Brian Kahn Inc

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, […]

Awareness campaign: Registration of trusts for tax purposes

SARS has embarked on a path to rebuild its organisational capability and restore institutional integrity. In line with SARS’ Vision 2024 and beyond, we highlight the following: Higher Purpose: Enabling the government to build a capable state and foster sustainable economic and social development that serves the wellbeing of all South Africans. Vision 2024: A […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Smart accounting: Are you VAT compliant?

The last several years have seen an increase in “smart accounting systems” that have online capabilities and that can integrate with various other business solutions. These smart accounting systems have revolutionised traditional accounting, and there can be no question that many businesses run a more organised and financially sound operation as a result of the […]

Gone are the days of tax-free salaries abroad

Many South African taxpayers earning a salary abroad have for many years been able to benefit from so-called “double non-taxation”. This would be the case where salaries are earned in countries where the employer country would not tax salaries earned in that country, and where a domestic South African income tax exemption would also be […]

SARS to intensify action against tax offenders

Despite the fact that SARS has upheld their philosophy of education, service, and thereafter enforcement, they have noticed an increase in taxpayers not submitting their tax returns by the stipulated deadlines, and not settling their outstanding debt with SARS. This is not limited to the current tax year but includes substantial non-compliance across previous tax […]

The validity of tax invoices – it is your responsibility

The audits of Value-Added Tax (VAT) returns by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), have increased the focus on the validity of tax invoices for the purposes of VAT. A VAT vendor submitting VAT returns is responsible for ensuring that all invoices included in the returns comply with the relevant legislation. If valid tax invoices […]