Treasury upbeat on near-term tax haul, but flags medium-term shortfalls
The MTBPS raises the 2025/26 gross revenue estimate by R19.7bn but warns of a R15.7bn shortfall against Budget estimates for 2026/27.
SARS
ConCourt judgment widens High Court’s jurisdiction in tax cases
The Court replaces the restrictive ‘exceptional circumstances’ test with a flexible ‘good cause’ standard, creating new forum-choice opportunities.
Three years that matter: emigration and access to retirement funds
The three-year countdown starts only when SARS formally recognises you as a non-resident – a difference of months can affect access and tax outcomes.
Schools’ exit VAT liability postponed for a year
VAT-registered schools will have to deregister from 1 January 2026, but the deemed output VAT on retained assets will only be payable the following year.
SARB’s new exchange control rules draw criticism
The Institute for International Tax and Finance says the latest exchange control changes could discourage foreign investors and add red tape for non-residents.
Treasury withdraws plan to tax foreign pensions, pledges wider consultation
Although the amendment will not proceed, Treasury remains concerned about double non-taxation and will re-engage with the industry to find a balanced approach.
SARS launches expedited tax-debt compromise process
SARS will negotiate compromises only where liability is undisputed and both parties agree the taxpayer cannot pay in full.
Tax Ombud’s 10 top refunds total R167m
Requiring SARS to provide written reasons when it rejects the OTO’s recommendations has resulted in an increase in the resolution of complaints.
Exiting the grey list won’t relax oversight – regulators pledge continued enforcement
The authorities say that supervision, prosecutions, and measurable outcomes must continue to avoid re-listing as the next mutual evaluation starts in 2026.
Why using the correct IRP5 source code matters for SA expats
Incorrect source codes trigger unnecessary tax for hundreds of expatriates. The result is lost refunds or large tax bills.
Deep flaws in SARS’s systems, OTO investigation finds
The Tax Ombud’s draft report on profile hijackings finds evidence of failures in SARS’s fraud prevention, detection, and resolution processes.
What the FSCA and retirement funds are doing to tackle arrears
Commissioner Unathi Kamlana is confident that within two years, arrears could be far less of a systemic problem.
Treasury downplays impact of schools’ forced VAT deregistration
ISASA says there has always been a distinction between exempt (educational) and taxable (commercial) supplies.
What ‘capital’ could be in a CIS capital distribution
A proposed amendment to the Income Tax Act will tax unit trust investors on capital distributions before disposals, without any base cost offset.
Tax amendments under fire for squeezing out revenue at the expense of growth
Industry stakeholders say poorly consulted proposals risk undermining investment, savings, and innovation.
Draft Bill hides a ‘stealth tax’ in your unit trust investments
Proposed amendments could undermine the tax-efficient compounding that makes a collective investment scheme an attractive investment vehicle.
Influencers in the tax net: SARS clarifies approach to digital income
Remuneration extends beyond cash payments – products, services, and travel perks must also be declared as taxable income.
