| 1. Special Voluntary Disclosure Programme | By Sibusiso Thungo: SAIPA Tax Specialist
SARS, together with National Treasury, are offering South African residents an opportunity to disclose their assets held abroad before such information becomes available to SARS via the new international automatic exchange of information between tax authorities. The creation of this window period, commencing 1 October 2016 and ending on 31 August 2017 – referred to as Special Voluntary Disclosure Programme (SVDP), provides South African taxpayers with an `advanced’ opportunity to disclose their `hidden’ offshore assets. | | Read More | | 2. PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF LODGING OBJECTIONS | By Gert van Heerden: Senior Manager: Legal Services Office of the Tax Ombud
The procedure for disputing assessments has become a thorn in the side of many tax professionals. While the Office of the Tax Ombud receives many complaints about objections where SARS is in the wrong, we also find many instances where taxpayers and professionals are the authors of their own misfortunes. Much of the frustrations associated with lodging objections can be avoided if one has a proper understanding of this procedure. | | Read More | | 3. What you need to know when it comes to 2017 tax season e-filing? | SAIPA Tax Team
As part of SAIPA’s Centre of Tax Excellence efforts, we want to ensure that you, as a valued member, are provided with all the support you need during this tax filing season. We always endeavor to keep you up to date with the latest information as issued by SARS. Please take note of following challenges experienced during the current filing season and some suggested solutions. | | Read More | | 4. Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Commission | Explanatory notice 1 of 2017
On 9 June 2017, the Minister of Trade and Industry issued Notice No. 551 in Government Gazette No. 40898 (“Notice”) which determines the threshold for registering a B-BBEE transaction. In terms of the Notice, the documents required to be submitted for the registration of the major B-BBEE transaction must be in accordance with the requirements of the B-BBEE Commission. | | Read More | | 5. Incorrect interest rates applied by SARS from 1 July 2016 | PWC Tax Team
SARS applied the incorrect interest rates from 1 July 2016. Adjustments were made to the SARS system on 1July 2017 with retrospective effect and as a result some taxpayers may be adversely affected. | | Read More | | 6. ABP national workshop | | The Association of B-BBEE Professionals (ABP) will be presenting a series of monthly nationwide workshops from August to November 2017, focusing on specific scorecard elements. The big question to be addressed : is your ownership structure in line with amended codes or amended sector codes? | | Click here for dates and to book your seat | | SARS ALERTS AND RELEASES | | 7. Introduction of improvements to the dispute management process | | On 30 June 2017, SARS introduced an automated dispute management process for PAYE as part of their ongoing commitment to delivering a better service to taxpayers. | | Read More | | 8. Interpretation Note 96 | Section 10(1)(o)(ia) subject: Exemption from income tax: Remuneration derived by a person as an officer or crew member of a South African ship
This note provides guidance on the circumstances under which section 10(1)(o)(iA) exempts the remuneration, derived by a person as an officer or crew member of a South African ship, from normal tax. | | Read More | | 9. Guide on income tax and the individual | | The purpose of this guide is to inform individuals who are South African residents of their income tax commitments under the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 (the Act). This guide does not attempt to reflect on every scenario that could possibly exist, but does attempt to provide clarity on the majority of issues that are likely to arise in practice. Issues not specifically addressed may be taken up with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) National Contact Centre, or your nearest branch office. | | Read More | | 10. Guide on the determination of medical tax credits | | This guide provides general guidelines regarding the medical scheme fees tax credit and additional medical expenses tax credit for income tax purposes. It does not delve into the precise technical and legal detail that is often associated with tax, and should, therefore, not be used as a legal reference. | | Read More | | 11. Guide for Municipalities (VAT 419) | | The purpose of this guide is to provide guidance and clarity on the VAT treatment of supplies made by municipalities that are registered as VAT vendors. As municipalities are treated, as far as possible, as ordinary VAT vendors with effect from 1 July 2006, the general VAT rules as set out in the VAT 404 – Guide for Vendors are applicable. Topics dealt with in sufficient detail in that Guide are therefore not be repeated in this Guide unless it is for purposes of clarifying the VAT treatment of supplies made to, or by, municipalities. | | Read More | | 12. TAXOMBUD FAIR PLAY ISSUE 5 | | The SARS tax filing season for individual taxpayers commenced on 1 July, and we once again urge taxpayers to meet their tax obligations to the receiver of revenue. We also know that this particular period will see an increase in complaints lodged with the Office and I want to remind all that we are ready, competent and willing to help resolve these. Remember, we are neither for nor against SARS or taxpayers; our responsibility and commitment is to provide an independent, fair and impartial recourse avenue to resolve taxpayer’s complaints against SARS. | | Read More | | 13. National Treasury | | The National Treasury and SARS publish for public comment the 2017 Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB) and the 2017 Draft Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill (TALAB). As a SAIPA member and taxpayer you are requested to forward us with your comments before 11 August 2017 at Taxcentre@saipa.co.za | | Read More | |
| SAIPA is continuously working on improving our engagement with our members through the SAIPA briefcase which is our Client Relationship Management system (CRM). We encourage you to utilise this platform to log any queries you may have. You will be able to track the progress of your enquiry, and even escalate it if you have not received an answer within a satisfactory time period. | | Click here for more information | SAIPA’s NEW INTERNATIONAL
TAX GUIDE | Have you been struggling with the understanding of some of your client’s International tax transaction?
If yes, look no further! The SAIPA Tax Team has come up with an International Tax Guide sponsored by JUTA and Sanlam to simplify transactions for you. This guide is available for sale at R50 per copy.To order your copy please email Taxcentre@saipa.co.za. | | HAVE YOU BOOKED FOR THE SAIPA NATIONAL CONFERENCE YET? | | Tickets are selling fast, book your today. Join us in Cape Town from 19-21 October for insights into the accounting profession and attend sessions hosted by international speakers. | | Click here for more details |
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