Calls grow for full audit trails in eFiling profile hijackings
Tax practitioners argue that the apparent targeting of refund-eligible profiles points to either insider access or critical control failures.
Tax
Treasury pushes back against increasing taxes on higher-income earners
Deputy DG Christopher Axelson tells Parliament Treasury will prioritise improved revenue collection and closing loopholes rather than further rate increases.
Treasury proposes 20% national online gambling tax to curb harm
The measure is expected to generate over R10bn, but Treasury says its primary aim is to deter harmful gambling behaviour.
Tax compliance is easier, but corporates’ trust in SARS remains split
PwC finds a downward trend in penalties and verification risk. Yet corporate taxpayers continue to voice concerns over consistency, fairness, and accessing SARS support.
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.
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.
Treasury concedes on one CIS tax proposal, holds firm on another
National Treasury has withdrawn its proposal that would have triggered capital gains tax when fund managers merge collective investment scheme portfolios.
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.
More taxpayers will be caught by lower ringfencing threshold
The threshold for ringfencing assessed losses from ‘suspect’ or ‘hobby-like’ trades will be reduced from the 45% marginal rate to 39%.
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.
BHF asks Treasury for clarity on plan to phase out medical tax credits
According to the Board of Healthcare Funders, the Department of Health’s presentation indicates the credits will be eliminated by the beginning of 2029.
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.
Treasury urged to retain tax relief for manager-initiated unit trust transactions
ASISA says further consultation is needed to avoid negative consequences for investors and the collective investment schemes market.
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.
Capital gains tax is ‘sabotaging South Africa’s economic growth’
CGT levies gains created by inflation and currency depreciation, eroding real returns and discouraging long-term investment, says the Free Market Foundation.
