SARS Still Razor Sharp On VAT Refunds

In a recent media release, dated 11 May 2023, and focused on VAT Refunds and Registrations, the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) stated that it is committed to paying legitimate refunds to qualifying taxpayers, as and when they become due. In line with this commitment, SARS reported that during the 2022/23 financial year, a record […]

FPI Event Sheds Light on SARS’ Tax Compliance Status Process Change

Since the South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced the changes to the Tax Compliance Status (TCS) process, the media has been abuzz. To cut through this noise, Tax Consulting South Africa and the Financial Planning Institute of South Africa (FPI) held a short webinar on 10 May 2023 unpacking all these changes, with a step-by-step […]

SARS Is Sticking to Its Promise of Dramatically Faster Turnaround Times

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) recently made several changes to its Tax Compliance Status (TCS) process. According to their media statement on 3 May 2023, SARS states that these changes, or “enhancements”, aim to “dramatically improve turnaround times” for compliant taxpayers and traders seeking to transfer funds out of South Africa.

One Last Opportunity for the Portugal Golden Visa – The Time Is Now

Living in Portugal is the dream for many South Africans, and those wishing to make this dream a reality often opted to apply for a golden visa. According to Henley & Partners, a leading global investment migration firm, a golden visa grants approved applicants’ full residence rights in exchange for a defined economic contribution to […]

Tax Debt Relief Solutions – How, When, and Why

In line with the strategic objective of making compliance easy, and in some instances seamless, the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) has afforded taxpayers the assistance of obtaining compliance, even when they are unable to fully service their tax debts. This avenue of reprieve is available by means of the tax debt relief solutions contained […]

The New SARS “Solar Energy Tax Credit”

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 to a tax deduction. This is good news as it affords individuals with a uniformed opportunity in claiming the same tax credit. Under […]

HR & Payroll Can Debunk Tax Myths with Training

Most employees do not understand the complex tax calculations the payroll team applies to their monthly earnings and often inundate them and Human Resources with questions about their deductions. The many tax myths shared by and amongst employees and professionals alike only fuel these misunderstandings and misconceptions, leaving employees in the dark.

SARS Audits: Speedbump for Luxury Vehicle Owners

In the Preliminary revenue results announcement earlier this month, the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) declared unprecedented revenue collection figures arising from taxpayer audits and investigations over the preceding tax year. In his compliance address, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter (“Kieswetter”) reported 854 strategic taxpayer audits being conducted during the 2022/2023 tax year which yielded R5.4 […]

SARS Considers Ordaining Solar Installers as Spies

The recent draft public notice issued by SARS proposes that Solar Installers must report taxpayer information.

Policy Withdrawals – Navigating the Inconsistencies of Expat Requirements

South Africans abroad face multiple challenges when it comes to withdrawing their retirement policies in South Africa. The most recent being the South African Revenue Services (“SARS”) implementation of the 3-year lock in rule on retirement funds in March 2021. This was further exacerbated by cumbersome requirements and additional administration burden required by policy providers.