Tag: South African Revenue Service (SARS)
Spotting phishing emails – key warning signs
Email plays an integral role in daily life, but cybercriminals exploit it as a prime attack channel. Phishing scams involve malicious emails designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information. These scams rank among the most prevalent cybersecurity threats.
Global minimum tax compliance – what SA’s MNEs need to know
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed the Global Minimum Tax Act and the Global Minimum Tax Administration Act into law. The new laws implement the OECD Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules. These rules aim to prevent tax losses caused by Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) operating in foreign low-tax jurisdictions. Both laws enforce a minimum 15% global tax on MNEs based or operating in South Africa.
Public Officer appointment – key compliance changes
Annual tax law amendments now require a Public Officer appointment immediately upon forming a company. Recent updates to Section 246 of the Tax Administration Act, No. 24 of 2011 (TAA) took effect on 24 December 2024. These changes remove the one-month window for appointing a Public Officer. This amendment creates a critical shift for businesses across South Africa.
Trust tax compliance – avoiding SARS penalties
After years of threatening non-compliant trusts with penalties for late tax return submissions, South African Revenue Service's (SARS) leniency seems to be ending.
Two-pot savings and SARS – managing tax debt on withdrawals
Two-pot savings and South African Revenue Service (SARS) became a crucial topic when taxpayers realised they cannot access their savings without settling tax debts first. South African taxpayers withdrawing from their two-pot savings must first settle any outstanding tax debt unless arrangements exist with SARS.
Festive season cyber threats – how to outsmart scammers
Cyber threats usually escalate during the festive season, as cybercriminals take advantage of holiday distractions. For many, a tax refund may feel like the perfect holiday gift. But, unfortunately, cybercriminals often intercept these refunds, leaving taxpayers and businesses vulnerable.
SARS increases customs duties for online retail orders
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) increases customs duties for online retail orders as part of a broader strategy to promote local businesses and address global supply chain imbalances. The clothing and textile industry has faced widescale criticism for controversial environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. South African consumers may imagine themselves to be far from the hub of these issues. However, we are all participants in the global supply and demand for fashion.
Combating holiday tax scams – stay alert and safe
With the holidays around the corner, combating holiday tax scams is more important than ever. While it is the season to be jolly, it is also a time for caution in South Africa. During this period, South Africans face a heightened risk of tax scams.
SARS compliance and enforcement
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) continues to face challenges in collecting receivables and addressing disputes with taxpayers. The SARS Annual Report for 2023/24 highlights intensified efforts in tax debt collection and dispute resolution. SARS is implementing new strategies and refining processes to tackle challenges in enforcing tax compliance.
SARS PAYE compliance – employers must get it right
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has signalled a stronger focus on Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) compliance. Furthermore, SARS PAYE compliance focus is highlighted in its 2023/24 Annual Report. SARS's renewed attention includes a rigorous auditing strategy targeting employers. The aim is to ensure PAYE is accurately held and remitted.































