Tag: Thomas Lobban

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.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, had the unenviable task of delivering the annual Budget Speech. Over the last year, and especially over the last few months, South Africa has taken one knock after another.

To be released from their local tax obligations in relation to foreign income, emigrating South Africans must be able to prove to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) that they have permanently left the country.

The Budget Review 2022 was far from a 'good news' budget for South Africans working abroad (expats). For the 5th consecutive year, there has been changes proposed that clearly indicate that SARS is still targeting expats and view them as low-hanging fruit to boost revenue collection.

The new regulations proposed by the South African Government will lead to greater regulatory oversight and control in the crypto asset sector and will spell bad news for non-compliant operators. It has long been clear that regulation in South Africa was inevitable, regardless of this being contradictory to the philosophy of most of those involved in the crypto asset sector.

Post-COVID-19 economic resurgence saw an increase in international work opportunities. With skills in hand, many South African professionals have become sought-after in other countries. As a result, their finances and subsequent taxation have come under scrutiny. However, along with the awareness of tax complications, another threat has emerged.

South African residents who work for international companies inside South Africa need to be sure they have a clear understanding of their tax situation or risk losing out. A growing number of South Africans are electing to work abroad, but there is also a substantial group that is working here for foreign companies.

Cryptocurrency has heralded a new dawn of investment, and regulators worldwide have been sluggish to respond. However, it is now firmly on the tax radar for revenue authorities globally; and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) position seems to be no different.

The hotly debated amendment to Section 10(1)(o)(ii) or 'Expatriate Exemption' took effect from 1 March 2020, with the questions on many expatriates’ minds often being 'how will SARS find me? What does the SARS audit of an expatriate look like and what questions should I expect?'