Long-Term Goals, or Short-Term Gains?
More than a million applications have already been lodged with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to pull funds out of their savings. Given that this amounts to R21.4 billion, that’s a frightening amount of money for a country that doesn’t have a savings culture. What with more people withdrawing cash under the Two Pot […]
Tax Planning Strategies for Small Business Owners
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 […]
Compensation for losses: Which ‘Hole’ is filled?
Many taxpayers assume that compensation for losses is of a capital nature. It depends… There are no hard and fast rules for determining whether a particular gain is of a capital or a revenue nature. Each case needs to be decided on its own facts. The distinction is important because of the lower effective rate […]
Limited access, compulsory preservation
Is the proposed two-pot retirement system ‘stirring the pot’ in the retirement fund industry? THE DRAFT tax legislation released by National Treasury on 29 July 2022 contains details of the much anticipated two-pot retirement system. The proposed changes are quite far-reaching although there will also be criticism that the changes do not go far enough. […]
The new SARS solar energy tax credit
The tax credit for individuals installing solar panels is here, for a limited time only. The proposed new law regarding the tax credit available to individuals who install solar panels has been announced. The system will be introduced in the form of a tax credit, as opposed to a tax deduction. This is good news, […]
Tax breaks for retirement funding
While there are very few tax breaks for individuals, some huge ones are available for retirement funding Retirement tax breaks in South Africa are designed to incentivise individuals to save for retirement and provide them with tax relief on contributions to retirement funds. The government has implemented various tax incentives over the years to encourage […]
Tax certificate uploads: How to avoid SARS issues
Check, check, and check again… THE SARS e-filing system has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and it is clear that the tax office is moving ever-closer to a situation whereby the majority of taxpayers will no longer be required to submit a return each year-employers, investment funds, and medical schemes will simply […]
IRP5 not uploaded? Expect significant delays
When an employer’s failure to upload an IRP5 brings SARS to a grinding halt. One of my clients has recently retired—and like all retirees, they went through the whole rigmarole of completing the numerous forms required by their employer retirement fund so that the fund can calculate their lump sum entitlement and monthly pension. Now […]
Two retirement pots: Limited access, compulsory preservation
Is the proposed two-pot retirement system ‘stirring the pot’ in the retirement fund industry? The draft tax legislation released by National Treasury on 29 July 2022 contains details of the much anticipated two-pot retirement system. The proposed changes are quite far-reaching—although there will also be criticism that the changes do not go far enough. The […]
Your retirement ‘gift’ to SARS
Tax payable on your retirement lump sum In last month’s issue of Tax Breaks, we dealt with the tax treatment of retirement lump sums when one resigns or is dismissed (prior to reaching normal retirement age). However, when you actually retire from a retirement fund, the rules are a bit different – and SARS gives […]