Set-Off of Assessed Losses, and Ring-Fencing
Unless you’re at the 45% marginal tax rate, most losses can be set off against other income. If a person is not at the maximum marginal tax rate, can they opt to have their taxable loss from their sideline business, e.g. bookkeeping, offset against the taxable income from normal employment (on which they pay PAYE) […]
The ‘Big Three’ Tax Worries (part 1): Cars
What keeps taxpayers awake at night? Judging by the many questions that I’ve been asked as a tax practitioner over the years, there is a definite ‘Big Three’ when it comes to problems that cause taxpayers sleepless nights: cars, shares, and property. The tax treatment of these three items probably causes more anxiety, and has […]
Understanding Residency in Terms of Tax
When earning an income in South Africa, you are probably paying tax. The Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 (“the Act”) describes gross income as: “(i) in the case of any resident, the total amount, in cash or otherwise, received by or accrued to or in favour of such resident; or (ii) in the case […]
Ten Easy Ways to Save Tax
No fancy schemes, loopholes, or expensive lawyers required – and it’s all perfectly legal! Paying tax is a legal responsibility, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of legal avenues to reduce your tax burden. SARS provides a number of tax-efficient strategies that individuals and businesses can use to reduce their taxable income. […]
Tax Issues Relating to Independent Contractors
The following question was recently received from one of our readers: I see myself as an independent contractor as I do contract work (project management) for different companies. In the 2023 income tax year, I worked for four companies, of which only one indicated on their IRP5 under code 3616 that the income I earned […]
What’s In a Name?
The differences between an allowance, an advance, and a reimbursement are critical when it comes to tax. What’s the difference between an allowance, an advance, and a reimbursement? To many people, these are different terms for the same thing, but to SARS, the category that a payment falls into is critical when it comes to […]
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 […]
When SARS Says ‘No’, They Must Tell You Why
Taxpayers have the right to obtain reasons for decisions by SARS. When I was about three years old, my mother admonished me not to play with matches, and like the precocious brat I was, I demanded to know “why”. Many a parent, faced with similar demands from their offspring, would be tempted to exert parental […]
Claiming Foreign Tax Credits
Back in the day when I was still running my tax practice full-time, I was called upon by a client to assist with the tax and accounting treatment of taxes withheld by a foreign country from income earned in that country—in this particular case, Botswana. The client’s query centred on the following two issues: Claiming […]
Handling Payroll for Freelance Workers in South Africa
Managing payroll for freelance workers involves a few key points, including understanding legal requirements, setting clear payment structures, and using the right tools. Here’s a practical overview to help businesses handle freelance payroll effectively. Legal Obligations Freelancers are generally considered independent contractors, but businesses still have some legal responsibilities. 1. Tax Obligations Freelancers are responsible […]