A recent High Court decision should serve as a cautionary tale for any taxpayer who underestimates the procedural rigor required when challenging the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”).
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is not beating around the bush with sharpening its focus on South African expatriate taxpayers as part of efforts to curb non-compliance that contributes to billions in lost tax revenue annually.
In a tightening economy, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is under increasing pressure to collect every cent it can to shore up the South African fiscus. While many compliant businesses play by the rules, it is becoming clear that some large corporates are pushing the envelope too far—sometimes unintentionally, but often with eyes wide open.
South Africa continues to face an unforgiving economic climate. Households are grappling with rising costs of food, fuel, electricity, and school fees, while salary increases remain modest or frozen altogether. As many employees search for ways to stretch their income, one practical, cost-neutral solution stands out: flexible benefits.
Having had great success with its specialised tax compliance programmes over the last few years, SARS has now called in the cavalry this tax return filing season, through “Project AmaBillions”, to bolster its tax debt collection capabilities.
In a significant win for taxpayers on the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) “narrow” approach to the ability to claim input Value-Added Tax (VAT), the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) recently ruled in favour of Woolworths Holdings (Woolworths), the group holding company, affirming its right to claim over R8 million in input VAT.
For South African residents and expatriates living abroad, reaching the R1 million annual limit of offshore spending allowed under exchange control regulations, can happen far more quickly than expected. This can soon land them in hot water with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) who closely monitors funds flowing out of South Africa.
South African expatriates living and working abroad are firmly in the Tax Man’s sights. Recent enhancements clearly indicate the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is increasing its focus on the importance of expatriates legally confirming the basis on which they cease their tax residency status in South Africa to benefit from a reduced income tax liability as non-resident taxpayers.
As the 2025 tax filing season approaches, many South Africans working from home are asking what home office expenses they can claim as tax deductible items, and how to do it correctly. This question is especially relevant for the growing number of South African employees working remotely for global companies who are increasingly turning to tax practitioners for guidance.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced enhancements to its record-keeping of taxpayers’ tax residency status this coming tax filing season, taking direct aim at returning South African expatriates.