Get help with your South African tax matters
We provide comprehensive tax services and advice for both South Africans at home and abroad and anyone with South African income. From tax registrations, returns and correspondence, to expat tax consultancy and international tax guidance, our South African tax practitioners can assist.
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Why expats choose to do their South African tax returns with us
Our end-to-end assistance with individual tax returns covers everything from registering as a South African tax payer to calculating and submitting your tax return. We make sure you get the maximum benefit for your tax situation and that you’re always ready come tax season.
We’re fully compliant with South African income tax legislation and this ensures we can make submissions as fast as possible and keep up to date with all process and systems changes.
Individual income tax
We check if you need to register and submit an individual income tax return by doing an assessment of your situation.
Tax registrations
We take care of your income tax registration from start to finish.
Provisional tax
If you receive income other than a salary, you’ll need to register as a provisional taxpayer. Being a provisional taxpayer means you’ll be required to pay your estimated tax in advance. We can assist with registration, calculation and submission to make sure you’re always prepared.
Tax calculations and submissions
We can help you submit the most beneficial tax return for your personal situation. Equipped with expert knowledge and years of tax experience, we advise and calculate for you.
Voluntary disclosure programme (VDP)
There is a programme to allow taxpayers to make a disclosure to avoid prosecution. If you have any outstanding tax affairs and are facing penalties, we can put together your Voluntary Disclosure Programme application. We will assist to mediate an agreement and correct your standing.
Tax file maintenance
By law, all tax-related files need to be kept for five years. It can get quite confusing trying to keep track of everything. We can maintain and store all your tax records and documents for the compulsory five-year period. All physical and electronic documents will be kept safe and secure.
We offer specialist, personalised, end-to-end accounting and tax advice for South Africans
The SA tax year runs from 1 March to 28 February each year
During the year, you are required to estimate your taxes and make partial payments (provisional tax).
- In August, during the tax year, calculate your estimated taxable income and pay 50% (first provisional tax).
- In February, before tax year-end, you again estimate tax due - less what you paid in August during the year (second provisional tax).
- After the tax year-end, between July and January, do your final tax calculation and compare it with your provisional estimate. Then pay the balance or claim overpaid tax back.
- SARS charges interest on unpaid taxes from 1 October each year. To avoid this, a top-up (third provisional tax) payment would need to be done by 30 September.
Tax advice
The way you manage your tax can have a big effect on your finances. We advise on all South African tax matters and structure the best solution for you.
Personal tax compliance
We make sure you’re 100% compliant with South African tax law. We’re always up to date with any changes in legislation, processes and systems.
Personal tax planning
Planning your tax affairs can be complicated. We ensure you’re always getting the maximum benefit no matter your situation.
Tax emigration
If you're planning to leave South Africa or have already left, we can help you tie up your tax matters with SARS so you can avoid paying unnecessary tax and penalties.
Tax consultancy and structuring
Personal consultation gives us a better picture of your requirements so we can recommend the best way forward with any tax requirements.
Tax maintenance and correspondence
Our direct contact with South African tax authorities allows us to provide fast and effective service.
Updating details
If your details have changed and you need to let tax authorities know, we’ll correspond.
Refund delays
We can find out the reason for delays in your tax refund and ensure a fast resolution.
Negotiations and appeals
We assist with any irregularities and appeal the decision or negotiate for a better tax treatment.
We offer specialist, personalised, end-to-end accounting and tax advice for South Africans
South African tax FAQ
These are some of the frequently asked questions we have received regarding South African tax
What is a “special stopper”?
A special stopper is a hold that is placed on your account that prevents your tax refund being paid out. It’s usually due to banking details being suddenly subject to verification, even after having been accepted in previous years.
What’s the difference between section 10(1)(o)(i) and section 10(1)(o)(ii)?
Both these sections of the Income Tax Act deal with exemption from tax for South Africans on foreign income earned. Most employees will fall under section 10(1)(o)(ii), while ship crew members working outside South Africa will fall under section 10(1)(o)(i) or section 10(1)(o)(iA).
The main difference between each section is the requirement in the amount of days spent working outside South Africa to qualify for exemption*:
- Section 10(1)(o)(i): Period exceeding 183 full days aggregate during a year of assessment.
- Section 10(1)(o)(iA): No days requirements during a year of assessment.
- Section 10(1)(o)(ii): Period exceeding 183 full days aggregate during any 12-month period and for a continuous period exceeding 60 full days during the 12-months.
*From 1 March 2020, for people falling under section 10(1)(o)(ii), only the first R1.25 million of foreign income will be exempt under these conditions. There is no change to to the exemption for people working under section 10(1)(o)(i) and section 10(1)(o)(iA).
How does capital gains tax (CGT) affect my tax status?
If you are a South African tax resident, you’ll be liable for CGT on your assets both inside and outside South Africa.
When your tax status changes to non-tax resident, you’re deemed to “sell” your worldwide assets to your foreign self. The exception to this is South African property. If you’re classified as a non-resident for tax purposes, CGT is applied only on immovable property within South Africa. This includes assets of “permanent establishment” in South Africa, as well as certain indirect interests in immovable property (i.e. shares in property companies).
Do I need to sell my South African property when I emigrate?
No, the process of emigrating or even financially emigrating from South Africa will not require you to sell your South African assets.
Who we are
We are experts in helping small to medium-sized businesses, private individuals and clients with international interests. These clients are often global citizens with family, offices, suppliers, clients, property or wealth overseas. Our clients are at the heart of our business. First-hand referrals are our major source for growth in each sector. We realise that all of our clients are unique in terms of both their current circumstances and their future plans and we pride ourselves on thinking differently to tailor solutions that help. If you are looking for a smart, approachable addition to your team, we’re always here and we look forward to working with you.