With the start of the filing season, tax practitioner must stay informed about tax law changes, prepare client data in advance, use reliable tax software, and manage time efficiently. In this article, we highlight the key areas which are crucial for ensuring accuracy and client satisfaction during this demanding period.

The June 2024 SARS Snapshot brings a summary of key developments including the commencement of the tax filing season on July 15, and legal reforms in the Revenue Laws Amendment Act 2024 to streamline pension and provident fund regulations. Verify clients’ eFiling details for a smooth filing process and keep up to date with us!

SARS auto assessments are once again a reality. Tax practitioners have an essential role in this process ensuring that these assessments are accurate and complete. Our article outlines the steps to be followed and provides a template letter to communicate to clients.

The May edition of CIBA's SARS Snapshot brings important tax updates and insights for businesses and individuals. It brings you improvements in SARS’s digital platforms and the Trust dispute resolution process, updates guides, customs tariff amendments and the upcoming deadlines for the individual tax season.

Discover how IFRS 16 transforms the accounting for operating leases, requiring the capitalization of lease payments as right-of-use assets and liabilities. Understand the tax implications and get practical insights into handling variable payments and exemptions.

Delve into the essentials of tax implications for both secured and unsecured term loans in South Africa. Understand the pivotal role of Section 8F in recharacterizing interest as dividends and how recent amendments affect your tax planning. Ideal for businesses and accountants seeking clarity on hybrid debt instruments and dividend tax exemptions

Learn about the lesser-known mandate of the Ombud in overseeing SARS and addressing systemic issues in South Africa's tax system. Read about the issues investigated by the Ombud and what you can do to inform your clients and contribute towards collaborative efforts to improve tax administration.

CIBA’s April edition of the SARS Snapshot brings critical updates and insights for businesses and individuals. Key highlights include crucial information for Public Benefit Organisations about the IT3(d) submissions, important alerts on new phishing scams—ensure to delete suspicious emails promptly. Additionally, we share significant legal outcomes in tax and customs cases stressing the importance of adhering to procedural requirements. Upcoming deadlines include the closure of PAYE annual employer reconciliations and Third Party Data Annual Submissions on May 31, 2024.

Explore how the Tax Administration Act (TAA) influences the duties and responsibilities of accountants in South Africa, extending beyond traditional tax practitioners. This article delves into the critical aspects of Section 241, emphasizing the importance of due diligence in financial documentation. Learn about the stringent compliance measures, the implications of non-compliance, and best practices for accountants to navigate the complexities of the TAA, ensuring accuracy and integrity in financial reporting.

In this article, we explore the VAT implications for providing services to foreigners based on a visa consultancy. We look at VAT rates, exemptions, and the specific challenges faced by businesses providing services to foreign nationals, with a detailed analysis of current regulations including the critical aspects of standard rate vs. zero-rating and the handling of disbursements. Essential reading for accountants and tax professionals managing international client bases.

In this article we look at how tax practitioners can uphold financial compliance and integrity ensuring tax compliance. We show you and example on how, as tax practitioner you can communicate to clients and assist them managing their tax responsibilities, and the crucial actions required to maintain tax compliance for both practitioners and their clients as outlined by the CIBA and SARS.

Explore key updates from the 18 April 2024 National Operations meeting between SARS and the RCB Forum. This article covers essential topics like e-filing hijacking, SARS' relationship with tax practitioners, appointment system challenges, compliance training, and regulatory changes. Stay updated on efforts to improve the tax administration system and partnerships with tax practitioners.

Learn about the latest IESBA Code of Ethics updates for tax practitioners, including qualifications, ethical responsibilities, and compliance standards. This guide highlights the importance of credible advice, ethical integrity, and professional development in tax planning.

Explore the critical need for better communication between SARS, taxpayers, and tax practitioners to ensure compliance and efficiency within South Africa's tax system. Discover how direct engagement and strategic advice can streamline tax processes and how tax software can assist you to work more efficiently.

Tax practitioners are the backbone of our tax system, They are the unsung heroes of the tax world. They bridge the gap between the complex tax system and the everyday taxpayer, ensuring that individuals and businesses pay what they owe and not a penny more.

At the same time, they've got our backs against SARS, which, let's be honest, has a tough job but the South African Revenue Service (SARS) can sometimes come on too strong in its quest to collect taxes, and that is why parliament decided to create the Tax Ombud. In their mission to gather more revenue, SARS is a giant with immense power, and without someone to keep things in check, it's easy for things to get out of hand.

In this article discover how SARS achieved a groundbreaking R21.5 trillion in revenue from 1994 to 2024, with strategies that improved South Africa's tax-to-GDP ratio and set a new standard in tax administration efficiency. This is all thanks to effective strategies in expanding the tax base and enhancing efficiency in collections. SARS’s efforts underline a commitment to enforcing compliance, innovation, integrity, and the modernisation of tax collection processes, setting a global benchmark for tax administrations.

The "Buy, Borrow, Die" strategy is recognized for its smart tactics in transferring wealth to the next generation with low tax implications. Often associated with affluent individuals, its fundamental concepts are suitable for investors at all levels. Learn the practical steps to apply this smart financial approach as we explore its practical application.

The March edition of the SARS Newsletter delivers essential tax updates for both businesses and individuals. Highlights includes a significant legal development that saw SARS winning a High Court case against British Petroleum of South Africa regarding disputed fuel export refunds. Updates also include the PAYE Employer Reconciliation for 2025, guides on manufacturing rebates and customs procedures, and adjustments to ad valorem excise duties that took effect from March 28. Moreover, there are comprehensive tariff amendments following recent Budget proposals, updated customs declaration codes, and reminders for the upcoming excise payment and employer reconciliation deadlines. These updates are part of SARS's efforts to ensure compliance, enhance understanding, and support efficient tax and trade processes.

On March 25, 2024, the Recognised Controlling Bodies Forum (RCB Forum) and the Tax Ombudsman met to discuss speeding up service improvements with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). At this meeting, they tackled the Tax Ombudsman’s role in resolving taxpayer issues and systemic problems within the tax system. Key topics included challenges faced by tax practitioners in dealing with SARS, such as access difficulties, audit feedback complexities, and the pressing need for SARS to treat tax practitioners as essential allies. The discussions emphasized the importance of collaboration to enhance service delivery and transparency in South Africa’s tax administration, marking a step forward in building a more effective tax system.

The SARS Tax Practitioner Readiness Programme is here to get new tax practitioners fully up to speed on tax administration laws and how SARS works. Run by CIBA, this important test checks if you understand what's needed from you in the real world, not just what's in the books. You'll face 49 questions and need to score at least 90% to pass, with up to three tries at it. So, it's key to really get into the provided SARS materials and the CIBA guide to learn everything from the rules and how to act right, to using eFiling, managing clients, and sorting out disputes. If you're ever stuck, the CIBA Technical Unit is here to help you through, making sure you've got what it takes to excel in your tax practice.