New Rules When Disagreeing With SARS – Alignment With Strategic Objectives

On 10 March 2023, new dispute resolution rules were published in terms of the delivery of any document, notice or request made in respect of the SARS dispute resolution process. The new rule states that the delivery “must be made… to the taxpayer’s electronic filing page through www.sarsefiling.co.za”. This aligns with SARS’ strategic objectives of […]

Demystifying Double Taxation Agreements: What South African Expatriates Need To Know

With the Covid-19 pandemic largely in the rear-view mirror, tens of thousands of South Africans are seizing lucrative employment opportunities abroad. At the same time, many of these expatriates are unaware that their hard-earned income is at risk of double taxation.

Sars Can Increase Your Tax Liability If You Appeal

Following years of litigation dating as far back as 2017, the High Court has confirmed that SARS is well within its right to increase, at appeal stage, the tax liability it has claimed in an additional assessment; without having to issue a new assessment first.

5 Reasons South Africans Consider a Second Passport

The Henley & Partners, in collaboration with Tax Consulting South Africa, hosted their annual roadshow in May 2023 on the topic of ‘Investment Migration Is More Than Just a Plan B.’. This again highlights the reasons why South Africans are considering getting a second passport.

The Market Has Spoken: Experienced Hands Needed to Navigate SARS’ Enhanced AIT Process

The market saw mixed reactions following the implementation of the enhanced Approval of International Transfers (AIT) process on 24 April 2023.

The Cost of Non-Compliance – SARS’ Shrapnel Knows No Borders

SARS has made it easier to clamp down on individuals it deems as “sophisticated taxpayers”, specifically those with the ability “to apply for more than the yearly R1 million single discretionary allowance”. This is per the SARS media statement on 3 May 2023, and is one of the reasons given for the new Approval for […]

Kieswetter Makes No Empty Promises – No One Is Above The Law!

On 24 May 2023, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) released Interpretation Note 129 (IN129), which provides clarity on the interpretation and application of the phrase “maximum tax rate applicable to the taxpayer” in section 222(5) of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 (“TAA”). This is specific to when the applicable tax rate to […]

New AIT Enhancements Not to be Taken Lightly

On 24 April 2023, the new enhanced Tax Clearance Status System, was introduced, this being the Approval for International Transfer, or AIT application, as it has been coined. Without much fanfare, SARS’ immediate implementation of this new process may have come as a shock to the market, generating some uncertainty amongst financial professionals.

The solar energy tax incentive – a “light”-line for businesses?

The continued rollout of loadshedding in South Africa has forced businesses to dig-deep into their pockets to keep their doors open amidst the country’s energy crisis. With productivity at an all-time low, the economy, at large, is desperate for a feasible solution. In an attempt to encourage greater private investment by businesses in renewable energy […]

7 New Questions Trust Beneficiaries Must Know When SARS Asks

There are two significant SARS changes in the past 6 months impacting South Africans both local and anyone abroad on trusts, which directly impacts the beneficiaries of a trust.