Tax Break

SARS issued an updated version of Interpretation Note 64 in December 2025. This interpretation note deals with, amongst others, the taxation of home owners associations. In this episode, I discuss some of the changes from the previous version of the interpretation note to the current one – particularly those relating to home owners associations.If you have an idea or suggestion for an episode or would like to see and vote for suggestions by other listeners, please visit the Tax Break app at https://tax.pvdz.co.za/app.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or require tax advice.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you  – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The National Treasury announced changes to the VAT registration thresholds in the 2026 Budget Review. Some vendors may be considering deregistration as a result of these changes. In this episode, I discuss some practical considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to deregister. If you have an idea or suggestion for an episode or would like to see and vote for suggestions by other listeners, please visit the Tax Break app at https://tax.pvdz.co.za/app.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or require tax advice.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you  – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

There has recently been an increase in the number of cases before the courts involving the general anti-avoidance rules (the GAAR). In this episode, I discuss the key elements of the GAAR. If you have an idea or suggestion for an episode or would like to see and vote for suggestions by other listeners, please visit the Tax Break app at https://tax.pvdz.co.za/app. You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or require tax advice.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you  – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

There is always a lot of excitement about budget and 2026 was no different. In this episode, I discuss some tax proposals in the budget that could be interesting for tax professionals and practitioners. You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode, would like to suggest a topic for a future episode or require tax advice.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Section 7C has been a hot topic for tax practitioners since its introduction in the Income Tax Act as part of the 2016 amendments. It is one of the few sections that most people recognise by the section number! SARS issued a draft interpretation note for comment late in November 2025. Although this document is only a draft, one can glean some insight into SARS’ approach and interpretation of the provision. In this episode, I look at some aspects of section 7C that are addressed in this draft interpretation note. You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode, would like to suggest a topic for a future episode or require tax advice.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

SARS recently issued an interesting ruling on a something that comes up very often in practice - interest deductibility. In short, the ruling deals with the deductibility of interest on a loan that will be used to redeem preference shares. In this episode, I discuss the ruling, recap on the requirements for interest to be deductible and consider why the taxpayer may have felt it needed to apply for a ruling. You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode, would like to suggest a topic for a future episode or require tax advice.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Consider the following scenario: you, or perhaps your client, owns a small business. The time has arrived, as with many small businesses, to sell - whether the business has reached a point where it requires a larger structure to grow, perhaps an opportunity to sell arose, or the owner and operator may just no longer be interested in conducting it - so CGT is on the cards. The CGT rules in the Eighth Schedule to the Income Tax Act provide for an exclusion. When will the owner qualify for this exclusion? In this episode, I share practical considerations regarding the exclusions I have encountered.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode, would like to suggest a topic for a future episode or require tax advice.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

When thinking about VAT and grants, your first instinct is probably that there should not be VAT on a grant. In this episode, I look at a tax court case that illustrates the importance of being careful when dealing with VAT and grants, as this can be more complex than it seems at first.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode, would like to suggest a topic for a future episode or require tax advice.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Many companies, both large and small, use share incentives for key staff members to align their objectives with those of the company. The design may look different between - for example, listed or private companies. However, the tax considerations at the core of the schemes are actually very similar - so question is then, what are these key tax matters to consider? In this episode, I discuss some of the considerations highlighted in a recent ruling, BCR91.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode, would like to suggest a topic for a future episode or require tax advice.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

If a company makes payments to a related party of its shareholder, the question arises whether this is a dividend, or perhaps rather a donation? SARS recently issued Binding Private Ruling 423 on a set of facts involving this question. In this episode, I discuss the ruling and the underlying principles.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The National Treasury published the 2025 tax laws amendment bills on 12 November 2025. In this episode, I discuss the amendments to the USP regime.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The National Treasury published the 2025 tax laws amendment bills on 12 November 2025. In this episode, I discuss the amendments relating VAT on supplies by schools.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The National Treasury published the 2025 tax laws amendment bills on 12 November 2025. In this episode, I highlight some of the key amendments in these bills.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Taxpayers can obtain certainty on uncertain tax positions by requesting an advance tax ruling from SARS. In this episode, I discuss some of the requirements for such rulings that you may have to bear in mind when evaluating this course of action.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Taxpayers may value closing stock at less than its cost in certain circumstances. SARS recently issued Interpretation Note 140 on this topic. In this episode, I discuss some of SARS’ views from the interpretation note.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Taxpayers may request SARS to reduce assessments in the case of readily apparent undisputed errors. SARS recently issued a draft interpretation note on this topic. In this episode, I highlight some key views in this draft interpretation note.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Taxpayers who submit information to SARS during a dispute are often anxious to receive a response. In this episode, I discuss som timeframes that the law provides for some responses.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Many anti-avoidance rules rely on a connected person relationship as a trigger to apply. In this episode, I discuss the definition of a connected person to a trust.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The VAT Act contains specific provisions dealing with agents. In this episode, I discuss some of the key provisions that apply to agency relationships.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

SARS recently established a specialised segment focusing on influencers. In this episode, I share a few thoughts on some of the tax considerations that this category of taxpayer may need to think about.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

If a taxpayer is aggrieved by certain decisions or an assessment, they may object against it. In this episode, I discuss a recent tax court case where the court considered whether SARS’ reasons provided to the taxpayer were sufficient.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The National Treasury published the draft tax law amendment bills for comment on 16 August 2025. The draft bills include proposed affecting section 8E and also how CIS yields are taxed. In this episode, I discuss the latest development affecting the section 8E proposals as well as the proposed changes to the taxation of CIS yields.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The National Treasury published the draft tax law amendment bills for comment on 16 August 2025. The draft bills include a proposal affecting understatement penalties and the roleof bona fide inadvertent errors. In this episode, I discuss the proposed changes and share my initial thoughts about it.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The National Treasury published the draft tax law amendment bills for comment on 16 August 2025. The draft bills include a proposal relating to section 20A, which deals with ring-fencing of losses from certain suspect trades. In this episode, I discussthe proposed changes and share my initial thoughts about it.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The National Treasury published the draft tax law amendment bills for comment on 16 August 2025. A significant proposal relates to section 8E, which deals with hybrid equity instruments. In this episode, I discuss the proposed changes and share my initial thoughts about it.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Provisional tax is one of the mechanisms used to collect income tax. Whether an individual is a provisional taxpayer or not, amongst others, affect when they need to submit their incometax returns. In this episode, I consider the definition of a provisional taxpayer. You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

I often get the question whether a person who ceased being a resident still needs to pay tax and submit returns in South Africa. This question goes back to the fundamental principles relating to how residents and non-residents are taxed. In this episode, I discuss how non-residents are taxed in South Africa.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Notional input tax is not a new topic in the VAT Act. There are, however, still some misconceptions about it. In this episode, I discuss some of the principles of notional input tax.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

VAT apportionment is often a complex matter for entities that make both taxable and non-taxable supplies. In this episode,I briefly discuss some key concepts and considerations when it comes to VAT apportionment.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Given the volatile economic conditions globally, many South Africans are selling or re-balancing their exposure to foreign assets. A question that naturally comes up is what are the taximplications of selling these foreign assets? In this episode, I discuss some key principles to consider in this regard. You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

SARS requires companies to submit their financial statements when they file their tax returns. The financial statements are critical when the tax return is further investigated or audited. In this episode, I discuss a recent case which may hold some lessons for other taxpayers on the importance of ensuring alignment between their financial statements and the tax return.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

If a company advances a loan to a shareholder and does not charge interest at the official rate a deemed dividend arises. In this episode, I discuss some of the practical considerations relating to this deemed dividend.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Several taxpayers received correspondence in recent months from SARS indicating that they have been registered as VAT vendors, despite not applying to be registered. In this episode, I consider the provisions of the VAT Act that deal with these registrations and also share some thoughts about steps to consider if the entity should not have been registered.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service annually publishes a notice relating to the returns to be submitted. In this episode, I consider this notice for the 2025 tax season.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

There are many differences between the tax and accounting treatment of transactions and arrangements. Share-based payments often result in such differences to be adjusted for in tax computations. In this episode, I discuss some tax and accounting considerations of share-based payment staff incentives.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Taxpayers often incur significant amounts of raising fees in respect of debt funding. The deductibility of these fees was recently considered in a tax court case. I discuss that case and the court’s reasoning in this episode.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The concepts of connected person and group of companies that are found in the tax legislation may seem similar at first, but they serve very different purposes. In this episode, I speak about these terms and where they are generally used in the legislation.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

VAT vendors are entitled to deduct input tax on goods or services acquired for purposes of making taxable supplies. However, there are some exceptions where input tax is prohibited despite the goods or services being acquired for business purposes. In this episode, I discuss a case that deals with one such instance.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Several recent amendments and developments affect trusts with non-resident beneficiaries. In this episode, I discuss the tax considerations that trustees of trusts with non-resident beneficiaries should be aware of.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Many transactions, especially reorganisations, involve transfers of assets from one person to another. One question that often comes up in arrangements between related persons is whether there may be elements of value shifting. In this episode, I discuss the concept and some of the tax implications thereof.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Foreign persons who supply electronic services consumed in South Africa may be required to register as VAT vendors in South Africa. The regulations governing these services recently changed. I discuss the changes in this episode.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

What are the tax implications when a company declares dividends to someone other than its shareholder? In this episode, I talk about two tax implications to consider in the context of such arrangements.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Shareholders often fund companies through loans. In this episode, I discuss tax implications to consider for such loans, especially when the loan does not bear interest.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The Minister of Finance announced an increase of 0,5% in the VAT rate with effect from 1 May 2025 in the 2025 Budget. From reports in the media, it is by no means certain that this rate increase will be approved by Parliament. In this episode I consider the legislation that gives effect to the rate increase and related matters.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The Minister of Finance presented the 2025 Budget in Parliament on 12 March 2025. In this episode, I talk about some of the tax proposals in this budget.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The VAT rate may change when the revised budget is presented in March. In this episode, I talk about some of the practical realities that vendors would face if the rate changes.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

The end of February means provisional tax for many taxpayers. In estimating their taxable income, the question often comes up – what if I get the estimate wrong? In this episode, I consider some of the implications of estimates that turn out to be inaccurate.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Taxpayers in certain industries qualify for diesel rebates. Two recent cases highlighted some aspects of these rebates that may be important for taxpayers to consider. In this episode, I share my thoughts on some lessons one can take from the cases. You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Companies and their shareholders often find themselves in a tough spot when the company advances substantial amounts to its shareholders as loans. In this episode, I talk about some of the economic considerations resulting from the tax implications of such loan accounts.You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode.My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!

Someone recently asked me whether they should advise their clients to keep their assets in trusts. This depends on the facts and circumstances of each case and some tax considerations may play a role. In this episode, I discuss some of the tax implications that persons who consider holding their assets in trusts should consider. You can contact me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ if you have any feedback on the episode or would like to suggest a topic for a future episode. My website contains more resources and articles that may interest you – ⁠https://tax.pvdz.co.za⁠. You are welcome to take a look!