Why Topping Up Your Retirement Annuity Before 28 February Makes Financial Sense
The 2026 tax year for individual taxpayers is closing on 28 February, and many taxpayers look for legitimate and effective ways to reduce their tax liability while building long-term financial security. One of the most powerful tools available is topping up your retirement annuity (RA) in January or February, before the end of the tax […]
Uitfasering van die ou groen strepieskode-ID-boek
Jy het dalk mediaberigte gesien oor die uitfasering van die ou groen strepieskode-ID-boek. Ons wil jou die volgende opsomming gee gebaseer op nuusartikels. Suid-Afrikaners sal tyd gegun word om na die nuwe slim-ID-kaart oor te skakel. Die Departement van Binnelandse Sake het sy pogings verskerp om die groen ID-boeke uit te faseer deur aansoek punte […]
The ‘Big Three’ Tax Worries (Part 3): Property
Rounding up our series on the three main worries for taxpayers, we discuss property. So, you now know how to claim your car expenses on your tax return, and are reasonably confident that you can now manage your share investments without incurring the wrath of SARS. But the one thing that really keeps you awake […]
Understanding Residency in Terms of Tax
When earning an income in South Africa, you are probably paying tax. The Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 (“the Act”) describes gross income as: “(i) in the case of any resident, the total amount, in cash or otherwise, received by or accrued to or in favour of such resident; or (ii) in the case […]
The ‘Big Three’ Tax Worries (part 1): Cars
What keeps taxpayers awake at night? Judging by the many questions that I’ve been asked as a tax practitioner over the years, there is a definite ‘Big Three’ when it comes to problems that cause taxpayers sleepless nights: cars, shares, and property. The tax treatment of these three items probably causes more anxiety, and has […]
When Is a Trust Not a Trust?
When can the provisions of a trust deed be set aside? When you don’t stick to the rules. Far too many people pay their accountant or attorney a visit, draw up a boilerplate trust deed, sign on the dotted line, and think that this piece of paper will take away all their tax and estate […]
What’s In a Name?
The differences between an allowance, an advance, and a reimbursement are critical when it comes to tax. What’s the difference between an allowance, an advance, and a reimbursement? To many people, these are different terms for the same thing, but to SARS, the category that a payment falls into is critical when it comes to […]
What to Do When Tax Is Not Cut and Dried
Do you have a complex transaction, and don’t know which way SARS will go? Ask them upfront! Many entities enter into complex transactions where the tax issues are not cut and dried, but the risk of SARS ruling against them is too great. The good news is that since October 2006, there has been a […]
Long-Term Goals, or Short-Term Gains?
More than a million applications have already been lodged with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to pull funds out of their savings. Given that this amounts to R21.4 billion, that’s a frightening amount of money for a country that doesn’t have a savings culture. What with more people withdrawing cash under the Two Pot […]
Handling Payroll for Freelance Workers in South Africa
Managing payroll for freelance workers involves a few key points, including understanding legal requirements, setting clear payment structures, and using the right tools. Here’s a practical overview to help businesses handle freelance payroll effectively. Legal Obligations Freelancers are generally considered independent contractors, but businesses still have some legal responsibilities. Freelancers are responsible for their own […]