SA won’t get off the grey list in June – Treasury now aiming for October
South Africa is yet to demonstrate ‘sustained effectiveness’ in investigating and prosecuting serious money laundering and terrorist financing activities
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Proposed VAT increase: fiscal necessity or economic catastrophe?
Instead of hiking VAT, the government could fix its tax collection problems, improve state resource management, and stimulate the economy to boost revenue.
Will a 2% VAT hike fix the Budget – or break consumers?
The VAT hike could add R58bn to government revenue, but with coalition partners clashing over its impact on ordinary South Africans, the debate over how to fund critical services without deepening the cost-of-living crisis is far from settled.
Tax adjustments, debt concerns, and relief measures: a look at the Budget that wasn’t
A postponed Budget Speech means uncertainty for taxpayers, but the VAT hike and personal income tax adjustments offer insight into the government’s fiscal strategy.
Budget 2025: can debt stability lay the foundation for growth?
With South Africa’s debt-to-GDP ratio at 75.1%, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana faces a tough balancing act – can his Budget Speech reassure investors and spark economic growth?
Tax collections miss forecasts – will taxpayers bear the burden?
A dip in corporate and VAT revenues has left a R10bn hole in expected tax collections. As the Budget approaches, Treasury faces a difficult balancing act.
SIU investigation into Ithala tender unrelated to liquidation bid
Meanwhile, MPs have questioned the SARB’s push to liquidate Ithala, arguing it conflicts with Parliament’s resolution to support the bank’s growth.
Court ruling on SRD grant could deepen the government’s fiscal crisis
The judgment strikes down restrictive aspects of the grant regulations, ordering the government to increase the grant and ensure that no eligible applicants are excluded.
Treasury asks First National Bank to assist Ithala’s SASSA customers
Treasury and SASSA respond to an allegation that Ithala’s client database was ‘unlawfully’ transferred to FNB.
Industry raises red flags over tax treatment of collective investment schemes
Treasury’s proposed tax changes for investment funds may lead to trading distortions and reduced revenue, say industry experts.
Ithala hits back: sharp criticism of Reserve Bank’s liquidation move
Ithala accuses the appointed repayment administrator of overstepping his authority, while the Prudential Authority moves to liquidate the entity.
Major banks to explain lending practices to parliamentary committees
MPs also want to meet with the FSCA to discuss banking-relating issues, including credit policies, fees, and client confidentiality.
Godongwana defends the banks’ right to close accounts
Financial institutions will participate in evaluating improvements to Conduct Standard 3 of 2020, aligning these efforts with the COFI Bill.
Bill proposes wide-ranging changes to strengthen AML regime
The amendments to the Companies Act, FICA, and the Financial Sector Regulation Act are designed to close regulatory gaps and enhance enforcement.
Treasury publishes draft amendments to two-pot legislation
The Bill provides for flexibility when provident and provident preservation funds perform the seeding calculation.
SA’s corporate tax base rests on a few large companies
More than 3.6 million companies were registered with SARS, and only 0.1% of them contributed 72.3% of corporate income tax revenue in 2022.
Criminal liability for small businesses that fail to register for VAT
Exceeding the R1m threshold without registering could have serious consequences for businesses. SARS is stepping up enforcement, with a wave of cases landing in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
