Claiming Medical Scheme Tax Credits

Belonging to a registered medical scheme doesn’t just protect your health. It also comes with a built-in tax benefit. SARS refunds part of what you pay in medical scheme contributions through a system of tax credits, lowering your overall tax bill simply for staying covered. Do you know how it works, and if you qualify, […]

When SARS requests supporting documents

E-filing doesn’t allow ‘secured’ or password-protected documents to be uploaded—but there is a solution Following SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter’s announcement that he intends to rebuild SARS’ enforcement capabilities as part of his quest to become the scourge of recalcitrant taxpayers, there has been a noticeable increase in requests from SARS for the submission of supporting […]

Bribes, penalties, and fines: Don’t expect help from SARS

Deductions are disallowed under Section 23(o)—but it’s not quite cut and dried… The meeting went on longer than you expected, and now you’re rushing to get to your next appointment.  It’s a new client, and a successful deal will be lucrative both for your company and this month’s commission cheque.  But not five minutes after […]

For how long can your taxes haunt you?

In terms of section 99 of the Tax Administration Act, 28 of 2011, an assessment may not be made three years after the date of an original assessment by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), or in the case of a self-assessment by a taxpayers (such as in the case of a Value-Added Tax return), […]