South Africans abroad face multiple challenges when it comes to withdrawing their retirement policies in South Africa. The most recent being the South African Revenue Services (“SARS”) implementation of the 3-year lock in rule on retirement funds in March 2021. This was further exacerbated by cumbersome requirements and additional administration burden required by policy providers.
Under the original section 105 of the Tax Administration Act, 28 of 2011 (“the TAA”), taxpayers could elect to dispute a “decision” by application to the High Court for review. This was, however, amended in 2015, to make it clear that a “decision” by SARS may only be disputed per the objection and appeal procedures, […]
Many high net worth (HNW) individuals and families, as well as qualified professionals, are seriously considering emigrating from South Africa to the US. Whether it is for work or to escape the country’s poor economic conditions and dwindling wealth opportunities, it’s a life-altering decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Or rushed into without the right […]
For expatriates who have decided that it is time that they break all ties with South Africa, the process of getting the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) off your back can be a long, time-consuming affair that can result in many mistakes. With an increasing number of expatriates opting to financially emigrate, the deregistration process […]
South Africa is a tax resident system. Tax residents of South Africa are taxed on worldwide income and South African sourced income. With the full foreign income exemption being capped in March 2020, it is more important than ever for expats, with a permanent intent to reside abroad, to formally cease their residency.
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) may no longer be a visible part of the process to cease residency in South Africa. However, when it comes to moving money out of the country during or after emigration, the Reserve Bank is still very much involved. This is especially true for amounts above R10 million.
In the weeks following the announcement of SARS’ enhanced Approval of International Transfers (AIT) process Tax Consulting South Africa hosted technical training sessions for several SARS-recognised controlling bodies. To date, this has included the South African Institute of Taxation, the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa, and the South African Institute of Professional Accountants.
With no fanfare or any prior notification, on 24 April 2023, SARS released new enhancements to the Tax Compliance Status (TCS) process, and with immediate effect. These changes will be directly felt by specific taxpayers seeking to transfer funds out of South Africa and will effectively change the ball game for those who have ceased […]
South Africans living abroad need to be mindful of the impact that this has on their tax obligations and ultimately, which country has a taxing right. Your tax obligation ultimately depends on your tax residency status.
There may be a strange game of chess being played with taxpayers who are trying to cease their South African tax residency, with the result of keeping them “trapped” as tax residents for no legitimate reason.
Understanding and Changing Your Tax Residency Status in South Africa12/02/2024 - 14:00
Avoid nasty tax surprises by checking your tax residency status with SARS11/26/2024 - 12:23
Reporting Requirements for Ceasing South African Tax Residency11/20/2024 - 07:53
Financial Emigration: Legal and Compliance Considerations11/13/2024 - 08:55
Expatriates Navigating the Complexities of Tax Filing Before the Deadline10/18/2024 - 07:14