Section 12J Investments Are Maturing: What Now?
Many South African investors who participated in the Section 12J Venture Capital Company (VCC) regime are now reaching an important milestone: the maturity and exit phase of their investments. Although Section 12J was closed to new investments after 30 June 2021, the investment structures established under the regime continue to unwind as underlying assets are […]
That SARS Alert Might Not Be Real
Tax season brings a predictable spike in SARS scams. When scrolling through your emails or messages, there’s a good chance a notification claiming to be from SARS is already waiting for you, whether it’s a tax refund you never filed for, or an urgent settlement demand designed to trigger panic. Four types of scams usually […]
Three Trustees, One Dispute: How Deadlock Works in a South African Trust
South African trusts are commonly structured with three trustees. This is often done deliberately: a family member, a professional, and an independent trustee, each bringing different interests and expertise to the table. In theory, three voices provide balance. In practice, three voices can produce an impasse. When trustees disagree and cannot reach a decision, the […]
What Does Being a Trustee of a Body Corporate Entail (Part 3)
In this article, we look at who chairs a meeting of trustees and the method of voting on resolutions passed at such meetings. The rules state that if there are only two owners, such as a duet sectional title scheme, then they would have to decide on a method between the two owners to possibly […]
Why Profitable Businesses Still Run Short at Month-End
Many wholesalers, retailers, and manufacturers experience a shortage of working capital, even when revenue remains steady. The issue is often not sales or turnover, but timing: how long cash stays tied up inside the operating cycle. When customers pay later than expected, and suppliers require payment before stock has been sold, the resulting timing gaps […]
How New VAT Thresholds Are Reshaping SME Year-End Planning
For the first time in 30 years, South Africa’s compulsory VAT registration threshold has increased to R2.3 million, forcing thousands of SMEs into difficult financial and tax decisions at year-end. While the R1.3 million increase offers immediate compliance relief, treating the reform as a simple cost-saving exercise could jeopardise the long-term cash flow and corporate […]
Tax Rules You May Not Agree With, But Need to Plan For
Do you ever get the sense that SARS sometimes wants to have their cake and eat it? By this, I’m talking about situations where it appears that having already extracted tax on a particular amount received, SARS takes a second bite at the cherry. And on the fact of it, that’s not fair! I often […]
Forming a Trust in South Africa: Which Type Suits You?
What is a trust? The answer may seem obvious, but in practice, many people get confused as to exactly what a trust is and what such a structure is meant for. In this article, we examine the various types of trust recognised under the South African common law, as well as where the Income Tax […]
Choosing the Right Company Structure in 2026
When you launch or restructure a business in South Africa, most SMEs and investors choose between three options: a private company (Pty Ltd), a trust, or a hybrid structure, which combines the two. This decision determines how your business is taxed, how risk is managed, and how easily you can raise funding or scale. With […]
Business Rescue vs Liquidation: Which Saves More Value?
Financial distress in business rarely happens overnight. It builds over time as cash flow tightens, creditors apply pressure, and operations become strained by inflation. By the time directors need to make a decision, their options are often limited. The Companies Act 71 of 2008 introduced business rescue as an alternative to liquidation, aimed at preserving […]