How common law protects your property

Unless explicitly removed by statute, common law rights remain in force, and any rule that seeks to limit existing rights must be interpreted very narrowly.

When SARS fails to abide by the Tax Act

There is a good chance that an assessment based on a ‘secret audit’ will be set aside in the absence of extenuating circumstances.

Stocks and shares are not your only investment option

In these uncertain times, it can pay to get involved in alternative investments. In fact, these have a number of advantages over stocks and shares.

When losses are not deductible

Stock in trade is the lifeblood of a business. When stock is lost, or destroyed, the loss normally gives rise to a tax deduction. But this is not always the...

What exactly is a carbon tax?

Two aspects of the Carbon Tax Bill to be implemented in South Africa in 2019 should be of interest to farmers.

Keep your assets safe and save on tax

If you have set up a trust, make sure you put it to good use to maximise the value of its assets.

Why should your business pay more tax than necessary?

If you structure your business creatively, you’ll be able to save many thousands of rands in tax. Here are some simple, practical ways to do this.

Estate planning: are trusts still worthwhile?

To limit tax/estate duty advantages, relevant legislature focuses on the method used to place assets into the trust, rather than on the trust itself.

The bare dominium transfer explained

In South African legal parlance, fixed property is made up of two elements: the outright ownership of the property, and the right of use or enjoyment of it.

The importance of estate planning

No one can disagree that a lack of proper estate planning could result in major reversals for a family business.

How increasing taxes brings in less money

High taxes can be self-defeating for a government seeking additional revenue.

The libertarian’s views on taxes

Libertarians have some interesting theories about taxation, and it all starts with the non-aggression principle.

Life insurance products and tax benefits

Years ago, tax benefits were good reasons to purchase life insurance. Is this still true?

The erosion of tax rights

A recent ruling opened the door for SARS to enforce amendments to the Income Tax Act retrospectively.

South Africa needs more IDZs, and better incentives

An expansion of this country’s industrial development zones might be an effective way of stimulating our struggling economy.

How SARS bends the rules to suit itself

The Tax Ombudsman’s investigation highlights the dubious tactics used by SARS to delay refunding taxpayers.

The rule of law, and our tax money

The rule of law implies that every citizen is subject to the law, including the lawmakers themselves.

An unfair, but not unjust, verdict

The consequences of not objecting to an incorrect SARS assessment timeously can be severe, even if the assessment is based on erroneous information.

Using a judicial review to claw back a refund

A judicial review of administrative action can be launched only after all internal remedies have been exhausted.

The impact of tax refund delays on farmers

Nothing in the relevant acts compels the revenue authorities to effect refund or rebate payments within a given time period.

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Tax Advice