Beyond Textbooks: The Tax Lessons You Only Learn on the Job
What you think you know about tax when coming out of university changes quickly once you step into a top tax practice. Within the first few weeks on the job, I realised academic knowledge could only take me so far; the real depth begins in practice, far beyond what the lecture hall prepares you for. […]
National Treasury’s Tax Amendment Bills Puts “Bona Fide Inadvertent Error” on the Chopping Block
For years, taxpayers and their advisors have relied on a small phrase in the Tax Administration Act (TAA) as a defence against understatement penalties, which can run up to 200 percent of the shortfall between what taxpayers declared and the revised assessment. But that lifeline is now on the chopping block.
Navigating the Tides of Taxation: Increased Scrutiny on Seafarer Exemptions
South African seafarers, whose careers on cruise ships, geographical vessels or fishing vessels often take them across international waters, are currently experiencing a significant shift in how the South African Revenue Service (SARS) approaches their tax obligations. What was once a relatively straightforward process is now marked by intensified audits, refined questioning, and a request […]
SARS Holds Crypto-Traders to Account per the “International Tax Standard”
For many taxpayers, especially expatriates, managing South African tax obligations from a distance can be complicated. Years may pass without any direct interaction with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and key details like contact information, banking details, and tax number status often become outdated.
SARS’ New Segment to Target Non-Compliant Social Influencers and the Gig Economy!
Social influencers in South Africa must declare all income, including non-monetary compensation, as clarified by SARS! On 5 September 2025, SARS issued a media release stating its zero-tolerance position when it comes to social influencers and undeclared income, but also providing clear guidance on the tax obligations of these social influencers. As digital marketing continues […]