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 […]
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 […]
Tax season 2019: Improvements made to eFiling
SARS recently released two media statements, in which it notes several improvements made to eFiling for the 2019 tax season, including the issue of customised notices indicating specific documents required in the event of an audit or verification and a simulated outcome issued before a taxpayer has filed. What is the tax season? Tax season […]
Provisions made in Section 7C of the Income Tax Act
Section 7C of the Income Tax Act, No 58 of 1962 (the Act), was enacted effective 1 March 2017 and serves as an anti-avoidance measure aimed at curbing the tax-free transfer of wealth to trusts through the use of low interest or interest-free loans, advances or credits. The Explanatory Memorandum on the Taxation Laws Amendment […]
Foreign currency: Capital gain
With the fast approaching 2019 tax season, taxpayers who have realised a capital gain in a foreign currency should take note of the special rules that apply to the translation of those gains to Rand. Generally, there are two ways of translating a capital gain or loss into Rand – a “simple method” and a […]
Value-added remarks on Value-added tax (VAT)
VAT is an integral part of our economic society and is something that influences everyone, especially businesses in South Africa. In this article, we will discuss a few do’s and don’ts regarding VAT. Valid tax invoices In South Africa’s current tax system, vendors that are registered for VAT are allowed a deduction for the tax […]
Transitional rules for interest payable by SARS
The South African income tax system is not cash-based. This means that a person can effectively be taxed on amounts that they have not yet received in cash, but that merely accrued to them within a year of assessment. Cash is also not a requirement to trigger tax – any “amount” that a person receives […]