Disputing SARS decision and assessments

A taxpayer who is aggrieved by an assessment or decision of SARS against that taxpayer has the right to dispute that assessment or decision. If an original assessment has not been issued, SARS may request a taxpayer to submit an amended return to correct an undisputed error made in the prior return. In the case […]

What to look out for when submitting your VAT invoice

All value-added tax (VAT) vendors that have gone through a VAT verification from the South African Revenue Service know how frustrating the delays on input VAT refunds can be when supporting documents do not meet the requirements for a valid tax invoice. Below, we revisit some of the necessary key elements to ensure proper compliance in this regard. The […]

Can losses be distributed out of a trust?

On 18 March 2021, the Supreme Court of Appeal delivered judgment in the case of Massmart Holdings Limited v The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service. The case dealt with losses which were incurred within the broader Massmart group in respect of the investing of equity instruments as part of an employee share incentive scheme.  The mechanism of the scheme was that shares allocated to the designated employees would be […]

Why do I need to know my rights as a taxpayer?

Since the introduction of the Tax Administration Act in 2011, which aimed to consolidate most of the administrative matters in tax acts, taxpayers have become ever more aware of their rights in dealing with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). There has also been a significant increase in the number of cases in the Tax Court (as […]

What are the requirements for self-invoicing?

As a result of the specific nature of goods, it is common practice that certain recipients of goods and services “self-invoice” when they receive goods or services from their suppliers. In other words, they do not receive an invoice from the suppliers – instead, they invoice themselves. This scenario is typically found where the volume or […]

Arbitrary practices by SARS when issuing assessments

The Tax Administration Act provides for the audit and verification of taxpayers’ tax returns for all taxes administered by the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS). In many instances, such requests for information are general, boiler-plate letters received by taxpayers, not indicating specifically what additional information SARS requires in the circumstances and which supporting […]

Why you need to beware of withholding taxes when emigrating

Many South Africans who simultaneously emigrate and cease to be South African tax residents are faced with a situation where the sale of a fixed property has not been finalised by the time they cease to be tax residents. This may result in the unintended consequence of them becoming a non-resident seller of immovable property in South Africa. In terms […]

Voluntary disclose: What it is and how to make use of it

Recently there has been a very positive uptick in activity at the Voluntary Disclosure Unit (VDP) of the South African Revenue Service (SARS). While public perception was previously that taxpayer’s matters were not attended to, practitioners have seen a welcome improvement in efficiency, turnaround time, and interaction with the VDP unit. Although SARS aims for a 201-day turnaround time, some recent applications have been settled in as few as 30 days. What […]

Clearing loan accounts through dividends

In terms of the Tax Administration Act, the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) can issue, in response to an application, Binding Private Rulings (“BPR”) and clarifies how the Commissioner would interpret and apply the provisions of the tax laws relating to a specific proposed transaction. BPR 346 determines the income tax and dividends tax consequences of the redemption of intra-group loans […]

Interest on delayed VAT refunds: The “materiality” question

Section 45 of the Value-Added Tax Act makes provision for the payment of interest on delayed VAT refunds. In terms of section 45(1) of the Act, the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) must, within 21 business days after the date on which the vendor’s return in respect of a tax period is received, refund the vendor. This is provided that […]