To claim or not to claim VAT, that is…
Some vehicles you cannot claim VAT on, some you can and knowing the difference can save you a lot of money. When can you claim input VAT on a vehicle? Most businesses that are registered for VAT will be aware that you generally cannot claim input VAT on the purchase of a ‘motor car’ as […]
The financial costs and benefits of solar power
The shift towards renewable energy in South Africa has seen a significant rise in the adoption of solar power. While the benefits of solar energy, such as sustainability and long-term cost savings, are well-known, it’s important to also consider the hidden costs and challenges associated with solar power systems. This balanced analysis aims to provide […]
The new SARS solar energy tax credit
The tax credit for individuals installing solar panels is here, for a limited time only. 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, […]
Disclose your defaults before SARS finds them!
A grim warning for South African taxpayers. Long gone are the days when tax fraudsters could run circles around SARS, which has intensified its efforts to crack down on tax evasion by pursuing criminal action against non-compliant taxpayers. One example is when SARS came knocking on the door of a private hospital and its director, […]
Follow due process, yes—but be reasonable!
Condonation for the late filing of legal documentation depends on whether the interests of justice will be served by the court granting such condonation. IN TAXPAYER M v CSARS (Case Number VAT1826) heard by the Gauteng Tax court, Windell, J handed down an important decision regarding the validity of a default notice (and the resultant impact on […]
Render unto Caesar: Shares and the SARS slice
Whether you are a share trader or a long-term investor, when you make a profit, SARS will want its slice of the pie. Ever since biblical times, there has been a tug-of-war between governments trying to extract as much as possible from their citizens in the form of taxes, and individuals trying to keep as […]
Never do things just ‘for tax purposes’
A decision based solely on tax considerations is likely to be the wrong one.“I hate tax!” These were the words spoken by a director of one of the clients of the audit firm with whom I served articles. Whilst many would agree with this sentiment towards the tax-man, this particular individual’s zeal in devising schemes […]
Testamentary trusts still have their place
How you can protect your assets from predators—including SARS. Trusts have received a lot of bad press over the past few years, what with SARS taking a dim view of the use of trusts as a means of avoiding tax. A 2008 case involving a property trust, where the beneficiaries were changed in the hope […]
The effect of past transactions on the sale of a business
The sale of a business is often a complex venture and requires consideration of various facts in examining the financial reality behind the sale. From the outset, it is important to consider historical transactions and how they may have a detrimental impact on the current sale being considered. For purposes of this article, several factors […]
When SARS requests supporting documents
E-filing doesn’t allow ‘secured’ or password-protected documents to be uploaded—but there is a solution. Following SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter’s announcement that he intends to rebuild SARS’ enforcement capabilities as part of his quest to become the scourge of recalcitrant taxpayers, there has been a noticeable increase in requests from SARS for the submission of supporting […]