
Dividend-stripping case sharpens the boundaries of legitimate tax planning
The Tax Court has affirmed the choice principle but raised fresh questions about where legitimate tax-efficient structuring ends and impermissible avoidance begins.

The Tax Court has affirmed the choice principle but raised fresh questions about where legitimate tax-efficient structuring ends and impermissible avoidance begins.

Practitioners warn that applying section 7(8) to cross-border trust distributions could create onerous and potentially perpetual tax and compliance consequences.

Two-pot withdrawals, carried-forward retirement contributions, and incomplete third-party data can affect the final tax position.

Crypto users may trigger tax consequences through swaps, staking, mining, payments, employment benefits, or donations, even where no rand conversion takes place.

By addressing minor inconsistencies upfront, taxpayers may avoid verification delays and receive refunds sooner where applicable.

Auto-assessments begin on 1 July. This is what taxpayers should do to avoid delays, protect themselves from scams, and ensure refunds are paid without a hitch.

A fuel exporter lost a R38.8-million deduction claim, but the Tax Court ruling may open a fresh battle over whether the correct tax years can still be re-opened.

Tax experts say the constitutional problem identified by the High Court could affect several other laws that give the finance minister similar powers.

The new reporting regime, effective from 1 March, increases the information available to SARS through third-party reporting and international data exchange.

Courts and practitioners face contested valuation methods – from present-value drawdowns to post-death capital – with tax and drawdown assumptions driving outcomes.

The Supreme Court of Appeal confirms that re-quantifying a tax debt post-rescue commencement doesn’t create a new, preferential liability – cementing SARS’s place as a concurrent creditor under an approved rescue plan.

ASISA warns that reclassifying collective investment scheme portfolios as profit-making schemes will undermine years of established investment policy.

With more tax returns submitted, SARS is intensifying efforts to ensure full compliance, particularly among trusts, using AI and data-driven enforcement.

With SARS tightening crypto enforcement, taxpayers should review their past filings, ensure accurate reporting of crypto profits, and consider the Voluntary Disclosure Programme to avoid severe penalties and interest.

Financial advisers should understand the broader implications on tax planning, retirement savings, and investment strategies to guide their clients effectively.

Moonstone Business School of Excellence has three short courses that will improve your money management skills.

Financial advisers can guide their clients on how to manage the knock-on effect of rising costs without compromising their long-term financial wellness.