In the sprawling kingdom of South African finance, trusts and their advisors navigate mist-shrouded paths of compliance, wary of penalties, interest charges, and mounting tax debts. Many brave trustees have attempted to traverse these treacherous paths, only to stumble over complex rules, shifting governance standards, and the heavy weight of outstanding obligations.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS)’ proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT) Modernisation Project is geared to combat challenges faced by traders, businesses, and SARS, including compliance inefficiencies, the risk of errors, and tax evasion. Phase 1 will entail inserting key definitions into the VAT Act, including “e-credit note”, “e-debit note” and “interoperability framework”.
In a hard-hitting joint media statement released on 9 December 2025, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), in collaboration with SARS, and other law-enforcement agencies, announced a significant legal victory: a six-year direct prison sentence (with two years suspended) for Tshepo Khoza — director of Grey Apple Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd — on multiple counts […]
On 26 November 2025, South African Revenue Service (SARS) released a draft Interpretation Note on section 7C of the Income Tax Act, No. 58 of 1962, the anti-avoidance provision aimed at interest free or low interest loans used to fund trusts. The tax authority’s message is clear: there is simply no such thing as an […]
South African law requires any person who becomes liable for tax, whether it be income tax, VAT or Capital Gains Tax, to register as a taxpayer with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and obtain a tax number. This unique identifier, issued by SARS, tracks and manages your tax obligations and compliance.
SARS And National Treasury’s 18th annual edition of the Tax Statistics bulletin confirms the effectiveness of the revenue collector’s compliance driven initiatives. SARS celebrates a whopping 16,7% year-on-year compliance collection increase, which it attributes to “enhanced strategies and diligent implementation of compliance measures”.
As the year draws to a close, many South Africans begin preparing for international relocation at the start of the new year, yet the administrative side of emigration, particularly ceasing South African tax residency is often more complex than anticipated. If you intend to finalise your tax residency cessation early in 2026, the window to […]
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released a draft notice under section 210(2) of the Tax Administration Act that formally proposes fixed administrative penalties for trusts that fail to submit their tax returns. Although still in draft form, this publication marks a clear shift from years of warnings to concrete action.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is about to gain unprecedented visibility into your offshore life. A new global tax agreement means SARS will soon automatically receive detailed information about every foreign immovable property owned by South African taxpayers across more than 20 countries.
Mauritius continues to position itself as one of the most attractive destinations for foreign professionals, investors, self-employed individuals and retirees seeking a secure, well-regulated jurisdiction with a favourable tax regime and exceptional quality of life.