Why policyholders complained to the short-term ombudsman in 2023

‘Lack of maintenance or wear and tear’ gave rise to most of the disputes in several categories of insurance.

Tax Ombud to investigate widespread taxpayer profile hijackings

The tax fraternity is concerned about the apparent ease with which scamsters can bypass SARS’s security protocols.

Constitutional Court to rule on remission of interest post-VDP agreement

The decision could set a precedent for taxpayers seeking relief from interest after reaching a Voluntary Disclosure Programme agreement with SARS.

Proposed UK tax reform set to shake up expats’ financial plans

The Conservative government’s plan to eliminate the non-domicile tax regime could mean higher taxes for expats on foreign income from April 2025.

Taxpayer’s (legitimate) refund stuck in limbo after profile hacked

A cyberattack not only removed his account from his tax practitioner’s profile but also led to an erroneous VAT refund being paid back to SARS.

Cybercriminals ramp up their attacks on tax practitioners

SARS responds to reports of hackers accessing practitioners’ eFiling profiles, removing clients, and changing banking details.

Ruling confirms that a layperson can represent a taxpayer in a Tax Court

The ruling makes the Tax Courts more accessible, but there are risks to taking on SARS without a qualified and experienced legal representative.

Stack up the evidence when claiming interest expenses

Taxpayers carrying on trade as an investment holding company should ensure they can demonstrate a high degree of involvement in the operations of the subsidiaries.

Welcome news for companies in business rescue

SARS’s discretion to write off temporarily an amount of tax debt while a company is subject to business rescue will be reviewed.

Budget 2024: how the inflation monster will affect taxpayers

The Budget Review suggests that National Treasury does not intend adjusting the tax brackets for at least another two years.

Forensic investigation at SAIPA is at an ‘advanced stage’

The apparent internal strife has not impacted the organisation’s membership or credibility, says board chairperson Prem Govender.

Budget 2024: No inflation-related adjustments to the tax brackets?

Not providing tax relief will be a relatively easy way for a cash-strapped National Treasury to collect revenue.

Understand the nuances of anti-avoidance rules, or get a binding ruling

Sars binding private ruling highlights the importance of regularly reviewing the nature of a preference share or an equity instrument.

EU court case may have bearing on SA law

The Court of Justice of the European Union’s recent ruling on the Value Added Tax treatment of directors’ fees prompts a reassessment of local legislation to ascertain the necessity of imposing Vat on such fees.

Considerations when deciding whether to keep a company dormant or close it

An entity can formalise its dormancy by way of a liquidation process or by deregistering with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.

Tax professionals ‘should prepare for more major shifts in SA’s tax system’

The compliance landscape has shifted from ticking the boxes to risk anticipation, risk identification, and proper disclosure.

Treasury makes some concessions on drastic tax proposals

Update on draft legislation: the requirement for foreign employers to withhold PAYE, Practice Note 31, and the foreign business establishment exemption.