website. Checked 19 October 2026. How we check our information.