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.
VAT
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.
Courts willing to consider evidence beyond a contract’s written terms
Modern contract interpretation permits surrounding circumstances to explain contractual meaning – undermining SARS’s argument that extrinsic evidence is inadmissible.
Court tells SARS: A deal is a deal
A High Court ruling confirms that SARS must honour lawful settlement agreements and cannot rely on internal systems or administrative hurdles to escape binding terms.
Grey Apple director jailed for R3.6m tax fraud as SAPS procurement probe deepens
The conviction highlights ongoing investigations under Project Blue Lights into systemic tender manipulation and corruption within the police service.
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.
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.
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.
