A Look Ahead: How AI Will Shape Your Accounting in 2026

As we wrap up 2025, one thing is clear: this has been a landmark year for AI adoption.

Across the industry, and within our own client base, we’ve seen a massive shift in both the usage and trust of AI-driven tools. The results have been real, measurable, and genuinely exciting — and we’re only getting started.

So, what’s coming in 2026?

The future of accounting and business information systems is being shaped by intelligent automation, rapid data access, and tools that can support better, faster decision-making.

At MRBM, here’s where we’ll be focusing our R&D efforts over the next year:

1. AI agents that handle your repetitive tasks

From analysing invoices to formatting data for seamless import into your accounting software, AI agents will soon take care of the manual admin that slows teams down.

2. Smarter access to your business data

We’re working on deeper integrations with Copilot and your databases — Sage, SharePoint, client information, and other business sources. You’ll be able to ask Copilot “What were my company’s sales figures last month?” or “Turn that data into a graph” and get a usable, accurate response in a minute.

A quick reminder: security comes first

As with any new technology, AI brings massive opportunity — but also responsibility. When used correctly and safely, AI can transform the way you work. When used carelessly, the risks can be significant.

Please continue to keep security front of mind and ensure you’re following best practices as you adopt these tools.

If you’d like to chat about how AI could support your accounting, payroll, or business information systems in 2026, we’re here to help.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Hosting a Year-End Function? Know Your Responsibilities and Risks

Protect Your People and Your Business.

As the festive season approaches, many companies plan year-end functions to reward employees and strengthen team spirit. While these events can boost morale and foster connection, they also come with legal and reputational risks that employers must manage.

Key Risks to Consider:

Employee Conduct:

Misbehaviour, harassment, or discrimination during the event can lead to disciplinary action and reputational damage.

Alcohol Consumption:

Serving alcohol increases the risk of accidents, misconduct, and potential liability for injuries or damages.

Health & Safety Obligations:

Employers remain responsible for creating a safe environment—even offsite.

Transport & After-Parties:

Driving under the influence and unsanctioned after-parties can expose your company to risk.

 

Your Responsibilities:

  • Before the event, make sure to remind staff of company policies and the code of conduct.
  • Provide adequate food, water, and non-alcoholic options.
  • Ensure everyone has access to safe transport or taxi services.
  • During the event, keep an eye on behaviour and step in quickly if any issues occur.

Our HR team can help you draft policies, communicate expectations, and implement risk mitigation strategies.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Important SARS Update: Employee Tax Numbers Now Mandatory

SARS has issued an important notice regarding the upcoming 2026/02 Employer Filing Season.

From this filing period onward, employee Income Tax Numbers will be strictly enforced — employers will not be able to submit their EMP501 reconciliations without including an Income Tax Number for every employee.

SARS has confirmed that failure to comply may result in administrative penalties.

In previous years, e@syFile allowed submissions with warnings only, but that relaxation has now ended. Employers are urged to ensure all employees have valid Income Tax Numbers well before submission deadlines to avoid disruptions or penalties.

For the month of November 2025, MRBM is offering to apply for employee Tax Numbers at a reduced cost.

If you’d like us to handle this process for your business, please contact your MRBM payroll consultant or call 031 818 9030 and ask for the payroll department. We recommend getting in touch as soon as possible so we can ensure all employees are registered timeously.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Introducing Sage 50c Pastel Partner’s New Tiered Packages – Built to Grow with You

Sage has officially launched a new, scalable subscription model for Sage 50c Pastel Partner, designed to evolve with your business from startup to enterprise.

Unlike basic accounting tools, Sage 50c Partner grows seamlessly with your operations — so you’ll never need to “start over” with new software as your business expands.

The new tiered structure is as follows:

Start Tier – For Startups & Small Businesses

Start Tier – For Startups & Small Businesses

2 Users | 2 Companies | From R1,375 / month
Perfect for new businesses ready to move beyond entry-level accounting tools.

Core Tier – For Growing Businesses
Core Tier – For Growing Businesses

4 Users | 4 Companies | Optional Add-ons | From R1,915 / month
Ideal for businesses needing more flexibility and the option to add additional modules.

Plus Tier – For Established, Expanding Operations

Plus Tier – For Established, Expanding Operations

5 Users | 5–Unlimited Companies | Expandable to 20 Users | From R2,715 / month
Designed for medium to large businesses. The Plus Tier allows you to add more users, companies, and modules as you grow — offering maximum flexibility and scalability for complex operations.

Why Businesses Choose Sage 50c Pastel Partner

For over 30 years, Sage has been trusted by more than 100,000 South African businesses for reliable, compliant, and high-performing accounting solutions.

Building on that legacy, Sage 50c Pastel Partner delivers advanced functionality designed specifically for growing South African businesses that need more than just basic bookkeeping.

Beyond standard accounting, it’s built for compliance, scalability, and control — giving your business complete oversight from a single system.

  • Manage multiple delivery addresses per client – ideal for multi-branch operations
  • Automate recurring billing and invoicing – perfect for service contracts and monthly retainers
  • Maintain full oversight of inventory, suppliers, customers, and cash flow
  • Enjoy both desktop and cloud-connected flexibility to work your way

Sage 50c Pastel Partner brings together Sage’s proven reliability with the flexibility and depth your business needs to grow confidently.

Predictable, Scalable Pricing

With the new tiered subscription model, you only pay for what your business needs today — and scale up effortlessly when ready.
Choose monthly or annual plans, enjoy easy tier upgrades, and receive consistent feature updates.

All tiers include Bank Manager, Sage Intelligence Reporting, and the V13 Pervasive Workgroup Database at no additional cost.

FAQs

  • Why does it cost more?
    Partner now includes enhanced features that were previously optional extras — offering far greater value.
  • What if I only need something simple?
    For smaller businesses or those seeking a fully cloud-based solution, Sage Business Cloud Accounting remains available from R435 / month (2 users | 1 company).

Ready to find your perfect fit?

Contact MRBM to discuss which Sage 50c Pastel Partner tier is right for your business — or explore the cloud alternative if you’re just getting started.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.