Tax Bills Propose Additional Exit Tax On Emigrating South Africans

National Treasury published the latest Draft Tax Bills on 28 July 2021, which incorporate the tax proposals made in the 2021 Budget. The Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB) contains a particularly jarring amendment which proposes to tax retirement fund interests of individuals when they cease South African tax residency. Existing exit tax It is…

New Tax Bills Published: Five Key Proposals

National Treasury published the latest Draft Tax Bills on 28 July 2021, which incorporate the tax proposals made in the 2021 Budget. Highlighted below are 5 key changes proposed by Government that taxpayers need to be aware of. Curbing abuse of ETI – Schemes where ETI is claimed in respect of individuals who do not…

5 Top Tips For Expats To Make Themselves Tax Ready

Adding to the challenges of 2020, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) announced that it did not make its annual budget. Tanya Tosen Master Mobility and Tax Specialist In addition, SARS amended the tax laws for South African expats, now drawing them into this diminishing tax net. Previously all income for services rendered abroad were…

Working Remotely Abroad: Not As Simple As Packing Your Bags And Leaving

Remote work has become the norm for many employees and professionals alike. Along with the growth of the ‘gig’ economy, which surged during the Covid-19 pandemic, the most remarkable change is the flexibility and mobility of remote working employees, who can criss-cross the country and global borders without taking a day’s leave. Tanya Tosen Master…

Avoid Tax Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing: 6 Things To Look Out For

SIX THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR Post-Covid economic resurgence saw an increase in international work opportunities. With skills in hand, many South African professionals have become sought-after in other countries. As a result, their finances and subsequent taxation have come under scrutiny. However, along with the awareness of tax complications, another threat has emerged. Financial…

Planning for Exit

With the world’s recent and continuing lockdowns, in view of the ever-present Covid-19 pandemic, more and more South Africans are considering moving abroad (or having their children move abroad). “Work from anywhere” is the theme of the day and, while this seems a simple enough endeavour in theory, in reality there are many concerns which…

Recent Changes To Financial Emigration Leaves Banks In The Dark

“From blocked accounts, to financial freedom, and back to blocked accounts.” Lovemore Ndlovu SARS and South African Reserve Bank Specialist On Thursday 3 June 2021, SARS issued its guidance on what ceasing South African tax residency involves, by posting its “Cease to be a Resident” webpage. This is a welcome initiative that may clear up…

Through the Looking Glass: SARS Audits on Offshore Assets

South Africa has a history of taxpayers making use of offshore structures in order to conceal their assets and income. Taxpayers have long believed that these arrangements were beyond SARS’ reach, but will they stand the test of time? While many South Africans have previously disclosed their offshore assets under the tax and exchange control…

Declaration Of Cease To Be A Tax Resident

SARS issued a guideline for taxpayers who want to cease South African tax residence. The guideline confirms that ceasing tax residency of South Africa is not a box ticking exercise. On Thursday 3 June 2021, SARS issued its guidance on what ceasing South African tax residency involves, by posting its “Cease to be a Resident”…

Disappearing Exchange Control

We have seen significant changes and adjustments to the exchange control policies with National Treasury steadily reducing exchange controls for individuals seeking to send money abroad, particularly in the last 15 odd years. The most dramatic changes were implemented early this year where we saw National Treasury follow through with their proposed plans as per…