Many taxpayers mistakenly believe they can delay their provisional tax payments until the third "top-up" payment deadline—only to face unexpected penalties and interest charges. In this article, we break down the real purpose of the third provisional tax payment, clarifying why it is meant for fine-tuning rather than covering missed obligations. Read about who qualifies as a provisional taxpayer, key payment deadlines, and the consequences of underestimating taxable income. If you're unsure about how to manage your provisional tax correctly and avoid costly mistakes, this guide will provide the clarity you need.

Trusts can be a fantastic tool for protecting assets, planning for the future, and even saving on tax—but only if they’re managed correctly. Many people assume that trusts automatically reduce tax, but without proper planning, they can actually create huge tax burdens. In this article, we explain the key tax rules with practical examples to help you avoid common mistakes. If you’ve ever wondered whether a trust is the right choice for your clients or how to legally minimise tax, this article will give you the answers.

Are you having trouble with SARS? Whether it's delayed tax refunds, endless verifications, or unanswered queries, the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) is here to help! This article explains what the OTO does, how it can assist you, and when to turn to them for support. Find out what kinds of complaints they handle, get practical tips for dealing with tax issues, and learn from real examples. If you're a tax practitioner, this is a must-read to help you and your clients resolve tax problems faster and with less stress. Don’t miss out—read now and take charge of your tax matters!

Are your financial records ready for SARS scruitiny? A recent Tax Court case highlighted the consequences of poor record-keeping, invalid tax objections, and non-compliance. SARS’s ability to gain direct access to financial records led to an R87.4 million tax liability and a 200% penalty. This case is a wake-up call for businesses and tax practitioners—understand your obligations before it’s too late!

Understanding VAT registration can be complex, especially with the possibility of Automatic VAT registration by SARS. Our article breaks down the three types of VAT registration—Voluntary, Compulsory, and Automatic—in simple terms, helping business owners and tax practitioners navigate their obligations. Whether you're considering voluntary registration, wondering if you qualify for compulsory VAT, or dealing with an unexpected automatic registration by SARS, this guide provides the clarity you need. Learn how to manage VAT compliance, avoid penalties, and maximise tax benefits.

Running a small business comes with enough challenges—don’t let taxes be one of them. Did you know that qualifying as a Small Business Corporation (SBC) could drastically lower your tax bill and speed up deductions on your assets? But here's the catch: navigating the rules can be tricky, especially when it comes to personal services and investment income limits. In this article, we break down SBC benefits in plain language, share expert tips, and use real-life examples to help you understand how to qualify. Whether you’re an accountant advising clients or a business owner looking to save, this is a must-read!

Paying professional membership fees is never easy, especially as the year ends and expenses pile up. However, did you know that with proper structuring, there are tax benefits you can claim on your CIBA membership fees? Whether you’re an employer covering fees for your team or an individual member paying out of pocket, understanding the VAT and income tax implications can help ease the financial burden. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights to make the most of your membership in 2025!

Have you got clients with cross-border transactions? Considering transfer pricing is essential for clients that transact with related parties. This article simplifies transfer pricing with clear explanations, practical examples, and actionable tips. Learn how to apply the arm’s length principle, benchmark transactions, prepare documents to protect your clients from tax disputes.

Tax practitioners must uphold the integrity of the tax system, but what happens when ethical lines are crossed? The recent case of Naraidu v The State shows just how severe the consequences can be. Involving fictitious VAT claims and a tax practitioner caught in the middle, the case takes us from a conviction of fraud to an acquittal on appeal. Was it reckless action or intentional wrongdoing? We highlight the key lessons every tax professional should learn from this dramatic courtroom saga.

Learn how the current tax regulations create challenges for the fast-growing telecommunications industry. This article breaks down how outdated tax rules, like Sections 12D and 11E, apply to modern infrastructure, and discusses VAT issues such as international roaming and bundled services. We also cover recent court cases involving Telkom and MTN to show how tax laws are being interpreted in this changing landscape.

SARS recent enforcement actions against celebrity chef Lusizo Mvula Henna, DJ Ganyani, and fashion director Candy Smith shed light on the stark consequences of fraudulent activities and tax non-compliance, but what about the bookkeepers, accountants, and tax practitioners of these taxpayers? Did they inadvertently facilitate these violations or if they had the opportunity to deter the onset of tax evasion and unresolved tax debts, what did they do?

Tax Practitioners have a low perception of SARS, according to a recent survey. Respondents point to a lack of quality communication as a core reason.