Tag: South African Revenue Service (SARS)

For many high-net-worth South Africans living and working abroad, the call of home is growing stronger. Whether prompted by family ties, lifestyle choices or a renewed focus on local business opportunities, the decision to return is often as emotional as it is practical.

The Supreme Court of Appeal’s recent decision in Assmang (Pty) Ltd vs The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has sent a clear and sobering message to taxpayers. In tax law, substance always trumps form. While this principle is not new, its application in the context of diesel refunds highlights the immense peril taxpayers face. The Assmang diesel refund case illustrates this danger vividly.

Social influencers in South Africa must declare all income, including non-monetary compensation, as clarified by the South African Revenue Service (SARS)! On 5 September 2025, SARS issued a media release. It stated its zero-tolerance position regarding social influencers and undeclared income.

Thousands of South Africans who have traded or invested in crypto assets may soon face severe penalties. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has started issuing letters to individuals suspected of undeclared crypto gains. Experts warn that those who fail to act now risk not only hefty fines but also potential criminal prosecution.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially discontinued the printing and posting of all system-generated letters, effective 31 May 2025. From this date forward, all correspondence will be delivered electronically via eFiling and other digital platforms. This shift reflects the fact that SARS discontinues printed letters as part of its broader digital strategy.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is no longer the passive revenue service many South Africans remember. With an injection of R3.5 billion from the national budget and the ominous launch of “Project AmaBillions”, SARS has entered its most aggressive enforcement phase in years.

Since the South African Revenue Service (SARS) introduced the Crypto Revenue Augmentation Unit, many taxpayers who have traded, invested in or used crypto assets for purchases have received Audit and Request for Relevant Material Notices.

In a tightening economy, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is under increasing pressure to collect every cent it can. This effort is critical to shoring up the South African fiscus. While many compliant businesses play by the rules, it is becoming clear that some large corporations are pushing the envelope too far. Some do so unintentionally, but others proceed with eyes wide open.

In a significant win for taxpayers on the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) “narrow” approach to the ability to claim input Value-Added Tax (VAT), the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) recently ruled in favour of Woolworths Holdings (Woolworths), the group holding company, affirming its right to claim over R8 million in input VAT.

Charitable giving is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy. You can make an impact that extends far beyond your lifetime. Include donations to causes close to your heart when writing your will. This practice allows you to give back meaningfully. Sadly, it remains underutilised.