From freelance work after hours and selling products online to driving for an app, renting out a room or earning money from social media, side hustles have become a useful way to bring in some extra income.
But there’s one extra partner you may not have factored into your venture: SARS.
Making money on the side? Don’t sideline the tax Read More »
Debt is one of the most unfortunate aspects of life that everyone ultimately deals with. Where normal consumer debt generally prescribes after three years, tax is somewhat different. For one, should you be sequestrated, the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) is a preferential creditor and will be paid before many other debts are settled. But what is the legal timeline SARS has to pursue you for the recovery of outstanding tax debt?
Prescription Rules: When does tax debt expire? Read More »
The workshop centred on the proposed repeal of the foreign pension exemption in section 10(1)(gC)(ii) of the Income Tax Act. This exemption currently allows South African residents to receive certain foreign pensions tax-free. Our sense is that Treasury may move toward a compromise model similar to section 10(1)(0), which introduced a R1.25m tax-free exemption threshold and taxation only above that level. This would protect retirees with modest pensions but still capture tax on larger foreign pensions.
Foreign Pension Update Read More »
Dear Sir / Madam, Comment on Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2025 – Removal of Foreign Retirement Fund Exemption (s10(1)(gC)(ii)) Introduction We thank SARS and National Treasury for the opportunity to comment on the proposed repeal of section 10(1)(gC)(ii) of the Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962 “ITA”, dealing with lump sums and annuities
Letter to SARS: Comment on Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2025 Read More »
On 16 August 2025, National Treasury and SARS released the Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB), 2025, together with the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum. The proposals are open for public comment until 12 September 2025, after which a revised Bill will be tabled in Parliament. The draft bill contains a number of significant proposals aimed at tightening loopholes,
Draft Tax Bill 2025: Key changes impacting Individuals, Companies and Trusts Read More »
Medical expenses can be a significant part of a household’s budget, particularly for families with chronic illnesses or disabilities. The South African Income Tax Act provides relief in the form of medical scheme fees tax credits and additional tax deductions for qualifying out-of-pocket expenses. This article unpacks how these medical deductions work, what qualifies as
Understanding Medical and Disability Deductions Read More »
The filing season for 1 March 2024 to 28 February 2025 is now open, and the COIDA submission deadline has been extended to 31 July 2025. Submissions made after this date will incur a 10% penalty for late submissions. So, with the COIDA deadline fast approaching, employers need to submit their Return of Earnings (ROE)
COIDA Return of Earnings deadline extended Read More »
The recent increase in VAT by 0.5% has significant implications for businesses and individuals, particularly for ongoing transactions that have not yet been completed. Understanding the “time of supply” is crucial, as it determines when VAT liability is triggered. The time of supply is the earlier of the invoice or the receipt of the payment.
Practical applications of the new VAT increase from 15% to 15.5% Read More »
As the end of the financial year approaches for companies with a February 2025 year-end, it is crucial to plan strategically to minimise taxable profits. One effective way to achieve this is by reviewing and incurring qualifying expenses before the year closes. Proper tax planning can help reduce the company’s tax liability and ensure compliance
Tax planning for February 2025: optimising expenditure Read More »
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a strong warning to all taxpayers holding digital currencies, underscoring that failing to declare crypto assets on tax returns will not be tolerated.
SARS issues stern warning on crypto asset reporting Read More »
