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working with us
Anyone who provides advice on the application of a tax Act, or completes returns for others for reward, must register with SARS and belong to a Recognised Controlling Body under section 240 of the Tax Administration Act. Always check that whoever handles your tax is registered.
Usually not. We're a specialist tax practice, and most of our work sits alongside an existing accountant rather than instead of one.
Fees depend on the nature and complexity of the matter. Discrete work is typically quoted upfront once the scope is clear, so you know the cost before work begins.
No. Tax work is almost entirely document-based, and we act for clients across South Africa and abroad, by phone, video call and secure email.
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Disputes & Deadlines
80 business days from the date of the assessment or decision, or from the date SARS provides reasons you requested. Late objections may be condoned, but condonation is discretionary.
Unless SARS grants a suspension of payment, yes. A separate application under section 164 of the Tax Administration Act is required.
A verification compares your declared figures against supporting documents. An audit is a substantive examination with wider information-gathering powers.
No. Returns are selected on a risk basis, and many verifications involve nothing more than confirming figures match supporting documents.
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tax debt
Yes. SARS may appoint a third party, including your bank, to pay over amounts held on your behalf.
Administrative penalties and certain interest can be remitted where proper grounds exist and are properly motivated.
With the returns. Estimated assessments are frequently far higher than the correct liability submitting the returns often reduces the debt substantially.
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Individuals
Only after checking it. It's built from third-party data and doesn't include deductions SARS is unaware of.
Generally, yes, if you earn income that hasn't had employees' tax deducted, subject to exclusions in the legislation.
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living abroad
Possibly. Time abroad doesn't end tax residence by itself, unless it's been formally established with SARS.
You're treated as having disposed of certain assets at market value on the date residence ends, which can create a liability even though nothing was sold.