tax advice Archives | Galbraith Rushby

Employment of Foreign Nationals: Increased compliance risk for South African employers

Uncategorised / By Michael Rushby / 3 August 2026 / compliance, corporates, employers, foreign nationals, human resources, labour law, labour migration, permits, small busiiness, tax advice

South African employers should take note of the renewed focus by Government on the employment of foreign nationals, particularly in circumstances where employees may not have valid documentation authorising them to work in South Africa. On 7 June 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on migration and illegal immigration. The President confirmed that Government […]

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Prescription Rules: When does tax debt expire?

Uncategorised / By Hanlie van Riet / 3 August 2026 / prescribed debt, SARS, tax advice, tax debt, tax disputes, tax payers, taxes

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

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Foreign Pension Update

Uncategorised / By Jeneen Galbraith / 28 September 2025 / foreign pensions, pension funds, retirement, SARS, tax advice

Workshop: National Treasury and SARS Workshop on Foreign PensionsAttendee: Jeneen Galbraith Proposed Removal of Foreign Pension Exemption 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. What Was Discussed Economic & behavioral impact: Loss of policy

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Estate Planning: Why it matters and how to do it right

Uncategorised / By Prelene Neerputh / 9 September 2025 / beneficiaries, estate planning, intestate, living wills, succession, tax advice, valid will, wills

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family’s financial future. Without a proper plan in place, your loved ones could face unnecessary stress, disputes, or financial hardship after your death. Good estate planning goes beyond simply drafting a will. It requires specialised legal and financial guidance to

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Draft Tax Bill 2025: Key changes impacting Individuals, Companies and Trusts

Uncategorised / By Michael Rushby / 22 August 2025 / company tax, compliance, education, Finance, foreign pensions, foreign retirement funds, hedge funds, individual tax, maintenance, pension funds, retirement funds, SARS, shares, Tax, tax advice, VAT

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,

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Understanding Medical and Disability Deductions

Uncategorised / By Michael Rushby / 30 June 2025 / claims, disability deductions, medical deductions, medical expenses, medical schemes, medical tax relief, SARS, tax act, tax advice

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

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Practical applications of the new VAT increase from 15% to 15.5%

Leave a Comment / Uncategorised / By Jeneen Galbraith / 24 March 2025 / budget speech 2025, contracts, estate agents, Finance, goods and services, payments, SARS, tax advice, VAT

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.

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An overview of the 2025/26 Budget: Navigating Fiscal Challenges Amidst Political Dynamics

Leave a Comment / Uncategorised / By Michael Rushby / 13 March 2025 / budget speech 2025, carbon tax, companies, company tax, foreign exchange, individual tax, pensions, Tax, tax advice, VAT

South Africa’s 2025/26 budget, presented by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on March 12, 2025, comes at a pivotal time for the nation. The budget’s unveiling was notably delayed due to internal disagreements within the coalition government, particularly concerning a proposed increase in the Value-Added Tax (VAT). It was a bit like watching a movie and

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Tax planning for February 2025: optimising expenditure

Leave a Comment / Uncategorised / By Michael Rushby / 31 January 2025 / compliance, deductions, expenses, Finance, financial year end, SARS, Tax, tax advice

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

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Unlock tax benefits while giving back: how section 18a donations can work for you

Leave a Comment / Uncategorised / By Michael Rushby / 31 January 2025 / company tax, compliance, donations, Finance, financial year end, Tax, tax advice, Tax Season

Taxpayers looking to make a difference in their communities while optimising their tax positions can do so through donations to Section 18A (s18A) charities. These donations not only support crucial public benefit initiatives but also offer valuable tax deductions. Under Section 18A of the Income Tax Act, individuals and businesses can make tax-deductible contributions to

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