Compensation for Losses: Which ‘Hole’ is Filled?
Many taxpayers assume that compensation for losses is of a capital nature. It depends… There are no hard and fast rules for determining whether a particular gain is of a capital or a revenue nature. Each case needs to be decided on its own facts. The distinction is important because of the lower effective rate […]
The Tax Treatment of Relocation Expenses
Transferring staff? There are tax implications for them … and for you! If your business has branches in different locations, one of the best ways of offering key staff opportunities for career growth is to allow them to relocate. Relocating an existing staff member who has come to know and understand your systems, procedures, and […]
Navigating the Amendments to the Trust Property Control Act: Beneficial Ownerships in South Africa
The Trust Property Control Act, a key piece of legislation governing South Africa’s trusts, recently underwent a substantial transformation with the passage of the General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act. This regulatory overhaul was aimed at strengthening the country’s trust governance, a direct response to its greylisting status, and has significant […]
Paying Salaries: What Can Go Wrong?
South African businesses face unique payroll challenges. From strict regulatory requirements to the specific needs of a diverse workforce, managing payroll requires precision, understanding, and the right approach. Here are some critical payroll mistakes businesses often encounter and our expert advice on how to avoid them: Misclassifying employees In South Africa, the distinction between independent […]
Estate Planning in South Africa: Essential Questions Answered
Estate planning is a critical part of financial planning, yet it often gets overlooked. This process involves drafting a will, assigning assets to beneficiaries, and understanding how a deceased estate will be administered. To shed light on this topic, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about estate planning that might assist in helping […]
The Requirements for a Registered Office of a Company
One aspect that is often not considered in great detail during the formation and registration of a juristic person in South Africa is its registered office, also often referred to as its registered address. Parties often opt to use a convenient location as a company’s registered address and do not give it sufficient consideration when […]
The Business of Business Travel
Business travel means different things to SARS than to taxpayers. While it has been compulsory for recipients of travel allowances to substantiate their claims by means of a detailed logbook for some years, it has become ever more critical to understand exactly what SARS understands by the term ‘business travel’. The simple reason for making […]
VAT and Freelance Creatives: Understanding where the buck stops
When someone says influencer, freelance designer, writer, or content creator (collectively referred to as a creative freelancer), do you think VAT? Probably not—and you’re not alone. Many creative freelancers don’t consider taxes in their creative pursuits. It’s not a topic that readily comes to mind when you’re brainstorming ideas or putting the finishing touches on […]
Taxing Employer-Paid Gratuities
It’s not only your retirement fund that may pay out when you decide to call it a day. Some time ago I wrote a series of articles dealing with the various payments that an employee might receive when leaving an employer. However, while those articles dealt mostly with what went wrong between the former employer […]
Three Innovative Approaches to Boost Your Retirement Savings
Retirement planning is absolutely key to your financial well-being, but let’s face it, as those golden years inch closer, a lot of us start to worry if what we’ve saved up is really going to cut it. Sure, sticking to the tried-and-true savings plans is essential, but why not think outside the box a little? […]