14 appear in court over alleged R3.99m VAT refund fraud
The case forms part of Project Jan Vas, a wider investigation into an alleged organised criminal network targeting the tax system across several provinces.
VAT
SARS separates diesel refunds from VAT system
The standalone system introduces new registration, seller relationships, and record-keeping requirements.
SARS begins biggest VAT reporting overhaul in decades
The shift to near real-time reporting promises better fraud detection and faster refunds, but businesses face significant technology costs and implementation challenges.
ConCourt confirms limits of VAT relief for second-hand gold
Refining does not erase the legal significance of earlier manufacture into non-prescribed forms such as jewellery.
Connected data is strengthening the fight against tax evasion
Advanced data matching is helping SARS to identify businesses and individuals whose tax affairs do not align with their activities.
Government floats VAT sharing to shore up municipal revenue
The White Paper describes how municipalities and households are being financially squeezed by escalating input costs – particularly for electricity.
SARS, NCC join forces to tighten grip on non-compliant imports
A new SARS–NCC agreement strengthens enforcement against non-compliant imports as authorities tighten controls on e-commerce and customs risks.
Tax Court clarifies VAT treatment of cashback and fee rebates
The Court finds that cashback credits reduced the original fee, rather than constituting payment for a separate supply by customers.
Fuel levy dispute before the courts as consumers brace for higher prices
Temporary fuel levy relief ends on 5 May as pressure builds at the pumps. The High Court case will test whether the minister can adjust the levy without Parliament.
SARS exceeds R2 trillion as compliance, not commodities, drives revenue
Milestone caps Kieswetter’s tenure as a new commissioner prepares to take office from 1 May.
Businesses should weigh VAT deregistration carefully
Rising the VAT threshold to R2.3m may prompt some businesses to deregister, but the process can trigger an immediate output tax liability on assets.
VAT decision highlights constitutional defects across tax Acts
Tax experts say the constitutional problem identified by the High Court could affect several other laws that give the finance minister similar powers.
High Court: Minister’s power to set VAT rate is unconstitutional
The declaration of invalidity was suspended for 24 months and referred to the Constitutional Court for confirmation.
Budget 2026: why advisers should revisit every client plan
From CGT thresholds to small business tax and foreign allowances, Ronald King identifies the changes that could materially reshape financial plans.
VDP interest relief proposed despite recent Constitutional Court precedent
Just a year after the Constitutional Court barred post-agreement interest remission in voluntary disclosure cases, Treasury proposes legislation to allow it.
Increase in the VAT registration threshold
The tax regime for small and micro-businesses will also be adjusted for inflation.
Zero-rated chicken will have minimal impact on tax revenue, report finds
Advocates say including certain chicken products in the zero-rated food basket will directly benefit poorer households that rely on bone-in cuts and offal.
