Common wealth-planning mistakes
In his poem The Mistake, James Fenton talks about the sad truth in making mistakes. He beautifully describes that even with blatant warnings that are ignored or subtle hints that have gone unnoticed, we sometimes go about our lives not knowing about the mistakes we are making and how they will impact our loved ones […]
Five Expensive Payroll Errors
These common PAYE errors could cost you dearly with SARS. With SARS continually seeking to increase its revenues however it can, organisations with misconceptions about how certain payroll elements should be taxed may unknowingly be exposing themselves financially. We often come across the following top five payroll errors that organisations need to question and correct […]
SARS’ “Lie Detector” Tests
Are you fiddling your taxes? Here’s how SARS can catch you… In the old South Africa, the favourite national pastimes were braaivleis, rugby, and cheating on your tax returns. This was made easier by the fact that the Receiver of Revenue of old operated in an environment where no two offices even talked to one […]
Is a Logbook Really Necessary?
Or can SARS use code 3702 to audit potential business kilometres travelled? I have often wondered whether SARS officials thoroughly review the submitted logbooks when taxpayers claim for travel expenses incurred as a result of business travel, or are these requested just to tick a box? This uncertainty has recently been rresolved—SARS audits the logbooks […]
To Claim or Not to Claim—VAT, That Is…
Some vehicles you cannot claim VAT on, some you can—and knowing the difference can save you a lot of money. When can you claim input VAT on a vehicle? Most businesses that are registered for VAT will be aware that you generally cannot claim input VAT on the purchase of a ‘motor car’ as defined […]
Travel Claims, but No Allowance?
For commission-earners and the self-employed, the rules are slightly different—but travel costs can be claimed. The mistake that I make when writing articles about travel allowances is that I tend to forget that not all of us are ‘wage slaves’. Indeed, there are many taxpayers for whom the saying, “If a man will not work, […]
Understanding the Foreign Services Income Exemption: The Requirement for Service Rendering
Many articles have been written about the application of the foreign income exemption provided for under Section 10(1)(o)(ii) of the Income Tax Act. This section provides for an exemption from South African tax from specific employment income earned while rendering services outside South Africa. The section limits such income qualifying for the exemption to any […]
Why Should You Hire an Accountant?
When business owners work on growing their companies, budget constraints often push them towards a do-it-yourself approach to managing their finances. Many see hiring a professional for bookkeeping or accounting as an unnecessary expense. However, this viewpoint fails to recognise the tangible advantages that an accountant can offer. It’s important to reframe this decision, not […]
Pension Funds and Emigration
Investing in an offshore retirement fund is one way of growing your wealth in a stable economy over the longer term, or even gaining residency in a foreign country. However, for South Africans, this scenario presents as many challenges as it does opportunities, and should only be considered after consulting with a financial advisor and […]
Build Your Emergency Safety Net Fund Today
Ask any trapeze artist, and they’ll tell you that a safety net is a non-negotiable part of flying high. While few of us are circus performers, an emergency savings fund is still one of the most important requirements for our peace of mind and financial stability. Life has a way of throwing curveballs. Whether it’s […]