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3 Questions SA Expats Must Ask About Tax Residency

Access to current information has become the saving grace for expatriates. However, with the advent of social media platforms, came an accompanying surge of opportunistic advisors who unknowingly, and sometimes knowingly, mislead vulnerable expatriates in their quest for clarity, and in so doing, potentially harm their relationship with the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”). Thomas...
A circle of people walks around a large question mark, representing confusion and the search for answers.

SARS Eager To Employ Inexperienced Youth To Assist Confused Taxpayers

The South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) recently expressed its intentions to dive into its recruitment drive with renewed vigour. First on the block, is the employment of 250 young South Africans. This presents a grave concern for expats working, or planning to work, abroad. Thomas Lo bban Legal Manager Cross-Border Taxation Victoria Lancefield General Manager,...
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2021 Tax Proposals Signed Into Law – 5 Key Changes

The President has given effect to the 2021 tax proposals by signing three tax Acts into law. On 14 January 2022, the President gave his assent to the Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment of Revenue Laws Act No. 19 of 2021 (“Rates Act”), the Taxation Laws Amendment Act No. 20 of 2021 (“TLAA”) and...
A judge's gavel resting on a brown legal book titled 'TAX LAW' on a wooden desk.

Withdrawal Of Exit Tax Confirmed As President Signs Tax Bills Into Law

The President has given effect to the 2021 tax proposals by signing the relevant tax Acts into law. With the promulgation of the Taxation Laws Amendment Act No. 20 of 2021 (“TLAA”), Government’s promise to scrap the exit tax on retirement interests has been confirmed, at least for now. The 2021 Draft Tax Bills were...
Silhouette of a traveler with luggage at an airport window, watching a plane take off or land, symbolizing emigration.

The ‘Silent’ Changes Affecting South Africans Who Are Emigrating

The transition from the old emigration regime to the current regime - ceasing of tax residency, came with some relief. However, there were some silent changes that went unnoticed. The most notable change has been the requirement of a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS PIN) for every capital transfer a Non-Resident/Non-Tax Resident makes to offshore....
A small house on a tilted seesaw, symbolizing factors weighing heavily on tax residency decisions.

Tax Residency Certificates: The Contentious Debate Amongst Expat Tax Advisors

For years the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) has been trying to amend legislation to affect the way that expatriates are taxed on their foreign earnings. Their relentless pursuit for tax compliance often directs them towards individuals who are not disclosing all their earnings. Recently SARS began requesting audits of those working offshore with more...
A calculator sits on top of US tax forms, with sections like 'Adjusted Gross Income' and 'Form 1040-V' visible, suggesting

What Is Provisional Tax And When Do I Qualify For It?

During 2021, many South Africans were forced to start their own businesses to put food on the table, while others changed from traditional employees to contracted remote workers. Whether they retained a reduced salary or wholly embraced the responsibility of being an entrepreneur, it is important for these individuals to understand how the South African...
Man working remotely on a laptop from a couch, looking focused, in a home setting with a bookshelf in the background.

The Tax Implications Of Working Remotely

One of the most notable adjustments during the global lockdowns, has been the introduction of remote working policies for staff. While the world was in a pandemic-induced cocoon, companies and employers were forced to shift their operations online. They quickly realised that this could be done while employees work from the comfort of their homes....
Dart with a flight displaying the South African flag, symbolizing South African financial or tax matters.

SARS’ New Letters of Non-Residency – Hidden Teeth

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has recently started issuing letters to taxpayers working abroad, confirming their change in status to non-residents for tax purposes. This is a somewhat peculiar development for expatriates who have previously ceased their tax residency, as they are now requiring an additional step to objectively support their non-residency as issued...
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SARS’ Tax Law Blunder Gives Expats A Quick Breather

Following deliberation with members of the public, National Treasury recently released its official response to the Parliamentary submissions on their proposed Draft Tax Bills. Among other things, Treasury noted that they would withdraw a controversial amendment that would have been problematic for South African expatriates contemplating emigration. Victoria Lancefield General Manager Financial Emigration Thomas Lo...