Declaring Too Much Income to SARS?
It sounds crazy, but it happens more often than one would think… Many a taxpayer has experienced the wrath of SARS when failing to declare all of their income. The penalties for non-declaration of income are severe—up to 200% of the tax evaded as a consequence of not declaring an amount that is taxable. But […]
Tax Planning Strategies for Small Business Owners
As a small business owner in South Africa, managing your tax responsibilities effectively is key to maintaining financial health. By adopting smart tax planning strategies, you can reduce your tax burden and keep your business running smoothly. Here are some practical strategies to consider: Utilise Allowable Deductions One of the simplest ways to reduce your […]
How to Register Your Business in South Africa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Registering a business in South Africa is essential to ensure your company operates legally and complies with local regulations. The process can be straightforward if you follow the proper steps. Here’s a guide to help you through the registration process. Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure The first decision you’ll need to make is the […]
Common Tactics Fraudsters Use in Insurance
Insurance fraud costs the global economy billions annually, and South Africa has not been immune to this issue. In fact, in 2024 alone, South Africa’s insurance industry lost an estimated R8 billion due to fraudulent claims, according to the South African Insurance Crime Bureau (SAICB). Understanding the red flags associated with insurance fraud, and staying […]
20% of Nothing Is Still Nothing
Despite repeated warnings, Ponzi schemes continue to trap the unwary. Just pause to consider the following headline run in the venerable Financial Times in November 2020: “Investors lose £657 million to fraud.” That’s just in the 12 months to September 2020, up 28% from the year before. Even before the full impact of COVID-19 was […]
Get Paid on Time: Five Tips for Business Owners
Small businesses can master the skill of getting paid on time—here’s how. For small and medium businesses, getting paid on time is one of the biggest administration headaches. After all, when customers don’t pay on time, cash flow takes a knock and you need to borrow money to pay suppliers and service providers. Let’s not […]
Understanding the Two-Pot Retirement System: Questions and Answers
As of 1 September 2024, significant changes have been introduced to the retirement landscape in South Africa with the implementation of the two-pot retirement system. This system allows members of pension funds, provident funds, and related schemes to access a portion of their savings while still working. With this shift, it is essential to understand […]
How to wind up a deceased estate
Winding up an estate in South Africa is a meticulous process governed by the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. It involves the collection and distribution of a deceased person’s assets, settling debts, and ensuring that the estate is managed according to the law and the deceased’s wishes. This article outlines the steps involved […]
Is your business covered for loss of income?
It’s all well and good being paid out for your assets, but what about the foregone earnings in the meantime? Small business owners who have a short-term commercial insurance policy are often not aware that they may not be covered for the loss of income, under a standard commercial policy. Although a standard short-term insurance […]
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 […]