From Departure To Encashment: The Two-pot Retirement System
The much anticipated two-pot retirement system, introduced as a “knight in shining armour” for South Africans, has received a new implementation date of March 2024. Expats are cautioned to pay attention to the effects that this will have on the encashment of their retirement savings.
Demystifying the Cease Tax Residency Process – Back to Basics
South African expatriates are often faced with a challenging decision – whether or not to cease their tax residency in South Africa (SA). However, this process has evolved drastically over the last few years, causing confusion for expatriates and tax professionals alike. Many remain unaware of what ceasing their tax residency in SA means and […]
Decoding Expat Tax
Expatriate tax is complex, intricate and can be challenging to understand – especially if one does not have the basics, such as what is an expat, down pat.
Splitting the Difference: New Rules for Taxpayers Ceasing Tax Residency
On 31 July 2023, National Treasury published the new draft tax law amendment bills for public comment. The public can submit their comments on the proposed amendments until the close of business on 31 August 2023. Whilst a number of the proposed amendments will not impact the average taxpayer, expatriates – specifically those who have […]
Shades of Grey: SARS Clearances and Greylisting
The greylisting of South Africa by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), due to concerns about the country’s anti-money laundering efforts, has had significant consequences for individuals and businesses operating within South Africa. One of the key impacts of greylisting is the increased scrutiny of cross-border financial transactions, particularly with the remittance of funds out […]
“Exit Tax”: Detrimental or Desirable; What You Need to Know
When pursuing international career growth, and offshore employment, be aware that moving your person, without the requisite paperwork, will have you scoring bonuses in Belgium, but still subject to SARS in South Africa. In order to ensure optimal taxation, South Africans abroad must make use of either the Double Tax Agreement or Financial Emigration process […]
5 Reasons South Africans Consider a Second Passport
The Henley & Partners, in collaboration with Tax Consulting South Africa, hosted their annual roadshow in May 2023 on the topic of ‘Investment Migration Is More Than Just a Plan B.’. This again highlights the reasons why South Africans are considering getting a second passport.
The Market Has Spoken: Experienced Hands Needed to Navigate SARS’ Enhanced AIT
The market saw mixed reactions following the implementation of the enhanced Approval of International Transfers (AIT) process on 24 April 2023.
The Cost of Non-Compliance – SARS’ Shrapnel Knows No Borders
SARS has made it easier to clamp down on individuals it deems as “sophisticated taxpayers”, specifically those with the ability “to apply for more than the yearly R1 million single discretionary allowance”. This is per the SARS media statement on 3 May 2023, and is one of the reasons given for the new Approval for […]
New AIT Enhancements Not to be Taken Lightly
On 24 April 2023, the new enhanced Tax Clearance Status System, was introduced, this being the Approval for International Transfer, or AIT application, as it has been coined. Without much fanfare, SARS’ immediate implementation of this new process may have come as a shock to the market, generating some uncertainty amongst financial professionals.
