Tag: Value Added Tax (VAT)

Times are tough, and geopolitical tensions are high in markets across the globe. South Africa is not immune to these pressures. Continued pressure on - and depreciation of - the Rand, largely driven by external factors, fuels fears and adds financial strain to a struggling economy. The economy must also contend with successive Value Added Tax (VAT) increases over the next two years.

A recent Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling should deliver a stark warning to businesses claiming input Value Added Tax (VAT) deductions without a watertight legal foundation. In Aveng Mining Shafts & Underground v CSARS (1192/2023) [2025] ZASCA 20, the SCA sided with South African Revenue Service (SARS) and disallowed almost R17.5 million in VAT input claims.

In the 2025 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana unveiled a proposed staggered increase to the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate. This move, designed to address economic challenges and fund key government initiatives, will undoubtedly add pressure to small businesses, especially those who are already struggling with cash flow. However, it’s worth understanding who pays VAT, how VAT contributes to total tax revenue, and how you as a small business can manage this change.

As South Africans braced for a heavier tax burden, the 2025 Budget Speech delivered a mix of relief and reality. While tax increases were lower than feared, financial advisers will soon need to navigate a complex landscape of regulatory reforms.

The 2025 national budget speech has been delivered. As a result, predictions suggest possible PAYE and VAT increases. These forecasted hikes signal tighter financial conditions for consumers. In response, maintaining a strong credit score has become more critical than ever. It’s not just key for accessing loans. Importantly, it also shapes employment prospects and long-term financial security.

The South African government has concluded its 2025 budget deliberations. It announced a Value Added Tax (VAT) increase of 0.5% from May 2025. It also announced a possible further 0.5% hike by April 2026. These increases are part of measures to address the growing budget deficit.

The 2025 Budget Speech outlines significant opportunities for South Africa’s private renewable energy sector. These opportunities include streamlined public-private partnership (PPP) regulations, expanded infrastructure investment and greater clarity around grid upgrades. However, it also raises important concerns for private developers and investors.

The 2025 Budget Speech, delivered on 12 March 2025, made it clear that financial crime enforcement and compliance are priorities. The government has allocated increased funding for forensic investigations, regulatory oversight and tax compliance monitoring

After the false start of 19 February, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled the 2025 Budget on 12 March. The main tax policy proposals include raising the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate by 0.5% in each of the next two years. This will bring VAT to 16% in 2026/2027. It will be accompanied by no inflationary adjustments to personal income tax brackets, rebates, or medical tax credits.

The shocks, surprises and shortfalls in the initial budget on 19 February 2025 made way for a reworked National Budget. This new budget is marked by cuts, compromises and curveballs. Although Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s first budget attempt was unexpectedly stopped three weeks ago, a higher VAT rate is still on the table.