Income tax for independent consultants

[Willie Trombone]

Just over 12 years ago I was registered as a provisional tax payer and used to make 2x payments to SARS annually. For the past 12 or so years I have been a full time employee so de-registered for provisional tax payments. I'm now an independent consultant and submit monthly invoices to / receive monthly payments from the firm I work with in the US. I phoned SARS after my move 6 months ago and was told I don't need to register for provisional tax and should submit returns as usual at which point SARS will advise me whether I need to register for provisional tax.

This really doesn't seem right to me, but what do I know
Anyone else been through this? I had to register previously - almost 20 years ago - because I registered a small business as an SP. I have not registered any business this time around as I'm operating as an independent consultant.

Any advice would be welcome!