The ‘Big Three’ Tax Worries (part 1): Cars
What keeps taxpayers awake at night? Judging by the many questions that I’ve been asked as a tax practitioner over the years, there is a definite ‘Big Three’ when it comes to problems that cause taxpayers sleepless nights: cars, shares, and property. The tax treatment of these three items probably causes more anxiety, and has […]
Understanding Your Rights as a Taxpayer: Tax Assessments and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA)
We all pay taxes in one way or another, but as a taxpayer, it is important to understand your rights when dealing with tax authorities, the laws applicable, and whether your constitutional rights might be affected. One of the most common taxes paid is personal income tax. A critical aspect thereof is tax assessments, which […]
What to Do When Tax Is Not Cut and Dried
Do you have a complex transaction, and don’t know which way SARS will go? Ask them upfront! Many entities enter into complex transactions where the tax issues are not cut and dried, but the risk of SARS ruling against them is too great. The good news is that since October 2006, there has been a […]
When SARS Says ‘No’, They Must Tell You Why
Taxpayers have the right to obtain reasons for decisions by SARS. When I was about three years old, my mother admonished me not to play with matches, and like the precocious brat I was, I demanded to know “why”. Many a parent, faced with similar demands from their offspring, would be tempted to exert parental […]
Mastering record keeping: How to meet SARS’s electronic documentation standards
Mastering record keeping: How to meet SARS’s electronic documentation standards Too often, taxpayers seem to forget that the most important aspect of dealing with SARS is to ensure that they can discharge their burden of proof. As a taxpayer, it is on you to provide SARS with the relevant material that, on a balance of […]
VAT on Short-Term Lettings and Commissions
VAT on Short-Term Lettings and Commissions Are you acting as agent or principal—and what would be the pragmatic approach? There are very few people across the world who haven’t heard of Airbnb. Started in San Francisco in 2008, this multi-billion-dollar NASDAQ-listed company that employs around 7,000 people has revolutionised the short-term letting industry. Over four […]
The new proposed SARS solar energy tax credit
The new proposed SARS solar energy tax credit The tax credit for individuals installing solar panels is here, for a limited time only. The proposed new law regarding the tax credit available to individuals who install solar panels has been announced. The system will be introduced in the form of a tax credit, as opposed […]
Flying towards a tax saving: Double Tax Agreement, or financial emigration?
Flying towards a tax saving: Double Tax Agreement, or financial emigration? Having visited over 12 international locations in 2022, and engaging with South African expatriates, we can attest to a recent report issued by the United Nations, which found that around 900 000 South Africans are already living and working overseas and indeed, this may […]
Accounting tips for small businesses
Accounting tips for small businesses When operating a small business, there are so many important daily tasks to remember especially if you are also the business owner. Your day is most likely jam-packed with numerous to-do lists and other miscellaneous tasks that need completing. When your day is filled up like this, sometimes the last […]
Section 7C – A practical explanation
What is section 7C? This section of the Income Tax Act is an anti-avoidance measure aimed at transactions between connected persons and trusts, where a trust is funded by low interest or interest-free loans. This is usually done to ensure that assets form part of the trust’s capital, and the funder (who is usually a […]