South African Expats Abroad: Understanding the Tax Law
South African expatriates need not only understand the new expatriate tax law but also act on it or face dire tax consequences come 1 March 2020.
Author Archive for: Financial Emigration
Entries by Financial Emigration
South African Expats – Hiding from SARS could lead to a criminal record without you even knowing
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has stepped up their mission to reduce a massive tax deficit, by initiating a campaign with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prosecute non-compliant taxpayers who have failed to submit returns. This was announced in the media release dated 16 April 2018, indicating various court cases covering multiple parts […]
Can I Return To Live And Work In South Africa If I have Financially Emigrated?
Being declared a non-resident does not mean you are giving up your South African citizenship. Unless you formally renounce your citizenship, you will always legally be South African. You are able to come back to live and work in South Africa whenever you wish. To ensure you do so legally and without any restrictions, you […]
Expat Tax: No Such Thing As Small Fish
South Africans Abroad Emigrating from South Africa is not as simple as packing up your bags, jumping on a plane and setting up shop somewhere else. Unfortunately, there is still the issue of tax and no matter where you go, the taxman remains interested.
Does financial emigration affect my South African residency status or citizenship?
Emigration (also referred to as formal or financial emigration) does not affect your birth right, citizenship or the right to retain your South African passport. It is often believed that officially emigrating requires you to give up your citizenship and identity as a South African – a very emotive issue. This is incorrect.
Tax laws for SA expats are changing: How to avoid getting stung by SARS
The South African economy has been left frustrated by the number of citizens moving abroad, and failing to resolve their domestic tax issues. This was noted in the Parliamentary hearings in 2017 as one of the main reasons why the tax laws on South Africans working abroad had to change. As SA faces the prospect of […]
What is the difference between emigration and immigration?
Immigration (physical relocation) – to another country from South Africa. Emigration (financial emigration) – from an exchange control perspective, is the financial exit from South Africa. On completion of this process your financial status in South Africa changes from resident to non-resident.
In the News
Important Tax Directive Updates from SARS will impact expats’ withdrawal of retirement interests12/04/2025 - 06:39
Don’t be misled: No waiting period for SA expats who want to cease tax residency25/03/2025 - 19:07
Understanding South Africa’s Exit Tax and the Proposed Tax on Retirement Interests25/03/2025 - 09:10
Talk of a Wealth Tax in South Africa is just not going away05/03/2025 - 10:42
South Africa’s Financial Future in Limbo – Should You Exit Now?01/03/2025 - 08:11