Immigration Reform or Tax Overreach by Stealth?
Why Home Affairs’ latest proposal should alarm investors, foreign nationals and National Treasury alike The Department of Home Affairs’ White Paper on Immigration Reform, published on 12 December 2025, presents itself as a long overdue modernisation of South Africa’s immigration system. Artificial intelligence, digitisation, streamlined skills visas and clearer pathways to permanent residence all sound […]
SARS Modernisation 3.0 – Compliance Crackdown in the Age of AI
In its relentless pursuit of tax compliance, SARS has launched a series of initiatives aimed at streamlining tax processes through various automation enhancements. This includes the identification of specific areas of focus, to enhance detection, enforcement and voluntary compliance – enter SARS Modernisation 3.0.
New Law In 2026 For 14 Government Bodies To Perform “Lifestyle Audits” And Report The Rich To SARS
Have you been living the life on social media and not telling SARS? Gone on overseas trips to exotic destinations? Purchased new cars, houses, expensive brand clothes, watches, jewellery etc.? The latest legislative change spans at least 14 new government departments who can conduct lifestyle audits. This is coupled with mandatory information-sharing across a wide […]
VAT in South Africa 2026: The Revenue Engine SARS Will Defend at Any Cost
VAT remains one of the most powerful revenue instruments available to the South African fiscus. In practical terms, it continues to rival personal income tax as a primary contributor to government revenue and remains indispensable to SARS’s collection mandate. This reality matters.
No Bank, No Bucks: SARS Refunds Stalled for Many South African Expats
“Your Income Tax refund is on hold because your banking details on SARS records are invalid.” Hardly the message one hopes to receive from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) at the start of a new year. Yet, this scenario is becoming increasingly common, particularly among South African expats and former residents who have left […]