Beefed-up SARS might stave off R20bn in tax increases in 2026
An inflation-linked rise in the general fuel levy will in no way be sufficient to plug the revenue hole left by scrapping the two VAT increases.
Tax
SCA upholds pre-commencement tax debts in business rescue
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.
Constitutionality of the minister’s power to amend tax rates remains untested
UCT tax lecturer Ben Cronin argues that by allowing the minister to amend the income tax rates by announcement in the Budget, Parliament has overstepped its competence, eroding the doctrine that places legislative authority firmly in its hands.
Budget 3.0 coming after court-backed VAT suspension and new Rates Bill
SARS tells vendors there is now no legal basis for them to charge consumers VAT of 15.5% from 1 May.
Tax Court faults SARS in R158m VAT case over legal insurance fund
SARS’s stance on input VAT was overturned after the court found the fund to be the principal in an insurance agreement – not merely an agent.
Experts warn reversing VAT increase may be impractical
Once implemented on 1 May, undoing the VAT hike could prove nearly impossible. Even if Parliament later votes against the Rates and Monetary Amounts Bill, the logistics of refunding the collected VAT present formidable challenges.
Proposal to tweak ‘bona fide inadvertent error’ in favour of SARS
The move will limit taxpayer defences that rely solely on claiming an unintentional mistake.
VAT hike | Guidance for businesses on supply rules and timing
How the general and specific time-of-supply rules will determine whether transactions fall under the existing 15% VAT rate or the increased rate.
South Africa already has wealth taxes, says Kieswetter
Almost half the revenue from personal taxes is derived from people who earn more than R1 million.
Two (?) VAT hikes and no adjustments to the income tax brackets
A comprehensive round-up of the tax proposals affecting individual taxpayers and consumers.
Provisional tax simplified: key deadlines and compliance strategies
Missing the provisional tax deadlines can lead to steep penalties and interest. This article outlines the key dates and payment rules to help you stay ahead.
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.
Amendment to ADR process may resolve tax disputes faster
Taxpayers may soon have a faster, cost-effective way to resolve disputes with SARS through alternative dispute resolution at the objection phase.
‘Instructive remarks’ from the Constitutional Court on understatement penalties
Expert legal interpretations, even if contrary to SARS’s stance, may not automatically result in understatement penalties.
SARS is clamping down on undeclared crypto holdings and trades
Among other measures, SARS says it is engaging with the FSCA about providing information on registered crypto asset service providers.
