Employee share ownership plan – Part I
Binding Class Ruling 069 was issued on 23 October 2019 and relates to the tax implications that arise in respect of proposed employee share schemes (“the Schemes”) in terms of the Income Tax Act and the Eighth Schedule.[1] The applicant is a listed resident company that intends to implement new share incentive schemes, which will […]
Get tax savings on school or tertiary fees and related costs – For salary packages under R600 000 per annum!
The Income Tax Act, under Section 10(1)(q), allows tax payers to receive an employee benefit, from their employer, whereby the employer pays the school of tertiary fees and related costs, for schools and colleges/universities, without attracting benefit tax, but limited to: Grade R to Grade 12 or NQF level 1 – 4 ; R20 000.00 per […]
Valuation of trading stock for tax purposes
On 27 September 2019, just over a year since delivering judgement in another matter with very similar facts, the Supreme Court of Appeal in CSARS v Atlas Copco South Africa (Pty) Ltd (834/2018) [2019] ZASCA 124 gave a judgement on the valuation of trading stock for income tax purposes. The general (and oversimplified) principle is […]
Leasehold improvements and deductions
Certain lease agreements regarding land and property stipulate that the lessee, as part of his/her obligation under the agreement, is expected to make improvements to the leased asset. This doesn’t appear to be very beneficial for the lessee, as the asset that is improved on his/her expense, does not belong to them. Thus, the Income […]
The tax implications of farming operations
Farming in South Africa is like second nature to most South Africans, but the tax implications on farming operations seem to raise some questions when determining a taxpayer’s taxable income. The taxation of farming operations is subject to a unique set of taxation rules. SARS requires that all income and expenses relating to farming operations […]
Taxation of Foreign Employment Income
South Africa has a residence-based tax system, which means residents are taxed on their worldwide income, regardless of where that income was earned. South African tax residents living overseas and earning remuneration in respect of services rendered outside of South Africa are exempt from tax in South Africa, provided that the individual is outside of South Africa for a period or periods […]
NPO’s tax provisions
Non-profit organisations can apply for approval as a “public benefit organisation” (“PBO”) in terms of section 30(3) of the Income Tax Act[1] in order to qualify for tax exemption under section 10(1)(cN) of the Income Tax Act. In terms of these provisions, the organisation’s sole or principal object must be the carrying on of one […]
Your payroll administration questions answered
As payroll administrators ourselves, we encounter a few frequently asked questions that employers, business owners or those responsible for payroll administration within organisations struggle with. Below we have a detailed answer for you on these burning questions you are facing. We hope that you find them insightful. Question: At what stage is an employer required […]
The different VAT supplies
There are a few instances where VAT is not charged at the standard rate of 15%. In the following newsletter, we distinguished between the different supplies that attract VAT but does not necessarily have the impact of a standard rate supply. Denied Supplies The VAT Act provides for certain expenses where input VAT is denied, […]
Tax deductions for employees working from home
More and more employers are allowing salaried employees to work from home to avoid wasting productive hours while commuting. Such employees may claim a home office deduction (allowed for under the “Other Deductions” section of the personal income tax return or ITR12 form) if certain strict requirements are met. The deductibility of these expenses is […]