Government Faces Several Obstacles in Imposing Exit Tax on Retirement Interests

The Standing Committee on Finance held public parliamentary hearings on 31 August 2021 regarding the proposals contained in the Draft 2021 Tax Bills. One of the most hotly debated items on the agenda was the proposal to tax retirement interests where South Africans cease their tax residency. During the public hearings it became evident that […]

Pathway To European Citizenship

Citizenship planning has become an important element of every financial plan. Today investors are incorporating the benefits of citizenship planning in their estate planning, retirement planning, legacy planning and tax planning.

Living Abroad? SARS Is Stepping Up Their Prosecuting Game

South Africans living abroad should be aware of the seriousness with which SARS is dealing with non-compliance. Provided that you are working abroad and have not ceased your tax residency, while not filing tax returns or declaring your foreign income, you are most likely non-compliant.

Policy Withdrawals After Financial Emigration – SARS’ Current Challenges

There are many reasons why South African tax residents undertake to cease tax residency through the financial emigration process. One of the reasons is that a successful financial emigration provides one with the rare opportunity to fully encash your policy funds.

SARS’ Role In The Criminal Justice System

SARS is mandated through legislation to conduct a criminal investigation if it suspects tax fraud. Once it has been finalised, they register a formal complaint with the South African Police Services.

Is SARS Doing Selective Prosecution Of Tax Offenders?

On numerous occasions, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has warned that they will be taking on South African taxpayers who have been non-compliant.

Industry Survey Evidences The Immense Impact Of Proposed Retirement Fund Changes On South Africans Abroad

The Expatriate Petition Group (“EPG”), who has an active membership of 15,000 South Africans abroad, recently conducted a survey to contextualise the proposed retirement fund changes from the perspective of South African expatriates, specifically in light of other recent legislative amendments.

South Africans Abroad Take Note: Taxpayers With Outstanding Returns Summoned To Face Criminal Charges

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is issuing summonses to taxpayers with outstanding tax returns. The Commissioner for SARS, Edward Kieswetter, has promised that they will make life difficult for non-compliant taxpayers, a promise he has kept. Those who decided to ignore his words of caution may soon be summoned to appear in court on criminal […]

Start Planning Around The Additional Exit Tax Before It’s Too Late

On 28 July 2021, National Treasury and the South African Revenue Services (SARS) released the 2021 Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, which will come into effect from March 2022.

Finance Industry Experts Left Scratching Their Heads About New Draft Tax Bill

It is not uncommon for National Treasury and the South African Revenue Services (SARS) to propose, and subsequently gazette, amendments to the Income Tax Law. It’s also not unheard of that these draft tax law amendment bills will enjoy scrutiny by industry specialists. That is why draft tax bills are open for public comment. Once […]