A Foreign Buyer’s Guide to Securing a Mortgage in South Africa: Understanding the 50% Borrowing Rule and When a Foreigner Can Borrow More

Illustration of a tax practitioner firm using a SARS ISV link for direct system access and compliance management

How You Talk with SARS is Important: Why a Tax Practitioner with Its Own SARS ISV Link Matters

SARS Tax Debt Relief guidance for South African taxpayers managing undisputed tax debts

SARS’ Undisputed Tax Debts Hits a Record High of Almost R489 Billion!

The most recent SARS Debt Collection Data, as at 18 December 2025, evidences the fruit borne from SARS’ Compliance initiatives, with a total of R62,579 billion in cash collected from debt, thus far. Although ahead of their collection targets to achieve the projected R100 billion in cash collections from debt, for the April 2025 to […]

Illustration of an olive branch symbolising peace and resolution in tax matters, representing triumph over trust tax debts.

An Olive Branch in the Kingdom of Tax: Triumph Over Trust Debts

In the sprawling kingdom of South African finance, trusts and their advisors navigate mist-shrouded paths of compliance, wary of penalties, interest charges, and mounting tax debts. Many brave trustees have attempted to traverse these treacherous paths, only to stumble over complex rules, shifting governance standards, and the burden of outstanding obligations.

Illustration of SARS compliance focus highlighting trust obligations and tax guidance for trustees.

A December Reminder from SARS – and a Clear Message on Trust Compliance

The South African Revenue Service (SARS)’ proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT) Modernisation Project is geared to combat challenges faced by traders, businesses, and SARS, including compliance inefficiencies, the risk of errors, and tax evasion. Phase 1 will entail inserting key definitions into the VAT Act, including “e-credit note”, “e-debit note” and “interoperability framework”.