Taxation in South Africa

2015/2016
 Taxation in South Africa – 2015/16

Preface
This is a general guide providing an overview of the most significant tax legislation
administered in South Africa by the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service
(SARS), namely, the –
• Income Tax Act;
• Value-Added Tax Act;
• Customs and Excise Act;
• Transfer Duty Act;
• Estate Duty Act;
• Securities Transfer Tax Act;
• Securities Transfer Tax Administration Act;
• Skills Development Levies Act;
• Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act;
• Employment Tax Incentive Act; and
• Tax Administration Act.

This guide is not an “official publication” as defined in section 1 of the Tax Administration
Act 28 of 2011 and accordingly does not create a practice generally prevailing under
section 5 of that Act. It should, therefore, not be used as a legal reference. It is also not a
binding general ruling under section 89 of Chapter 7 of the Tax Administration Act. Should
an advance tax ruling be required, visit the SARS website for details of the application
procedure.

The information in this guide concerning income tax relates to –

• natural persons, deceased estates, insolvent estates or special trusts for the
2016 year of assessment commencing on 1 March 2015 or ended on 29 February
2016;
• trusts for the 2016 year of assessment commencing on 1 March 2015 or ended on
29 February 2016; and
• companies for the 2016 year of assessment with financial years ending during the
12-month period ending on 31 March 2016.

The information in this guide concerning the rates of the various taxes, duties, levies and
contributions reflect the rates applicable as at the date of its publication. While care has
been taken in the preparation of this document to ensure that the information and the rates
published are correct at the date of publication, errors may occur. The rates recorded as “as
to date” are the rates as at the date of publication of this guide. Should there be any doubt it
would be advisable for users to verify the rates with the relevant legislation pertaining to that
rate, applicable to the tax, customs or excise concerned.

All guides, interpretation notes, forms, returns and tables referred to in this guide are
available on the SARS website at www.sars.gov.za, and are as at the date of this
publication.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 i

This guide has been updated to include the Taxation Laws Amendment Act 25 of 2015
promulgated on 8 January 2016 and the Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment of
Revenue Laws Act 13 of 2015 promulgated on 17 November 2015 as well as the Budget
Review of 2016.

Should you require additional information concerning any aspect of taxation, you may –
• visit your nearest SARS branch;
• contact the SARS National Contact Centre –
 if calling locally, on 0800 00 7277; or
 if calling from abroad, on +27 11 602 2093 (only between 8am and 4pm
South African time);
• visit the SARS website at www.sars.gov.za; or
• contact your own tax advisor or tax practitioner.

Comments on this guide may be sent to [email protected].

Prepared by
Legal and Policy Division
SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE
21 April 2016

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 ii

Contents

Preface .................................................................................................................................. i
Glossary .............................................................................................................................. 1
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 2
1.1 SARS ........................................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Secrecy and confidentiality ........................................................................................ 2
1.3 Overview of taxes ...................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Budget review of 2016 ............................................................................................... 4
2. Income tax ............................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 5
2.1.1 Main source of government’s income ........................................................................ 5
2.1.2 Registration as a taxpayer ......................................................................................... 5
2.1.3 Change of address .................................................................................................... 5
2.1.4 Year of assessment ................................................................................................... 5
2.1.5 Filing of tax returns .................................................................................................... 6
2.1.6 eFiling........................................................................................................................ 6
2.1.7 Payments at banks .................................................................................................... 7
2.1.8 Electronic funds transfer ............................................................................................ 7
2.1.9 Assessment ............................................................................................................... 7
2.1.10 Calculation of taxable income .................................................................................... 7
2.1.11 Calculation of final income tax liability........................................................................ 8
2.2 A resident .................................................................................................................. 9
2.2.1 Natural persons ......................................................................................................... 9
(a) Ordinarily resident test............................................................................................... 9
(b) Physical presence test............................................................................................... 9
2.2.2 Companies and other entities .................................................................................... 9
2.2.3 Residents working outside South Africa................................................................... 10
2.2.4 Agreements for the avoidance of double taxation .................................................... 10
2.2.5 Unilateral relief for foreign taxes paid or payable ..................................................... 10
2.3 Non-resident ............................................................................................................ 11
2.3.1 A person who is a non-resident but working temporarily in South Africa .................. 11
2.3.2 Employees working at foreign diplomatic or consular missions in South Africa ........ 11
2.4 Natural persons ....................................................................................................... 12
2.4.1 Requirements to submit a return of income (return) ................................................. 12
2.4.2 Taxation of income from employment ...................................................................... 13
(a) Allowances .............................................................................................................. 13
(b) Taxable benefits ...................................................................................................... 14
(c) Taxable gains .......................................................................................................... 16
2.4.3 Exempt benefit – Relocation costs........................................................................... 16
2.4.4 Income of spouses .................................................................................................. 17
2.4.5 Pay-As-You-Earn .................................................................................................... 18
(c) Pay-As-You-Earn liability of employees ................................................................... 18
(d) Pay-As-You-Earn liability of directors ...................................................................... 18
(e) Pay-As-You-Earn liability of personal service providers ........................................... 19
(f) Pay-As-You-Earn liability of labour brokers ............................................................. 19
(g) Pay-As-You-Earn liability of independent contractors .............................................. 19
2.4.6 Provisional tax ......................................................................................................... 20
2.4.7 Allowable deductions ............................................................................................... 21
(a) General deduction formula ...................................................................................... 21

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 iii

 (b) Home office expenses ............................................................................................. 22
(c) Other limited deductions which employees and office holders may claim ................ 22
2.4.8 Prohibited deductions .............................................................................................. 24
(a) Domestic or private expenses ................................................................................. 24
(b) Bribes, fines or penalties ......................................................................................... 24
(c) Premiums paid in respect of an insurance policy for loss of income ........................ 24
(d) Other prohibited deductions..................................................................................... 25
2.4.9 Pensions ................................................................................................................. 25
(a) Pensions exempt from income tax ........................................................................... 25
(b) Pensions that are taxable ........................................................................................ 25
2.4.10 Annuities ................................................................................................................. 26
2.4.11 Withholding of amounts from payments to non-resident sellers of immovable
property ................................................................................................................... 26
2.4.12 Rental income ......................................................................................................... 26
2.4.13 Investment income .................................................................................................. 27
(a) Dividends ................................................................................................................ 27
(b) Interest .................................................................................................................... 27
2.4.14 Restraint of trade ..................................................................................................... 27
2.4.15 Business income ..................................................................................................... 28
2.5 Companies and businesses..................................................................................... 28
2.5.1 Tax consequences of doing business in a company ................................................ 28
2.5.2 Provisional tax ......................................................................................................... 28
2.5.3 Controlled foreign companies .................................................................................. 28
2.5.4 Small business corporations .................................................................................... 29
2.5.5 Micro businesses ..................................................................................................... 29
2.5.6 Insurance companies .............................................................................................. 30
(a) Short-term insurance business ................................................................................ 30
(b) Long-term insurance business ................................................................................. 30
2.5.7 Mining...................................................................................................................... 30
2.5.8 Oil and gas companies ............................................................................................ 31
2.5.9 Public benefit organisations ..................................................................................... 31
2.6 Special allowances .................................................................................................. 32
2.6.1 Industrial buildings (buildings used in the process of manufacture or a process of
a similar nature)....................................................................................................... 32
2.6.2 Commercial buildings .............................................................................................. 33
2.6.3 Buildings used by hotel keepers .............................................................................. 33
2.6.4 Aircraft or ships ....................................................................................................... 34
2.6.5 Rolling stock (that is, trains and carriages) .............................................................. 35
2.6.6 Certain pipelines, transmission lines and railway lines............................................. 35
2.6.7 Airport assets .......................................................................................................... 36
2.6.8 Port assets .............................................................................................................. 37
2.6.9 Machinery, plant, implements, utensils and articles (the asset) (other than rolling
stock or an asset for farming, manufacturing, agricultural co-operatives or a small
business corporation) .............................................................................................. 37
2.6.10 Manufacturing assets (the assets) ........................................................................... 38
2.6.11 Plant or machinery of small business corporations .................................................. 39
2.6.12 Machinery, plant, implements, utensils or articles or improvements thereto (the
asset) used in farming or production of renewable energy ....................................... 40
2.6.13 Invention, patent, design, trade mark, copyright and knowledge .............................. 41
2.6.14 Scientific or technological research and development ............................................. 42
2.6.15 Urban development zones ....................................................................................... 44
2.6.16 Additional deduction for learnership agreements ..................................................... 44

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 iv

2.6.17 Film owners ............................................................................................................. 45
2.6.18 Environmental expenditure ...................................................................................... 45
2.6.19 Certain residential units ........................................................................................... 46
2.6.20 Residential buildings................................................................................................ 47
2.6.21 Sale of low-cost residential units on loan account .................................................... 47
2.6.22 Environmental conservation and maintenance expenditure ..................................... 48
2.6.23 Allowance for land conservation of nature reserves or national parks ...................... 49
2.6.24 Additional investment and training allowances for industrial policy projects ............. 49
2.6.25 Expenditure incurred to obtain a licence .................................................................. 50
2.6.26 Deduction for expenditure incurred in exchange for issue of venture capital
company shares ...................................................................................................... 50
2.6.27 Deduction of medical lump sum payments .............................................................. 50
2.7 Owners or charterers of ships or aircraft who are not residents of South Africa ....... 50
2.8 Farming ................................................................................................................... 51
2.9 Deductions in respect of expenditure and losses incurred before commencement
of trade (pre-trade costs) ......................................................................................... 52
2.10 Trading stock ........................................................................................................... 53
2.11 Exemption of certified emission reductions .............................................................. 53
2.12 Transfer pricing and thin capitalisation..................................................................... 53
2.13 Capital gains tax ...................................................................................................... 53
2.13.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 53
2.13.2 Registration ............................................................................................................. 54
2.13.3 Rates ....................................................................................................................... 54
2.13.4 Capital losses .......................................................................................................... 55
2.13.5 Disposal .................................................................................................................. 55
2.13.6 Exclusions ............................................................................................................... 55
2.13.7 Base cost ................................................................................................................ 56
2.13.8 Small businesses .................................................................................................... 56
2.14 Ring-fencing of assessed losses of certain trades ................................................... 56
2.15 Tax rates ................................................................................................................. 57
2.15.1 Taxable income (excluding any retirement lump sum benefit, retirement fund
lump sum withdrawal benefit or severance benefit) of any natural person,
deceased estate, insolvent estate or special trust .................................................... 57
2.15.2 Taxable income from retirement fund lump sum withdrawal benefit: ........................ 59
2.15.3 Taxable income from retirement fund lump sum benefit: ......................................... 59
2.15.4 Taxable income from severance benefit: ................................................................. 60
2.15.5 Taxable income of trusts (other than special trusts or public benefit organisations
that are trusts): ........................................................................................................ 60
2.15.6 Taxable income of corporates ................................................................................. 60
(a) Companies (standard) or close corporations ........................................................... 60
(b) Small business corporations .................................................................................... 60
(c) Micro businesses (turnover tax) ............................................................................... 61
(d) Mining companies ................................................................................................... 61
(e) Oil and gas companies ............................................................................................ 62
(f) Other mining companies .......................................................................................... 62
(g) Insurance companies .............................................................................................. 62
2.15.7 Taxable income of public benefit organisations or recreational clubs ....................... 63
(a) If the public benefit organisation or recreational club is a company ......................... 63
(b) If the public benefit organisation is a trust ................................................................ 63
2.16 Medical scheme fees tax credit ............................................................................... 63
2.17 Additional medical expenses tax credit .................................................................... 64
2.18 Normal tax rebates .................................................................................................. 65

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 v

3. Taxation of foreign entertainers and sportspersons .......................................... 65
4. Withholding tax on royalties ................................................................................. 66
5. Withholding tax on interest .................................................................................. 67
6. Donations tax......................................................................................................... 68
7. Dividends tax ......................................................................................................... 68
8. Turnover tax........................................................................................................... 69
9. Employment tax incentive .................................................................................... 69
10. General Anti-Avoidance Rule ............................................................................... 70
11. Value-added tax ..................................................................................................... 71
11.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 71
11.2 Rates ....................................................................................................................... 71
11.3 Registration, collection and payment of value-added tax ......................................... 71
11.4 Application of value-added tax to supplies and imports ........................................... 72
11.5 Zero-rated supplies.................................................................................................. 73
11.6 Exempt supplies ...................................................................................................... 74
11.7 Tourists, diplomats and exports to foreign countries ................................................ 74
11.7.1 Tourists ................................................................................................................... 74
11.7.2 Diplomats ................................................................................................................ 75
11.7.3 Exports to foreign countries ..................................................................................... 76
12. Customs ................................................................................................................. 76
12.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 76
12.2 Trade agreements ................................................................................................... 78
12.3 Duties ...................................................................................................................... 78
12.3.1 Customs duty .......................................................................................................... 78
12.3.2 Excise duty and excise levy ..................................................................................... 78
12.3.3 Environmental levy .................................................................................................. 79
(a) Plastic bags (Part 3A of Schedule 1 to the Customs and Excise Act, 1964) ............ 79
(b) Electricity generated in the South Africa (Part 3B of Schedule 1 to the Customs
and Excise Act) ....................................................................................................... 80
(c) Electric filament lamps (Part 3C of Schedule 1 to the Customs and Excise Act,
1964) ....................................................................................................................... 80
(d) Carbon dioxide (CO2) vehicle emissions levy .......................................................... 80
12.4 Value-added tax on imported goods ........................................................................ 81
12.5 Customs value......................................................................................................... 81
12.6 Customs declarations .............................................................................................. 81
12.6.1 Rebates allowed on importation of goods ................................................................ 82
12.7 Persons entering South Africa ................................................................................. 82
12.7.1 Goods imported without the payment of customs duty and which are exempt
from VAT ................................................................................................................. 85
(a) By persons who are not residents of South Africa ................................................... 85
(b) By persons who are residents of South Africa ......................................................... 85
(c) Limits in respect of certain goods ............................................................................ 85
(d) Children under 18 years of age ............................................................................... 86
(e) Crew members ........................................................................................................ 86
12.8 Declarations on single administrative document ...................................................... 86
12.9 Goods accepted at appointed places of entry .......................................................... 87
12.10 Cargo entering South Africa .................................................................................... 87
12.11 State warehouses .................................................................................................... 87

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 vi

12.12 Importation of household effects by immigrants or returning residents .................... 87
12.13 Motor vehicles ......................................................................................................... 88
12.14 Motor vehicles imported on a temporary basis......................................................... 88
13. Excise duties – Rates ............................................................................................ 88
13.1 Specific excise duties .............................................................................................. 88
13.2 Ad valorem excise duties ......................................................................................... 89
13.3 General fuel levy and road accident fund levy ......................................................... 90
13.4 Diamond export levy ................................................................................................ 92
14. Transfer duty ......................................................................................................... 92
14.1 Transfer duty rates (from 23 February 2011 to 28 February 2015) .......................... 93
14.2 Transfer duty rates (from 1 March 2015 to 29 February 2016)................................. 94
14.3 Transfer duty rates (from 1 March 2016 to date)...................................................... 94
15. Estate duty ............................................................................................................. 95
16. Securities transfer tax ........................................................................................... 97
17. Skills development levy ........................................................................................ 98
18. Unemployment insurance fund contributions..................................................... 98
19. Air passenger departure tax ................................................................................. 99
20. Mineral and petroleum resources royalties ......................................................... 99
21. Interest, penalties and additional tax for non-compliance with legislation ....... 99
22. Request for correction ........................................................................................ 100
23. Notice of objection .............................................................................................. 100
24. Dispute resolution ............................................................................................... 101
25. Advanced tax rulings .......................................................................................... 101
26. South African Reserve Bank – Exchange control ............................................. 102
27. Automatic exchange of information ................................................................... 103
Annexure A – Examples of how income tax is calculated for the tax year ended 29 February
2016 ...................................................................................................................... 104
Annexure B – Examples of how to determine the monthly value of a taxable benefit regarding
accommodation and a company car .................................................................... 108

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 vii

Glossary
In this guide, unless the context indicates otherwise –
• “ADR” means alternative dispute resolution;
• “ATR” means advance tax rulings;
• “BLNS” means Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland;
• “CFC” means controlled foreign company;
• “CGT” means capital gains tax;
• “Customs and Excise Act” means the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964;
• “Estate Duty Act” means the Estate Duty Act 45 of 1955;
• “ETI Act” means the Employment Tax Incentive Act 26 of 2013;
• “non-resident” means a person that is not a resident of South Africa;
• “OECD” means Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development;
• “PAYE” means Pay-As-You-Earn;
• “R&D” means scientific or technological research and development
• “resident” means a person who is a “resident” as defined in section 1(1) of the Act
and, therefore, a resident of South Africa;
• “SACU” means the South African Customs Union;
• “SADC” means the Southern African Development Community;
• “SARS Act” means the South African Revenue Service Act 34 of 1997;
• “SBC” means a small business corporation;
• “Schedule” means a Schedule to the Act;
• “SDL” means skills development levy;
• “SDL Act” means the Skills Development Levies Act 90of 1999;
• “section” means a section of the Act;
• “South Africa” means the Republic of South Africa;
• “STT” means securities transfer tax;
• “STT Act” means the Securities Transfer Tax Act 25 of 2007;
• “tax treaty” means an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation entered into
between South Africa and another country, aimed at eliminating or providing relief
from international double taxation;
• “the Act” means the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962;
• “TA Act” means the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011;
• “Transfer Duty Act” means the Transfer Duty Act 40 of 1949;
• “UIF” means unemployment insurance fund;
• “Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act” means the Unemployment
Insurance Contributions Act 4 of 2002;

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 1

 • “VAT” means value-added tax;
• “VAT Act” means the Value-Added Tax Act 89 of 1991; and
• any other word or expression bears the meaning ascribed to it in the relevant Act.

1. Introduction
1.1 SARS
SARS is South Africa’s tax collecting authority. Established under the SARS Act as an
autonomous agency, SARS is responsible for administering the South African tax system
and customs service.

SARS’s responsibilities are to –

• collect and administer all national taxes, duties and levies;
• collect revenue that may be imposed under any other legislation as agreed to
between SARS and a state entity entitled to the revenue;
• provide a customs service that facilitates trade, maximises revenue collection and
protects South Africa’s borders from illegal importation and exportation of goods; and
• advise the Minister of Finance on all revenue matters.

The SARS Act makes provision –

• for the efficient and effective administration of the revenue collecting system of South
Africa;
• to reorganise the South African Revenue Service;
• to establish an Advisory Board; and
• to provide for incidental matters.

1.2 Secrecy and confidentiality

In Chapter 6 of the TA Act provision is made for the confidentiality of information known by
current or former SARS officials because of the performance of their duties, except under
specifically defined circumstances. For example, information that a serious criminal offence
has been or may be committed or information of an imminent and serious public safety or
environmental risk may be shared with certain organs of state. Such disclosure, however,
may only be made in terms of an order issued by a judge in chambers.

The purpose of the secrecy provisions is to encourage taxpayers to make full disclosure of
their financial affairs, thereby maximising tax compliance while taxpayers have the peace of
mind that their information will remain confidential. A taxpayer may agree to dispense with
the secrecy provisions if so desired.

1.3 Overview of taxes

Taxes that are levied by the national government of South Africa under the Act are –
• normal tax also known as income tax (see 2);
• The following taxes form part of income tax –
• employees tax, also known as Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) (see 2.4.5);

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 2

 • provisional tax (see 2.4.6);
• withholding of amounts from payments to non-resident sellers of immovable property
(see 2.4.11);
• capital gains tax (see 2.13);
• taxation of foreign entertainers and sportspersons (see 3);
• withholding tax on royalties (see 4);
• withholding tax on interest (see 5)
• donations tax (see 6);
• dividends tax (see 7); and
• turnover tax (see 8).

VAT (see 11) is levied by the national government under the VAT Act. VAT, which is based
on domestic consumption, is levied at the standard rate (currently 14%) on –
• the supply of all goods or services made by any vendor in the course or furtherance
of any enterprise carried on by that person;
• the importation of any goods into South Africa by any person; and
• the supply of certain “imported services” as defined in the VAT Act.

The levying of VAT is, however, subject to certain exemptions, exceptions, deductions and
adjustments provided for in the VAT Act.

Duties and levies (see 12) that are leviable by the national government under the Customs
and Excise Act 91 of 1964 are –
• ordinary customs duty;
• environmental levy;
• anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard duties on imported goods;
• specific excise duty;
• specific customs duty;
• ad valorem excise duties;
• ad valorem customs duty;
• general fuel levy and road accident fund levy; and
• ordinary levy, this is the equivalent of ordinary customs duty paid by governmental
bodies in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland (BLNS) for specific purposes.

National government also levies –

• transfer duty (see 14);
• estate duty (see 15);
• securities transfer tax (STT) (see 16);
• skills development levy (SDL) (see 17);
• unemployment insurance fund (UIF) contributions (see 18);

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 3

 • air passenger departure tax (see 19); and
• mineral and petroleum resources royalties (see 20),
• under the relevant Act as mentioned in the paragraphs indicated.

Provincial and local governments do not levy any of the aforementioned taxes.

Local governments levy rates on the value of fixed property to finance the cost of municipal
or local services

1.4 Budget review of 2016

Some of the more significant budget proposals concerning the fiscal year 2016 to 2017 are
the following:
• The proposals regarding individuals, employment and savings that will enjoy
attention during this legislation cycle is a refinement of the retirement fund reforms.
Changes are also envisaged that will affect employee share based incentive
schemes.
• Some proposals relating to income tax for businesses are –
 refinement of the provisions regulating the tax implications of hybrid debt
instruments;
 avoidance schemes in respect of share disposals involving the company
buying back the shares from the seller and issuing new shares to the buyer;
 tax implications of securities lending arrangements concerning listed share
given as collateral;
 refinement of third-party-backed share provisions;
 refinement of the transitional rules resulting from a new regulated tax regime
concerning certain hedge fund’s trust structures;
 amendments to the provisions regulating the taxation of real estate
investment trusts;
 solvency assessment and management framework for long-term insurers;
and
 amendments to the provisions governing venture capital funding for small
businesses.
• The proposals relating to international tax are –
 the withdrawal of the withholding tax on service fees which was due to be
implemented on 1 January 2017;
 amendments concerning foreign companies and collective investment
schemes;
 amendments concerning bad debt deduction in relation to exchange
differences;
 provisions concerning interest withholding tax where interest is written off;
and
 tax base protection and hypothetical foreign tax payable due to foreign group
tax losses.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 4

 • To enhance enforcement and compliance with customs duties and excise taxation, a
general anti-avoidance provision will be added to the Customs and Excise Act. The
design of the anti-avoidance clause will be in line with similar provisions in other tax
legislation and will consolidate anti-avoidance efforts in customs and excise
administration.
• Some of the more important proposals relating to tax administration are –
 the extension of objection and condonation periods;
 understatement penalty provisions; and
 the voluntary disclosure programme.
• The government proposes to introduce an environmental levy on tyres at a rate of
R2,30 per kg of tyre weight that will apply on new and re-treaded pneumatic tyres
with effect from 1 October 2016. Further, a tax on sugar sweetened beverages,
effective from 6 April 2016 is also to be introduced.

Some of the proposals are also mentioned elsewhere in this guide.

A full version of the proposals can be obtained in Annexure C to the Budget Review of 2016.

2. Income tax
2.1 Introduction
South Africa has a residence-based income tax system which has the effect that:
• A resident’s worldwide taxable income is subject to income tax in South Africa.
• A non-resident’s taxable income from sources within South Africa is subject to tax in
South Africa.

The South African government has entered into tax treaties for the avoidance of double
taxation with various countries, to prevent the same income from being taxed in both
countries. Should the same income be taxed in both countries, a credit will normally be
allowed in the country of residence for the tax paid in the other country.

2.1.1 Main source of government’s income

Income tax is the government’s main source of income and is levied in terms of the Act on
the taxable income of persons such as companies, trusts and natural persons.

2.1.2 Registration as a taxpayer

A person liable for income tax or liable to submit a return must register as a taxpayer with
SARS within 21 business days of becoming so liable.

2.1.3 Change of address

The TA Act requires that a taxpayer must notify SARS within 21 business days of a change
of address.

2.1.4 Year of assessment

A year of assessment for natural persons, deceased estates, insolvent estates and trusts
covers 12 months which commences on the first day of March of a specific year and ends on
the last day of February of the following year. Natural persons and trusts may be allowed to

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 5

draw up their financial statements in respect of their businesses to dates other than the last
day of February.

For more information see the interpretation notes. 1

Companies are permitted to have a year of assessment ending on a date that coincides with
their financial year-end. The year of assessment for a company with a financial year-end of
30 June, will run from 1 July of a specific year to 30 June of the following year.

2.1.5 Filing of tax returns

Income tax returns must be submitted manually or electronically by a specific date each
year. This date is published for information of the general public and is promoted by way of a
filing campaign to encourage compliance.

2.1.6 eFiling
SARS eFiling is a free, online process for the submission of tax returns and related
functions. This free service allows individual taxpayers, tax practitioners and businesses to
register, submit tax returns, make payments and perform a number of other interactions with
SARS in a secure online environment.

Taxpayers registered for eFiling can engage with SARS online for the submission of returns
and payments of the following:
• Dividends tax
• Estate duty
• Income tax
• Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE)
• Provisional tax
• SDL
• Transfer duty
• UIF contributions
• VAT

The following should, however, be noted:

• A taxpayer must retain all supporting documents to a return for five years from the
date upon which the return was received by SARS, as SARS may require it for audit
purposes.
• SARS will under certain circumstances, on request, still require the submission of
original documents for purposes of verification.
• SARS will do extensive checks on the data submitted to ensure its accuracy,
including validations against the electronic employees’ tax certificates (IRP5s)
submitted by employers to SARS.

1
Interpretation Note 19 (Issue 4) dated 15 February 2016 “Year of Assessment of Natural Persons
and Trusts: Accounts Accepted to a Date other than the Last Day of February” and Interpretation
Note “Year of Assessment of a Company: Accounts Accepted to a Date other than the Last Day of
a Company’s Financial Year” to be finalised.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 6

 • SARS will issue assessments electronically.

As from 1 April 2016, electronic channels are the only payment methods available to
taxpayers. SARS branches, Branch Operations and Central Processing Operations (CPO)
no longer accept payments. The CPO no longer process cheques posted or dropped off at
SARS drop-boxes.

Taxpayers who have to make payments to SARS have the following alternative payment
options:
• At the bank
• Payments via eFiling
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Only credit push transactions are now accepted on eFiling. Taxpayers are advised to set-up
a credit push option or use one of SARS’ alternative methods of payment.

The following banks can be used for credit push transactions: ABSA, Bidvest Bank, Capitec
Bank, CITI Bank, FNB, HSBC Bank, Investec, Nedbank, Standard Bank and Standard
Chartered Bank.

For more information visit the SARS eFiling website at www.sarsefiling.gov.za.

2.1.7 Payments at banks

Over-the-counter tax payments can be made countrywide at the following banks: ABSA,
FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank.

For more information on the payment rules see the guide. 2

2.1.8 Electronic funds transfer

Payment may be made via the internet banking facilities by simply using the standard drop-
down listing of pre-loaded beneficiary IDs provided by the bank. All SARS beneficiary IDs
are prefixed with the naming convention “SARS- <Tax Type>”. All internet payments must be
correctly referenced to ensure that SARS is able to identify taxpayers’ payments in addition
to allocating correctly the taxpayer’s account. A taxpayer will not be able to make a payment
if their reference is incorrect.

The following banks support EFT payments: ABSA, Bank of Athens, Capitec Bank, FNB,
HBZ Bank LTD, HSBC Bank, Investec, Mercantile Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank.

2.1.9 Assessment
An “assessment” as defined in section 1 of the TA Act means the determination of the
amount of a tax liability or refund by way of self-assessment by the taxpayer or assessment
by SARS.

2.1.10 Calculation of taxable income

The Act provides for a series of steps to be followed to determine a taxpayer’s “taxable
income” (as defined in the Act) for any year of assessment or period of assessment.

2
External Guide: South African Revenue Service – Payment Rule – Revision 20

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 7

 The first step
Establish a taxpayer’s “gross income” as defined in section 1(1) for any year or period of
assessment, namely, in the case of –
• any person who is a resident, the total amount of income (worldwide), in cash or
otherwise, received by or accrued to or in favour of that person; or
• any person who is a non-resident, the total amount of income, in cash or otherwise,
received by or accrued to or in favour of that person from a source within South
Africa,
• during that year or period of assessment, excluding receipts or accruals of a capital
nature, but including those amounts referred to in paragraphs (a) to (n) of this
definition whether of a capital nature or not. The Eighth Schedule deals with capital
gains and capital losses.

 The second step

Determine “income”, as defined in section 1(1) by deducting all amounts that are exempt
from income tax under the Act from gross income.

 The third step

Determine “taxable income” as defined in section 1(1) by –
• deducting all amounts allowed to be deducted or set off under the Act from income;
and
• adding all specified amounts to be included in income or taxable income under
the Act.

2.1.11 Calculation of final income tax liability

The Act provides for a series of steps to be followed in arriving at a taxpayer’s final income
tax liability.

 The first step

Determine the normal tax payable by applying the applicable rate of tax to the taxpayer’s
taxable income.

 The second step

In the case of a natural person, deduct from normal tax payable –
• an amount equal to the sum of the normal tax rebate(s) allowable (see 2.18);
• the amount of the medical scheme fees tax credit as calculated (see 2.16); and
• the amount of the additional medical expense tax credit as calculated (see 2.17).

 The third step

Determine the final income tax liability by –
• deducting all other tax credits, that is, PAYE, foreign tax credits on income and
provisional tax payments made by the taxpayer for that year of assessment, from net
normal tax payable; and
• adding any outstanding balance of account as at the date of assessment to net
normal tax payable.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 8

2.2 A resident
2.2.1 Natural persons
A natural person who complies with either of the following two tests, namely, the ‘ordinarily
resident’ test or the ‘physical presence’ test, will be a “resident” as defined in section 1(1).

(a) Ordinarily resident test

This test is to determine whether an individual is ordinarily resident in South Africa.

The courts have interpreted the concept “ordinarily resident”, to mean the country to which
an individual would naturally return from his or her wanderings. It might, therefore, be called
an individual’s usual or principal residence and it would be described more aptly, in
comparison to other countries, as their real home.

For more information see the interpretation note. 3

(b) Physical presence test

A natural person, who is not ordinarily resident in South Africa at any time during a year of
assessment but meets all three requirements of the physical presence test, will be a
resident. These requirements refer to the number of days of physical presence in
South Africa exceeding –
• 91 days in aggregate during the relevant year of assessment;
• 91 days in aggregate during each of the five years of assessment preceding the
relevant year of assessment; and
• 915 days in aggregate during those five preceding years of assessment.

For more information see the interpretation note. 4

2.2.2 Companies and other entities

Based on the definition of “resident”, a person, other than a natural person, for example, a
company or a trust, will be a resident if it is incorporated, established or formed in South
Africa or has its place of effective management in South Africa.

The place of effective management test for residency has been eliminated in the case of
South African owned foreign subsidiaries subject to the requirements, as set out in the
definition of “resident” in section 1(1), having been met.

For more information regarding the concept of “place of effective management” see the
interpretation note. 5

3
Interpretation Note 3 dated 4 February 2002 “Resident: Definition in relation to a Natural Person –
Ordinarily Resident”.
4
Interpretation Note 4 (Issue 4) dated 12 March 2014 “Resident: Definition in relation to a Natural
Person – Physical Presence Test”.
5
Interpretation Note 6 (Issue 2) dated 3 November 2015 “Resident: Place of Effective Management
(Companies)”.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 9

2.2.3 Residents working outside South Africa
As a result of South Africa’s residence basis of taxation, any income derived from countries
other than South Africa (foreign income) will be subject to taxation in South Africa unless –
• there is a tax treaty which stipulates that only the other country has a right to tax that
income; or
• that income is specifically exempt from income tax in South Africa.

Remuneration which is received by or accrued to an employee during a year of assessment

for services rendered by that employee in more than one year of assessment, will be taxed
evenly over the period during which those services were rendered.

For more information see the interpretation note. 6

2.2.4 Agreements for the avoidance of double taxation

A tax treaty is an international agreement aimed at eliminating or providing relief from
international double taxation. However, such agreements also enable exchange of
information between tax administrations, provide for a mutual agreement procedure to assist
in resolving any conflict arising out of the interpretation or application of the tax treaty and
may allow for tax collection on another tax administration’s behalf. The increasing
interdependence and co-operation between the modern world economies and cross border
trading makes it necessary for countries to enter into such agreements, thereby providing
not only security for a country’s residents in cross border interactions but also encouraging
outside investment.

It must be emphasised, however, that a tax treaty does not impose tax. Tax is imposed in
terms of a country’s domestic law. Its purpose is to allocate taxing rights. Generally, a tax
treaty will provide for income to be taxed solely in one country or, if it remains taxable in both
countries, for a taxpayer’s country of residence to be obliged to grant relief in terms of an
Article on “Elimination of Double Taxation”. In South Africa, should an amount qualify for
relief under the said Article, relief will be granted in the form of a credit. Reduced levels of
withholding taxes, in situations where double taxation is permitted, are also provided for.

A list of the tax treaties in force in South Africa is available on the SARS website.

As each tax treaty is unique, the relevant agreement must be consulted and the provisions
therein adhered to. The SARS website also provides details of progress made with regard to
tax treaties currently being negotiated but not yet entered into force.

2.2.5 Unilateral relief for foreign taxes paid or payable

The domestic tax legislation of each country will apply independently of each other where
there is no tax treaty between the relevant countries. A resident who is liable for income tax
in South Africa on income received from a foreign country and who is also liable for tax in the
foreign country on that income will be allowed a rebate for the foreign tax paid or payable
against the South African tax liability. In order to qualify for this rebate the foreign tax must
have been paid or be payable to the government of any country other than South Africa,
without any right of recovery of that foreign tax.

6
Interpretation Note 16 dated 27 March 2003 “Exemption from Income Tax: Foreign Employment
Income” and Interpretation Note 16 (Issue 2) “Exemption from Income Tax: Foreign Employment
Income” to be finalised.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 10

It will be necessary for a resident to submit proof of the foreign tax paid or payable. An
assessment or the equivalent thereof, tax receipts or an official document will generally be
accepted as proof of foreign tax paid or payable.

This rebate may be granted in substitution for and not in addition to the relief to which a
resident would be entitled under a tax treaty.

2.3 Non-resident
2.3.1 A person who is a non-resident but working temporarily in South Africa
It is internationally accepted that income from employment should be subject to income tax
in the source country, that is, where the services are actually rendered, as opposed to the
country where an employee is a resident.

An employee who is a non-resident but working in South Africa for short periods is liable for
income tax in South Africa on his or her South African-source income. The normal
employees’ tax rules apply to the remuneration received by or accrued to that employee.
Income from employment, where the employer or representative employer is a resident, will
be subject to income tax by way of employees’ tax (PAYE) which is to be deducted from
such remuneration.

Natural persons who are not ordinarily resident in South Africa should bear in mind the
physical presence test [see 2.2.1 paragraph (b)].

For more information see the guide. 7

2.3.2 Employees working at foreign diplomatic or consular missions in South Africa

Salary and emoluments payable by a foreign diplomatic or consular mission in South Africa
to an employee who has not been granted immunity under the Diplomatic Immunities and
Privileges Act, 2001 are exempt from income tax if the employee –
• is stationed in South Africa for the sole purpose of holding office in South Africa as an
official of a foreign government; and
• is not ordinarily resident in South Africa.

Salary and emoluments payable to an employee in the domestic or private service of the
aforementioned employee is also exempt from income tax, provided such employee is not a
South African citizen and is not ordinarily resident in South Africa.

Both of the abovementioned employees could become resident as a consequence of the

application of the physical presence test, but their income from a foreign diplomatic or
consular mission will nevertheless remain exempt.

Salary and emoluments payable by a foreign government, which carries on business

activities in South Africa, to its employees, could also be taxable in South Africa. (The
taxability of this income may be affected by a tax treaty.)

Amounts received by members of a diplomatic or consular mission, who have received

diplomatic immunity under the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, are also exempt
from income tax in South Africa.

7
Guide on the taxation of foreigners working in South Africa (2014/15) dated 22 October 2015.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 11

Salary and emoluments received by or accrued to an employee, who is ordinarily resident in
South Africa, employed by a foreign government (that is, locally-recruited staff), are not
exempt from income tax.

Employees, whose salary and emoluments are not exempt from income tax in South Africa
in the above circumstances, must register as provisional taxpayers with their local SARS
offices.

2.4 Natural persons

2.4.1 Requirements to submit a return of income (return)
A natural person, whose gross income exceeds the “tax threshold” as defined in paragraph 1
of the Fourth Schedule, is required to submit a return for the 2016 year of assessment. The
tax threshold amounts to –
• R73 650 (for a person below the age of 65 years);
• R114 800 (for a person aged 65 years or older but not yet 75 years); or
• R128 500 (for a person aged 75 years or older).

For the 2017 year of assessment the tax threshold amounts increased to –
• R75 000 (for a person below the age of 65 years);
• R116 150 (for a person aged 65 years or older but not yet 75 years); or
• R129 850 (for a person aged 75 years or older).

However, if the gross income of a natural person consists solely of gross income described
in one or more of the following sub-paragraphs –
• remuneration (other than an allowance or advance for travelling on business or on
any accommodation, meals and other incidental costs if that person is obliged to
spend at least one night away from his or her usual place of residence) paid from one
single source which does not exceed an amount to be specified in the notice
mentioned in footnote 8 below and PAYE has been deducted in terms of the
deduction tables prescribed by the Commissioner;
• interest income from a source in South Africa not exceeding –
 R23 800 in the case of a person below the age of 65 years; or
 R34 500 in the case of a person aged 65 years or older; and
• dividends and the person was a non-resident during the 2016 year of assessment,
he/she will not be required to submit a return.

For a detailed list of persons who are required to submit their returns for the 2016 year of
assessment see the notice 8 that is published yearly in the Government Gazette (GG) which
will be available on the SARS website.

8
It is anticipated that the notice will be titled in a Government Gazette: Income Tax Act (58/1962):
Notice to furnish returns for the 2016 year of assessment.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 12

2.4.2 Taxation of income from employment
Income from employment (see the definition of “remuneration” in paragraph 1 of the Fourth
Schedule) can be divided into different categories, namely –
• salary, overtime, commission, bonus etc;
• allowances [see paragraph (a) below and section 8(1)];
• benefits (see paragraph (b) below and the Seventh Schedule); and
• gains (see paragraph (c) below and sections 8A, 8B and 8C),
• that are subject to PAYE, unless the allowance/benefit is specifically exempt from
income tax or no value is placed on the benefit.

(a) Allowances
Allowances are generally paid to employees to meet expenditure incurred on behalf of an
employer. Any portion of the allowance not expended for business purposes must be
included in the employee’s taxable income [see section 8(1)]. The most common types of
allowances are travelling, subsistence and uniform allowances.

Travelling allowance
Motor vehicle travelling allowances are taxable but expenses for business travel may be set
off against the allowance received.

It is compulsory to keep a logbook to claim a deduction for business travel. A logbook, which
a taxpayer can use to record business and private trips, is available on the SARS website or
from a SARS branch office.

For more information see the interpretation note.9

Subsistence allowance
A subsistence allowance may be paid to employees to enable them to meet expenses
incurred on accommodation and meals when away on business from their normal place of
residence for at least one night. For each day or part of a day in the period during which an
employee is absent from his or her place of residence an amount, as published by
Government Notices 10, will be deemed to have been actually expended and will be deducted
from the subsistence allowance. The amount is as follows:
• If the accommodation to which the allowance or advance relates is in South Africa,
an amount equal to –
 R109,00 per day, if that allowance or advance is paid or granted to defray
incidental costs only; or
 R353,00 per day, if that allowance or advance is paid or granted to defray the
cost of meals and incidental costs.
• If the accommodation to which the allowance or advance relates is outside of
South Africa, the daily amount deemed to be expended will be an amount applicable

9
Interpretation Note 14 (Issue 3) dated 20 March 2013 “Allowances, Advances and
Reimbursements”.
10
See Government Notice (GN) 98 GG 38476 dated 25 February 2015 and GN 191 GG 39724
dated 24 February 2016.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 13

 to the respective country, specified in the Government Notice mentioned in
footnote 10.
For the year of assessment commencing on 1 March 2016 the amount is as follows:
• If the accommodation to which the allowance or advance relates is in South Africa,
an amount equal to –
 R115 per day, if that allowance or advance is paid or granted to defray
incidental costs only; or
 R372 per day, if that allowance or advance is paid or granted to defray the
cost of meals and incidental costs.
• If the accommodation to which the allowance or advance relates is outside of
South Africa, the daily amount deemed to be expended will be an amount applicable
to the respective country, specified in the Government Notices mentioned in
footnote 10.

The full amount of a subsistence allowance that exceeds the business expenses, or the
amount calculated at the above rates, as the case may be, must be included in the
employee’s taxable income.

For more information see the interpretation note. 11

Uniform allowance
The value of a uniform, or the amount of an allowance granted by an employer to an
employee in lieu of any such uniform, must be included in the employee’s gross income. The
value of the uniform or the amount of the allowance will be exempt from income tax under
section 10(1)(nA) provided that the employee is required to wear a special uniform while on
duty as a condition of his/her employment and the uniform is clearly distinguishable from
ordinary clothing.

(b) Taxable benefits

A taxable benefit is deemed to have been granted by an employer to an employee in respect
of employment with the employer if a benefit, or advantage for such employment, or reward
for services rendered or to be rendered by the employee to the employer, accrues to the
employee.

Certain taxable benefits are not paid in cash and a value for the benefit needs to be
determined. The Seventh Schedule contains specific provisions for the calculation of the
value that must be placed upon each taxable benefit that accrues to an employee. The value
of certain taxable benefits, such as company-owned residential accommodation, or the use
of a company motor vehicle, is calculated by way of prescribed formulas.

Any consideration given by an employee to an employer relevant to a taxable benefit will

reduce the amount so determined.

Taxable benefits include, for example, the use of free or cheap accommodation, right of use
of a company motor vehicle, the acquisition of an asset at a consideration below cost, free or
cheap services, private use of an asset, low-interest loans, housing subsidies and
redemption of loans due to third parties.

11
Interpretation Note 14 (Issue 3) dated 20 March 2013 “Allowances, Advances and
Reimbursements”.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 14

The following provides some insight into some examples of taxable benefits but is not
exhaustive.

Residential accommodation
Residential accommodation includes any accommodation occupied temporarily for purposes
of a holiday. A benefit arises when residential accommodation consisting of at least four
rooms is provided to an employee by an employer.

Any residential accommodation supplied by an employer as a benefit, advantage or as a

reward is valued at the greater of –
• the cost borne by the employer, less any amount paid by the employee; or
• the amount calculated by using the formula laid down in paragraph 9(3) of the
Seventh Schedule, less any amount paid by the employee (see Annexure B).

See paragraph 9 of the Seventh Schedule.

Use of a company motor vehicle for private purposes

The value of a company motor vehicle made available to an employee for private use must
be included in the employee’s gross income as a taxable benefit. Such value is calculated
at –
• 3,5% per month of the “determined value” as defined in paragraph 7(1) of the
Seventh Schedule. In circumstances where the motor vehicle is the subject of a
maintenance plan at the time the employer acquired the motor vehicle or the right of
use thereof, that amount shall be reduced to an amount equal to 3,25% of the
determined value; or
• the actual cost to the employer incurred under the operational lease and the cost of
fuel for that vehicle, if the vehicle is acquired by the employer under an “operational
lease” as defined in section 23A(1) concluded by the parties transacting at arm’s
length and who are not connected persons in relation to each other.

If more than one vehicle is made available to an employee at the same time and the
Commissioner is satisfied that each vehicle was used by that employee during the year of
assessment primarily for business purposes, the value to be placed on private use of the
said vehicles will be deemed to be the value of the private use of the vehicle having the
highest value of private use.

The “determined value” for purposes of calculating a taxable benefit excludes finance
charges or interest paid by the employer.

See paragraph 7 of the Seventh Schedule.

Interest-free or low-interest loans

The difference between the actual amount of interest charged on an interest-free or low
interest loan granted by an employer to an employee, and the interest charged at 7,75% (the
current official rate as from 1 February 2016), is to be included in the gross income of the
employee. See the table 12 available on the SARS website (Legal and Policy/Legal and
Policy Publications/Tables of Interest Rates) or contact a SARS office.

12
Table 3 updated March 2016.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 15

The current rate is increased to 8% as from 1 April 2016.

Prior to –
• 1 February 2016 the official rate was 7,25%;
• 1 December 2015 the official rate was 7%; and
• 1 August 2015 the official rate was 6,75%.
• See paragraph 11 of the Seventh Schedule.

(c) Taxable gains

Share options and other rights to acquire marketable securities
Gains made by directors of companies or employees by the exercise, cession or release of
rights to acquire marketable securities such as stock, debentures and shares are regarded
as income and are subject to the deduction of PAYE.

See section 8A and paragraph 11A of the Fourth Schedule.

Broad-based employee share plans

Any gain arising from the disposal of any qualifying equity share will not be taxed provided
the shares are not disposed of within five years from the date of grant of the shares. A
qualifying equity share is a share acquired in a year of assessment under a broad-based
employee share plan and the market value of all equity shares acquired in that, and the four
immediately preceding years of assessment in terms of that share plan, as does not exceed
R50 000 in aggregate.

See sections 8B and 10(1)(nC) and paragraph 11A of the Fourth Schedule.

Equity instruments
Equity instruments are equity shares, member’s interests, options to acquire those shares or
interests and other financial instruments convertible into those shares or interests. An equity
instrument vests on acquisition of an unrestricted instrument or as a general rule on the date
when all restrictions which prevent the instrument to be freely disposed of at market value
cease to have effect.

Persons are taxed on any gain, or allowed to deduct from income any loss, on the vesting of
an equity instrument acquired as a result of employment or holding of an office as a director.
The taxable amount is the difference between the market value on the date of vesting and
any consideration given for the acquisition. These gains are subject to the deduction of
PAYE.

See sections 8C and 10(1)(nD) and paragraph 11A of the Fourth Schedule.

2.4.3 Exempt benefit – Relocation costs

Any benefit an employee may have enjoyed by reason of the fact that his or her employer
bore certain expenditure incurred in consequence of the employee's relocation from one
place of employment to another or on the appointment of the employee or on the termination
of the employee’s employment is exempted from tax under section 10(1)(nB).

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 16

2.4.4 Income of spouses
The Act defines a “spouse” in relation to any person as a person who is a partner of such
person in a marriage, customary relationship or union recognised as a marriage under the
laws of South Africa or any religion. The definition also includes a same-sex or heterosexual
relationship which the Commissioner is satisfied is intended to be permanent.

In the case of spouses married in community of property, under South African common law
income received accrues to the joint estate and is deemed as having been received in equal
shares by each spouse. However –
• a salary from a third party is treated as being the income of the spouse who receives
that salary;
• passive income (income from the letting of property and investment income, such as
interest and dividends) originating from assets forming part of the joint estate, is
deemed to have accrued in equal shares to each spouse [see section 7(2A)(b)];
• income earned from carrying on a trade jointly or where spouses are trading in
partnership will accrue to each spouse according to the agreed profit-sharing ratio
[see section 7(2A)(a)(ii)], while expenses incurred in the production of that income
are deductible to the extent to which that income accrued to each spouse
[see section 7(2B)];
• income which does not form part of the joint estate of both spouses is taxable in the
hands of the spouse who is entitled to the income [section 7(2A)(a)(i)];
• benefits from pension, provident and retirement annuity funds are taxable in the
hands of the spouse who is the member of the fund [see section 7(2C)]. In the case
of contributions to the pension fund or retirement annuity fund the contributions are
deducted in the hands of the spouse who made them as a member of the fund
[see sections 11(k) and (n)], while contributions to a provident fund are deducted
from the lump sum received from the provident fund;
• income from patents, designs, trademarks and copyrights is deemed to be the
income of the spouse who is the holder or owner [see section 7(2C)(c)]; and
• medical scheme fees (see section 6A) and additional medical expenses
(see section 6B) will be allowed as a medical scheme fees tax credit and additional
medical expenses tax credit respectively (see 2.16 and 2.17). Both these tax credits
will be deducted from the normal tax payable by the spouse who paid the
fees/expenses, even if the funds for the fees/expenses may have come from the joint
estate.

The splitting of passive income mentioned above must not be seen as favouring spouses
married in community of property over spouses married out of community of property. It is
rather a case of harmonising the existing rights with regard to property and income of
couples married in community of property.

There are also measures to prevent income splitting (other than those mentioned above)
that apply to spouses whether they are married in or out of community of property.
See section 7(2) for the deemed provisions that prevent income splitting between spouses in
order to obtain an unfair tax advantage.

The abovementioned deemed provisions apply to donations, settlements and other

dispositions between spouses, where income is derived by one spouse (recipient) as a result
of a donation made by the other spouse (donor) with the purpose of avoiding tax; or as a

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 17

result of a transaction, operation or a scheme entered into or carried out by the donor with
the sole or main purpose of reducing, postponing or avoiding the donor’s liability for tax.

Should income be derived by a spouse (recipient) from –

• any trade which is connected to the trade of the other spouse (donor);
• a partnership of which the donor is a partner; or
• a company in which the donor is a principal shareholder,
and such income so earned is excessive having regard to the nature of the trade and the
recipient’s participation, the excessive portion will be taxed in the hands of the donor.

2.4.5 Pay-As-You-Earn
The purpose of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) is to ensure that an employee’s income tax liability
calculated on remuneration is settled at the same time that the remuneration is earned. The
advantage of this system is that the liability for the year of assessment is settled over the
course of that whole year.

Every employer who pays or becomes liable to pay an amount by way of remuneration, or if
an amount constitutes a lump sum, is obliged to deduct PAYE, where applicable, from that
amount every month. The PAYE deducted must be paid over to SARS within seven days
after the end of the month during which such deduction was made. The deduction is
determined according to tax deduction tables which are available on the SARS website and
are published as attachments to the Guide for Employers in Respect of Tax Deduction
Tables (2016 Tax Year): PAYE-GEN-01-G01.

For more information see the Fourth Schedule and the SARS website under Type of tax/Pay
As You Earn.

(c) Pay-As-You-Earn liability of employees

Remuneration paid or payable by employers to their employees in excess of the relevant
income tax threshold mentioned in 2.4.1 is subject to the deduction of PAYE.

Employees’ tax certificates (IRP5s) are issued to employees from whom PAYE has been
deducted. These certificates reflect a breakdown of remuneration received, deductions made
from the remuneration and PAYE deducted.

An employer that has valid reasons not to deduct PAYE must provide the employee with an
IT3(a) certificate. Information such as taxable benefits and remuneration must be reflected
on the IT3(a).

(d) Pay-As-You-Earn liability of directors

The remuneration of directors of private companies (including individuals in close
corporations performing similar functions) is subject to the deduction of PAYE.

The remuneration of directors of private companies is often only finally determined late in a
year of assessment or in the following year. Directors in these circumstances finance their
living expenditure out of their loan accounts until the remuneration is determined. In order to
overcome the problem of no monthly remuneration being payable from which PAYE is to be
withheld, a formula is used to determine the director’s deemed monthly remuneration from

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 18

which the company must deduct PAYE. For more information on the application of the
formula and relief from hardship see the interpretation note. 13

A director is not entitled to receive an employees’ tax certificate (IRP5) for the amount of
PAYE paid by the company on the deemed remuneration if the company has not recovered
the PAYE from the director.

(e) Pay-As-You-Earn liability of personal service providers

A personal service provider is any company or trust where any service rendered on behalf of
the company or trust to a client of the company or trust is rendered personally by any person
who is a connected person in relation to such company or trust, and any one of three
specific conditions, as discussed in the interpretation note mentioned below, is met.

Should that company or trust employ three or more full-time employees (excluding
shareholders or members or any persons connected to the shareholders or members)
throughout the year of assessment and the employees are engaged in the business of the
company in rendering the specific service, that company or trust will not be regarded as a
personal service provider.

Payments made to a personal service provider are subject to the deduction of PAYE.

For more information see the interpretation note. 14

(f) Pay-As-You-Earn liability of labour brokers

A labour broker is any natural person who carries on any business whereby such person, for
reward, provides a client of the business with other persons to render a service or perform
work for such client, but does not him- or herself provide the service or perform the work
required by the client, for which service or work these other persons are remunerated by that
person.

Employers are required to deduct PAYE from all payments made to a labour broker, unless
the labour broker is in possession of a valid exemption certificate issued by SARS.

Payments made to persons who render services to or on behalf of a labour broker without an
exemption certificate are subject to the deduction of PAYE.

For more information see the interpretation note. 15

(g) Pay-As-You-Earn liability of independent contractors

The concept of an independent trader or independent contractor remains one of the more
contentious features of the Fourth Schedule.

An amount paid or payable for services rendered or to be rendered by a person in the

course of a trade carried on by him or her independently of the person by whom the amount
is paid or payable is excluded from remuneration for employees’ tax purposes.

13
Interpretation Note 5 (Issue 2) dated 23 January 2006 “Employees Tax: Directors of Private
Companies (which include Persons in Close Corporations who Perform Functions Similar to
Directors of Companies)”.
14
Interpretation Note 35 (Issue 3) dated 31 March 2010 “Employees’ Tax: Personal Service
Providers and Labour Brokers”.
15
Interpretation Note 35 (Issue 3) dated 31 March 2010 “Employees’ Tax: Personal Service
Providers and Labour Brokers”.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 19

An amount paid to a person who is deemed not to carry on a trade independently will
constitute “remuneration” as defined in paragraph 1 of the Fourth Schedule and will be
subject to the deduction of PAYE.

For more information see the interpretation note. 16

2.4.6 Provisional tax

Provisional tax is not a separate tax but refers to payments made or to be made by a
provisional taxpayer to the Commissioner in a manner provided for by the Act. A “provisional
taxpayer” is defined in paragraph 1 of the Fourth Schedule as –
• any person (other than a company) who derives income which does not constitute –
 “remuneration” as defined in paragraph 1 of the Fourth Schedule; or
 an allowance or advance under section 8(1);
• any company; and
• any person who is notified by the Commissioner that he or she is a provisional
taxpayer,
but excludes –
• any public benefit organisation and recreational club approved by the Commissioner;
• any body corporate, share block company or association of persons referred to in
section 10(1)(e);
• a person that is exempt from the payment of provisional tax under paragraph 18 of
the Fourth Schedule; and
• a small business funding entity (see section 30C).

Provisional tax payments are based on a taxpayer’s estimated taxable income for a year of
assessment. The final income tax liability for that year will be determined upon assessment.

Payments are normally made by way of two payments, the first of which is usually made on
or before 31 August each year and the second payment on or before the last day of
February the following year. These payments alleviate the burden of one large amount being
payable on assessment as it spreads the income tax burden over the year of assessment.

An optional third payment may be made after the end of the year of assessment to prevent
the accrual of interest on underpayment of provisional tax when the assessment for that year
is issued. A taxpayer, whose year of assessment ends on the last day of February, must
make the third provisional tax payment not later than seven months after the last day of such
year of assessment. In any other case, where the year of assessment ends on any other day
than the last day of February, the third provisional tax payment is to be made within six
months after the last day of that year of assessment.

Failure to make such payments may result in interest being levied and a penalty being
imposed upon assessment. In the case of an overpayment of provisional tax, interest is
payable to the taxpayer upon assessment.

16
Interpretation Note 17 (Issue 3) dated 31 March 2010 “Employees’ Tax: Independent
Contractors”.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 20

A provisional taxpayer must declare his or her estimated taxable income and provisional tax
payable for the year of assessment on an IRP6 form which must be submitted to SARS upon
completion. Payment of provisional tax can be made to SARS via the internet bank facilities
or over the counter at the banks. For more information visit the eFiling website.

A person who qualifies as a provisional taxpayer must, within 21 business days after the
date of becoming a provisional taxpayer, apply to SARS for registration as a provisional
taxpayer.

The following persons are exempt from the payment of provisional tax for the 2016 year of
assessment in paragraph 18(1) of the Fourth Schedule:
• Any person (other than a resident) who is an owner or charterer of a ship or aircraft
and their taxable income from embarking passengers or loading livestock, mails or
goods in South Africa is calculated as 10% of the amount paid to him or to an agent
on his behalf in respect of such activities (see section 33).
• A natural person who does not derive any income from the carrying on of any
business, if –
 the taxable income of that person for the relevant year of assessment will not
exceed the tax threshold; or
 the taxable income of that person for the relevant year of assessment which
is derived from interest, foreign dividends and rental from the letting of fixed
property, will not exceed R30 000.
• A natural person who on the last day of the relevant year of assessment is over the
age of 65 years and whose taxable income for that year –
 will not exceed R120 000;
 will not be derived wholly or in part from the carrying on of any business; and
 will not be derived otherwise than from remuneration, interest, foreign
dividends or rental from the letting of fixed property.
(This exemption applies only to provisional tax. Natural persons will still be liable for
income tax if their taxable income for the relevant year of assessment exceeds the
income tax threshold for that year.)

For more information see the guide. 17

2.4.7 Allowable deductions

(a) General deduction formula
Expenditure and losses are deductible under section 11(a) for income tax purposes. To be
deductible the expenditure and losses must be –
• actually incurred;
• during the year of assessment;
• in the production of income;
• not of a capital nature; and
• laid out or expended for the purposes of trade.

17
External Guide: Guide for Provisional Tax 2016 – Revision 16.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 21

The above factors form the essence of what is known as the general deduction formula.

Deductions of expenditure against income derived by employees and office holders from
employment (remuneration) are limited. This limitation does not apply to agents and
representatives whose remuneration is normally derived mainly in the form of commission
based on their sales or the turnover attributable to them.

More specific expenditure or allowances have specific provisions with which they must
comply in order to be deductible for income tax purposes.

For more information see the interpretation note. 18

(b) Home office expenses

Subject to certain requirements and limitations, home office expenses (expenses that relate
to that part of a house used for the purposes of trade) will be allowed as a deduction in
determining taxable income.

For more information see the interpretation note. 19

(c) Other limited deductions which employees and office holders may claim
Pension fund contributions
Current contributions [see section 11(k)(i)]
Limited to an amount not exceeding the greater of –
• R1 750; or
• 7,5% of remuneration [being the income or part thereof referred to in the definition of
“retirement-funding employment” in section 1(1)].

Any excess amount will be allowed as a deduction against a lump sum benefit when the
lump sum is received or accrued.

Arrear contributions [see section 11(k)(ii)]

Arrear contributions refer to amounts in respect of past periods taken into account as
pensionable service, limited to an amount not exceeding R1 800 a year.

Any excess may be carried forward to the following year of assessment.

Retirement annuity fund contributions

Current contributions [see section 11(n)(aa)]
Limited to an amount not exceeding the greater of –
• 15% of the amount remaining after the deduction from income (excluding income
derived from retirement-funding employment, any retirement lump sum benefit,
retirement lump sum withdrawal benefit and severance benefit) of the deductions or
assessed losses admissible against such income (excluding deductions for
contributions to a retirement annuity fund, expenditure incurred as a lessor of land let

18
Interpretation Note 13 (Issue 3) dated 15 March 2011 “Deductions: Limitation of Deductions for
Employees and Office Holders”.
19
Interpretation Note 28 (Issue 2) dated 15 March 2011 “Deductions of Home Office Expenses
Incurred by Persons in Employment or Persons Holding an Office”.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 22

 for farming purposes, soil erosion, donations to certain organisations and certain
capital development expenditure referred to in the First Schedule); or
• R3 500 less allowable current pension fund contributions; or
• R1 750.

• Any excess may be carried forward to the following year of assessment.

Arrear contributions [see section 11(n)(bb)]

Arrear contributions refer to contributions made by a taxpayer under conditions prescribed in
the rules of the fund whereby a member, who has discontinued his or her contributions
prematurely, is entitled to be reinstated as a full member thereof and the current
contributions to the fund have been paid in full.

Limited to an amount not exceeding R1 800 a year. Any excess may be carried forward to
the following year of assessment.

Donations to certain organisations

A deduction for donations made to certain organisations is limited to an amount as does not
exceed –
• in the case of a portfolio of a collective investment scheme, an amount determined in
accordance with the following formula:
A = B × 0,005
in which formula:
A = the amount to be determined;
B = the average value of the aggregate of all of the participatory interests
held by investors in the portfolio for the year of assessment,
determined by using the aggregate value of all the participatory
interests in the portfolio at the end of each day during that year; or
• in any other case, 10% of the taxpayer’s taxable income. For purposes of this
calculation, taxable income –
 excludes any retirement fund lump sum benefit, retirement lump sum
withdrawal benefit and severance benefit; and
 is determined before allowing any deduction for donations.
• Any donation made on or after 1 March 2014 in excess of the allowable deduction
will be carried forward and allowed as a deduction in a subsequent year of
assessment, subject to the 10% rule.

For more information see the guide. 20

See section 18A.

Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear allowances may be claimed on assets not of a permanent nature that are
used for purposes of trade. For example, where it is essential for a taxpayer to maintain a
library, a wear-and-tear allowance of 33% of the cost to the taxpayer is calculated on a

20
Basic Guide to Tax-Deductible Donations dated 8 March 2013.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 23

straight line basis is allowable. Wear-and-tear may also be claimed as a deduction on assets
such as computers, furniture and fittings, motor vehicles etc used for purposes of trade.

The cost of “small items” such as loose tools may be written off in full in the year of
assessment in which they are acquired and brought into use. A “small item” in this context is
one which normally functions in its own right, does not form part of a set and is acquired at a
cost of less than R7 000 per item. The amount of R7 000 applies to any qualifying asset
acquired on or after 1 March 2009.

For more information see section 11(e) and the interpretation note. 21

Amount included in taxable income and refunded (Repayment of employees benefits)

Should a person be required to refund any amount, including any voluntary award, that was
previously included in taxable income in respect of services rendered or to be rendered or by
virtue of any employment or the holding of any office, the amount refunded can be claimed
as a deduction in the year of assessment in which the amount is repaid [see section 11(nA)
and (nB)].

2.4.8 Prohibited deductions

Prohibited deductions are listed in section 23 and include the following:
(a) Domestic or private expenses
A taxpayer is prohibited from deducting any of the following expenses and payments:
• The cost incurred in the maintenance of the taxpayer, his or her family or his or her
establishment.
• Domestic or private expenses, including the rent of, repairs of, or expenses in
connection with any premises not occupied for purposes of trade or of any dwelling
or house used for domestic purposes, except in respect of those parts as may be
occupied for the purpose of trade.

(b) Bribes, fines or penalties

A payment for a bribe, fine or penalty will not be allowed as a deduction for income tax
purposes if –
• the payment, agreement or offer to make that payment constitutes an activity
contemplated in Chapter 2 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities
Act 12 of 2004; or
• the payment is a fine charged or penalty imposed as a result of carrying out an
unlawful activity in South Africa or in another country where the activity would be
unlawful had it been carried out in South Africa.

For more information see the interpretation note. 22

(c) Premiums paid in respect of an insurance policy for loss of income

Insurance policy premiums paid in terms of an insurance policy to the extent that the policy
cover the taxpayer against the loss of income as a result of illness, injury, disability or

21
Interpretation Note 47 (Issue 3) dated 2 November 2012 “Wear-and-Tear or Depreciation
Allowance”.
22
Interpretation Note 54 dated 26 February 2010 “Deductions – Corrupt Activities, Fines and
Penalties”.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 24

unemployment are, with effect from 1 March 2015, prohibited as deductions under
section 23(r).

(d) Other prohibited deductions

Other prohibited deductions include –
• income carried to a reserve fund or capitalised in any way;
• moneys not expended for purposes of trade; and
• taxes, duties, levies, interest or penalties payable under Acts administered by the
Commissioner and certain other Acts.

2.4.9 Pensions
(a) Pensions exempt from income tax
The following pensions are exempt from income tax in South Africa:
• War veteran’s pensions [see section 10(1)(g)].
• Compensation in respect of diseases contracted by persons employed in mining
operations [see section 10(1)(g)].
• Disability pensions paid under section 2 of the Social Assistance Act 59 of 1992
[see section 10(1)(gA)].
• Compensation paid in terms of the Workmen’s Compensation Act 30 of 1941 or the
Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993
[see section 10(1)(gB)(i)].
• Pension paid on death or disablement caused by any occupational injury or disease
sustained or contracted by an employee before 1 March 1994 in the course of
employment, where that employee would have qualified for compensation under the
Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 30 of 1993, had that injury
or disease been sustained or contracted on or after 1 March 1994
[see section 10(1)(gB)(ii)].
• Compensation paid by an employer in addition to the compensation mentioned in the
fourth bullet above on the death of an employee, which arose out of and in the
course of employment, to the extent that the additional compensation may not
exceed R300 000 [see section 10(1)(gB)(iii)].
• Any amount received by or accrued to any resident under the social security system
of any other country [see section 10(1)(gC)(i)].
• Any lump sum, pension or annuity received by or accrued to any resident from a
source outside South Africa as consideration for past employment outside South
Africa [see section 10(1)(gC)(ii)].

(b) Pensions that are taxable

The following pensions are taxable in South Africa:
• A pension or annuity received by a resident from a pension, provident, or retirement
annuity fund, unless one of the exemptions above applies.
• A pension or annuity received from the South African government.
• Any lump sum, pension or annuity payable to any person (whether a resident of
South Africa or not) for services rendered inside and outside of South Africa is

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 25

 taxable in the ratio of years service rendered inside South Africa to the total years
service rendered. The taxability of the pension may be affected by a tax treaty. Tax
treaties generally make provision for a pension to be taxed in the country where the
pensioner resides, except in the case of government pensions which are taxable in
the country paying such pension. However, the country that has the right to tax the
pension may, in its domestic tax legislation, choose to exempt the pension from
income tax, for example, section 10(1)(gC).

2.4.10 Annuities
Annuities which are normally received from retirement annuity funds, insurance companies,
trusts and estates are taxable. The capital content of a purchased annuity is exempt from
income tax under section 10A. The insurance company will issue a certificate reflecting the
capital content. Annuities are subject to the deduction of PAYE where the source is from
South Africa.

Annuities received by residents from abroad (that is, from a source outside South Africa) are
also taxable in South Africa. (The taxability of the annuity may be affected by a tax treaty.)

2.4.11 Withholding of amounts from payments to non-resident sellers of immovable

property
A withholding amount is due upon the sale of immovable property in South Africa by a non-
resident. The amount is to be deducted by the purchaser from the amount payable to the
seller, or to any other person for or on behalf of the seller. The amount which has to be
withheld and paid over to SARS is equal to –
• 5% of the amount payable, if the seller is an individual;
• 7,5% of the amount payable, if the seller is a company; or
• 10% of the amount payable, if the seller is a trust.

The seller may apply for a directive that no amount or a reduced amount be withheld having
regard to the circumstances mentioned in section 35A(2).

The amount withheld is an advance (credit) against the seller’s income tax liability for the
year of assessment during which the property is disposed of.

No withholding amount is deductible –

• if the total amount payable for the immovable property does not exceed R2 million; or
• from any deposit paid by a purchaser for the purpose of securing the acquisition of
the immovable property until the agreement for the disposal has been entered into, in
which case the withholding amount is to be withheld from the first following payments
made by the purchaser for that disposal.

For more information see the document 23 available on the SARS website.

2.4.12 Rental income

Rental income is taxable. A description of the asset or physical address of the property must
be furnished upon request. Expenses such as bond interest, rates and taxes, insurance and
repairs may be claimed as deductions, subject to certain conditions.
23
External Guide: Withholding amounts from Payments to Non-Resident Sellers of Immovable
Property in South Africa IT-PP-020G01 effective date 1 October 2012.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 26

2.4.13 Investment income
(a) Dividends
Dividends received by or accrued to a person, whether he or she is a resident or a non-
resident, from South African resident companies are generally exempt from income tax
under section 10(1)(k)(i). A dividend which is subject to income tax is exempt from dividends
tax under section 64R(l). If a dividend is exempt from income tax, the dividend may be
subject to dividends tax under section 64E provided the dividend is not exempt from
dividends tax under section 64F.

Foreign dividends (from a listed company and not a distribution of an asset in specie)
received by or accrued to a resident are generally exempt from income tax under
section 10B. If a foreign dividend is exempt from income tax, the dividend may be subject to
dividends tax under section 64E provided the dividend is not exempt from dividends tax
under section 64F.

A resident may claim a rebate for foreign tax paid by him or her on the foreign dividends
against his or her South African income tax liability or dividends tax liability, whichever is
applicable.

For more information see the guide. 24

(b) Interest
The Act makes specific provision for the exemption of interest received by or accrued to any
person that is a non-resident from a source within South Africa [see section 10(1)(h)]. The
full amount of the interest is exempt from income tax. This exemption is not applicable if –
• that person is a natural person who was physically present in South Africa for a
period exceeding 183 days in aggregate during the twelve-month period preceding
the date on which the interest is received or accrues by or to that person; or
• the debt from which the interest arises is effectively connected to a permanent
establishment of that person in South Africa.
All interest received by or accrued to a resident is subject to income tax. For the 2016 year
of assessment interest from a source in South Africa up to R23 800, (if the resident is a
natural person who is below the age of 65 years) or up to R34 500, (if the resident is a
natural person who is 65 years of age or older) is exempt from income tax
[see section 10(1)(i)]. This exemption is not applicable to foreign interest.

2.4.14 Restraint of trade

A restraint of trade payment made to a labour broker without an exemption certificate,
personal service provider, personal service company or personal service trust is gross
income for the recipient and is subject to income tax. Bona fide restraint of trade payments
made to other companies or trusts are of a capital nature.

An amount received by or accrued to a natural person as consideration for any restraint of

trade imposed on the person regarding –
• employment or the holding of any office; or
• any past or future employment or the holding of an office,
is gross income for that natural person and is subject to income tax.
24
Comprehensive Guide to Dividends Tax dated 23 February 2015.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 27

2.4.15 Business income
Business income received by or accrued to a non-resident from carrying on a trade or
business within South Africa is taxable in South Africa. The taxability of the income may be
affected by a tax treaty.

Income derived from any business or trading activity carried on by a resident outside South
Africa will be subject to income tax in South Africa. However, this may have the effect that
income derived by the resident may be subject to income tax in South Africa and in the
country where the trading activities are carried on (the source country). This situation will
normally be resolved through the application of a tax treaty concluded between the two
countries. Normally, profits will be taxed in the country of residence unless the business is
carried on in the other country through a permanent establishment. The term “permanent
establishment” will be defined in the tax treaty and generally means a fixed place of business
through which the business of the enterprise is wholly or partly carried on.

2.5 Companies and businesses

2.5.1 Tax consequences of doing business in a company
The holder of shares in a company and the company are separate taxable entities. In
addition, ownership of the company (ownership of the shares), and management of the day-
to-day activities of the company are usually separate.

Companies (other than SBC’s, micro businesses, companies mining for gold and long term
insurance companies) pay tax on their taxable incomes at a flat rate of 28%. For the tax
rates applicable to the companies that are not paying tax at the flat rate of 28% see 2.15.6
paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (g).

A company which is not a “resident” as defined in the Act, carrying on a trade within
South Africa, also pays tax at a flat rate of 28% on income derived from a source within
South Africa.

2.5.2 Provisional tax

Any company is a provisional taxpayer (see 2.4.6).

2.5.3 Controlled foreign companies

A CFC is any foreign company of which more than 50% of the total participation rights in that
foreign company are held, or more than 50% of the voting rights in that foreign company are
directly or indirectly exercisable, by one or more persons that are residents of South Africa,
other than headquarter companies.

Residents are liable for income tax on their proportional share of the net income of a CFC
under section 9D except where a resident (together with any connected person in relation to
that resident), holds less than 10% of the participation rights in aggregate and may not
exercise at least 10% of the voting rights in that CFC.

The ratio of the net income to be determined for any one resident is the proportion that the
resident’s participation rights bears to all the participation rights in the CFC.

The net income calculation is performed in a CFC’s currency of financial reporting and the
end result must be translated to rand by applying the average exchange rate for the year of
assessment during which the net income is included in the resident’s income.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 28

2.5.4 Small business corporations
The SBC tax legislation provides for two major concessions to entities (private companies,
close corporations and co-operatives) which comply with all of the following requirements –
• the holders of shares in the company or members of the close corporation or co-
operative must at all times during the year of assessment be natural persons;
• no holder of shares or members should hold any shares or have any interest in the
equity of any other company, other than companies as specified in the definition of
“small business corporation” in section 12E(4);
• the gross income of the entity for the year of assessment may not exceed
R20 million;
• not more than 20% of the total of all receipts and accruals (other than those of a
capital nature) and all capital gains of the entity may consist collectively of
“investment income” as defined in section 12E(4) and income from rendering a
“personal service” as defined in section 12E(4); and
• the entity may not be a “personal service provider” as defined in the Fourth Schedule.

The first concession is that the entity will be taxed on the basis of a progressive rate
[see 2.6.2].

The second concession is the immediate write-off of all plant or machinery brought into use
for the first time by the entity for purpose of its trade (other than mining or farming) and used
by the entity directly in a process of manufacture or similar process in the year of
assessment [see 2.6.11]. Furthermore, the entity can elect to claim depreciation on its
depreciable assets (other than manufacturing assets) acquired on or after 1 April 2005 at
either –
• the wear-and-tear allowance rate under section 12E(1A)(a) read with section 11(e)
[see 2.6.10 read with paragraph (i)]; or
• at an accelerated write-off allowance rate under section 12E(1A)(b) [see 2.6.11].

An entity which is engaged in the provision of personal services will still qualify for the relief
provided it employs three or more full-time employees as specified throughout the year of
assessment and the service must not be performed by a person who holds an interest in that
entity.

For more information see the interpretation note. 25

2.5.5 Micro businesses

A person will qualify as a micro business if that person is a –
• natural person (or the deceased or insolvent estate of a natural person that was a
registered micro business at the time of death or insolvency); or
• company,
and the “qualifying turnover”, as defined in paragraph 1 of the Sixth Schedule, of that person
for the year of assessment does not exceed an amount of R1 million.

25
Interpretation Note 9 (Issue 5) dated 14 October 2009 “Small Business Corporations” and
Interpretation Note 9 (Issue 6) “Small Business Corporations” to be finalised.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 29

If that person carries on a business during a year of assessment for a period less than
12 months, the R1 million is reduced proportionally by taking into account the number of full
months that it did carry on business during that year.

Micro businesses have a simplified tax system (turnover tax – see the Sixth Schedule) and
serves as an alternative to the current income tax, provisional tax, capital gains tax and
dividends tax. A micro business may, however, be registered for VAT whilst registered under
the tax regime for micro businesses.

See 2.15.6 paragraph (c) for the progressive tax rate applicable to micro businesses.

For more information see sections 48 to 48C and the guides. 26

2.5.6 Insurance companies

(a) Short-term insurance business
The ordinary rules for the determination of taxable income also apply to a short-term insurer.
Short-term insurers are allowed to deduct expenditure incurred in respect of their business of
insurance, premiums on reinsurance and the actual amount of a liability incurred for any
claims, less any claims recovered. In addition, allowances for unexpired risks, claims
intimated but not paid and claims not intimated nor paid, are allowed subject to the discretion
of the Commissioner. Such allowances claimed as a deduction in a year of assessment must
be included as income in the succeeding year of assessment.

See section 28.

(b) Long-term insurance business

The taxation of long-term insurance companies is based on the trustee principle and the
recognition that insurers hold and administer certain of their assets on behalf of various
categories of policyholders, while the balance of the assets represents the shareholders’
interests.

These companies are liable for income tax according to a four-fund approach –
(see section 29A). The application of this approach requires that long-term insurers allocate
their assets to the four separate funds, namely, untaxed policyholder fund, individual
policyholder fund, company policyholder fund and the corporate fund. Each fund is taxed
separately [see 2.15.6 paragraph (g)] as if it is a separate taxpayer in accordance with the
applicable taxation principles. With effect from 1 January 2016 and applicable for years of
assessment commencing on or after that date the business for risk policies is taxed in a fifth
fund, to be known as the risk policy fund.

2.5.7 Mining
Mining entities are allowed to deduct capital expenditure incurred from taxable income
derived from mining operations, subject to certain limitations as discussed in the paragraph
below. Capital expenditure, for example, includes expenditure on shaft sinking and mining
equipment. It also includes expenditure on development and general administration before
the commencement of production or during a period of non-production.

The deduction of capital expenditure incurred on a particular mine is restricted to the taxable
income derived from that mine only. Any excess (unredeemed) capital expenditure will be

26
Tax Guide for Micro Businesses 2014/15 dated 27 March 2015 and the Tax Guide for Micro
Businesses 2015/16 to be finalised.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 30

carried forward and deemed to be capital expenditure incurred during the next year of
assessment of the mine to which the capital expenditure relates. The capital expenditure of a
mine cannot be set-off against non-mining income such as interest, rental, other trading
activities etc. However, where a new mine commenced mining operations after 14 March
1990, its excess (unredeemed) capital expenditure may also be deducted from the total
taxable income derived from mining of other mines operated by the taxpayer, as does not
exceed 25% of such total taxable income derived from its other mines.

The taxable income of a company derived from mining for gold is taxed in accordance with a
special formula [see 2.15.6 paragraph (d)]. A company which derives taxable income from
other mining operations is taxed at the same rate (28%) as is applicable to other companies.

Taxpayers conducting mining operations are required to rehabilitate areas where mining has
taken place. These taxpayers are therefore required to make provision for rehabilitation
expenses during the life of the mine. Amounts paid in cash to rehabilitation funds are
allowed as a deduction for income tax purposes.

See sections 36, 37 and 37A.

Expenditure incurred by a taxpayer to effect obligatory improvements under section 12N on

capital expenditure items contemplated in section 36(11)(d)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) shall be
deemed to be expenditure for the purpose of section 36.

Section 12N deems a taxpayer to be the owner of improvements effected on land or to any
building if the taxpayer –
(i) holds a right of use or occupation of the land or building;
(ii) incurs an obligation to effect improvements on the land under a public private
partnership or a long-term lease on land belonging to the government of South Africa
or an exempt entity listed under section 10(1)(cA) or (t);
(iii) incurs expenditure to effect the improvements in (ii) above;
(iv) completes the improvement in (ii) above; and
(v) uses or occupies the land or building for the production of income or derives income
from the land or building.

2.5.8 Oil and gas companies

Special rules apply to oil and gas companies regarding their income tax rates, exploration or
production or capital expenditures, losses etc. For more information see the Tenth Schedule.

See 20 regarding mineral and petroleum resources royalties.

2.5.9 Public benefit organisations

Non-profit organisations (NPOs) play a significant role in society by undertaking shared
responsibility for the social and development needs of the country by alleviating the financial
burden that would otherwise fall on the state. Tax benefits are designed to assist NPOs by
augmenting their financial resources and providing them with an enabling environment in
which to achieve their objectives.

The mere fact that an organisation has a non-profit motive or is established or registered as
an NPO under the Nonprofit Organisations Act 71 of 1997 or is established as a non-profit
company under the Companies Act 71 of 2008 does not mean that it automatically qualifies

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 31

for preferential tax treatment or approval as a public benefit organisation (PBO). An
organisation will only enjoy preferential tax treatment after it –
• has applied for and been granted approval as a PBO by the Tax Exemption Unit of
SARS; and
• continues to comply with the relevant requirements and conditions as set out in
the Act.

Internationally, NPOs are granted some degree of preferential tax treatment including donor
incentives, although the eligibility criteria and available benefits vary from country to country.

In South Africa, religious, charitable and educational institutions of a public character used to
be fully exempt from income tax and other taxes. In the absence of comprehensive case law
and statutory definitions, the Commissioner was burdened with the interpretation and
implementation of the exemption provisions and often unable to accommodate worthy
organisations because their activities did not fall within the letter of the Act.

For more information see the guides. 27

2.6 Special allowances

The cost to a taxpayer of an asset referred to in 2.6.1, 2.6.2, 2.6.3, 2.6.6, 2.6.7, 2.6.8, 2.6.14,
2.6.19 and 2.6.24, on which an allowance may be claimed, can include expenditure to effect
obligatory improvements on property owned by public private partnerships, the three
spheres of government (national, provincial or local sphere) or certain exempt entities
(see section 12N).

2.6.1 Industrial buildings (buildings used in the process of manufacture or a process

of a similar nature)
An allowance equal to 2% (50-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost to a
taxpayer of buildings, or of improvements to existing buildings used in a process of
manufacture or a process of a similar nature (other than mining or farming) (see section 13).

The allowance was increased to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) in situations where the
erection of the buildings or improvements commenced on or after 1 January 1989.

The allowance was further increased to 10% if the erection of the buildings commenced
during the period 1 July 1996 to 30 September 1999 or for improvements to a building
commenced during that period and if such building or improvements were brought into use
on or before 31 March 2000.

The depreciable cost of a building (or improvements) is the lesser of –

• the actual cost of the building (or improvements) to the taxpayer; or
• the actual cost of the building (or improvements) to the taxpayer less any amount of
an allowance recouped from a previous building (or improvements), if any.

27
Tax Exemption Guide for Public Benefit Organisations in South Africa dated 12 December 2014;
Basic Guide on Income Tax for Public Benefit Organisations dated 8 March 2013 and Basic Guide
for Tax-Deductible Donations dated 8 March 2013.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 32

The recoupment of the allowance can at the option of the taxpayer, either be –
• set off against the cost of a further building under section 13(3), provided the
requirements thereof are met; or
• included in the taxpayer’s income under section 8(4)(a).

For more information see the guide. 28

2.6.2 Commercial buildings

An allowance equal to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost to a
taxpayer of new and unused buildings or improvements to buildings (other than the provision
of residential accommodation) which were contracted for on or after 1 April 2007, and the
construction, erection or installation of which commenced on or after the abovementioned
date (see section 13quin).

The depreciable cost of a building (or improvement) is the lesser of –

• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price of the building or improvement at the time of acquisition.

To the extent a taxpayer acquires a part of a building without erecting or constructing that
part –
• 55% of the acquisition price, in the case of a part being acquired; and
• 30% of the acquisition price, in the case of an improvement being acquired,
will be deemed to be the cost incurred for that part or improvement, as the case may be.

Any recoupment of the allowance will be included in the taxpayer’s income under
section 8(4)(a).

For more information see the guide. 29

2.6.3 Buildings used by hotel keepers

Buildings and improvements
An allowance equal to 2% (50-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost to a
taxpayer of the erection of buildings and improvements (see section 13bis).

The allowance increases to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) for buildings or improvements,

the erection of which commenced on or after 4 June 1988.

Improvements which commenced on or after 17 March 1993 which do not extend the
existing exterior framework of the building
An allowance equal to 20% (five-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost to a
taxpayer of the erection of such improvements (see section 13bis).

The depreciable cost of a building (or any improvements) is the lesser of –

• the actual cost of the building (or improvements) to the taxpayer; or

28
Guide to Building Allowances dated 13 November 2014.
29
Guide to Building Allowances dated 13 November 2014.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 33

 • the actual cost of the building (or improvements) to the taxpayer less any amount of
an allowance recouped from a previous building (or improvements), if any.

The recoupment of the allowance can at the option of the taxpayer either be –
• set off against the cost of a further building under section 13bis(6)(a) provided the
requirements thereof are met; or
• included in the taxpayer’s income under section 8(4)(a).

For more information see the guide. 30

2.6.4 Aircraft or ships

An allowance equal to 20% (five-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost to a
taxpayer to acquire an aircraft or ship (the asset) (see section 12C).

The asset must be owned by the taxpayer or acquired by the taxpayer as purchaser in terms
of an “instalment credit agreement” as defined in the VAT Act.

The depreciable cost of the asset is the lesser of –

• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price at the time of acquisition.

The full amount of any recoupment of the allowance will be included in the taxpayer’s
income under section 8(4)(a). In the case of a replacement asset (asset acquired to replace
a damaged or destroyed asset) the recoupment will not be included in the taxpayer’s income
but the cost of the replacement asset must be reduced by the amount that has been
recovered or recouped in respect of the damaged or destroyed asset [see section 8(4)(e)].

Section 8(4)(e) was amended with effect from 22 December 2003 and at the same time
paragrqaphs (eA), (eB), (eC), (eD) and (eE) (the new recoupment provisions) were
introduced. This amendment, read with the new recoupment provisions, will only apply if the
taxpayer opts for paragraph 65 or 66 of the Eighth Schedule to apply to the disposal of the
damaged or destroyed asset. It follows that the amount to be included in income in a year of
assessment is limited to an amount apportioned to the replacement asset but in the same
ratio as the deduction of the allowance is allowed for the replacement asset, which has the
effect that the cost of the replacement asset is not reduced. Rather:
• If a taxpayer acquires more than one replacement asset that taxpayer must, in
applying paragraphs (eB), (eC) and (eD), apportion the recoupment to each
replacement asset in the same ratio as the receipts and accruals from the disposal
respectively expended to acquire the replacement asset bear to the total receipts and
accruals expended in acquiring all those replacement assets [see section 8(4)(eA)].
• The amount of the recoupment will be included in the taxpayer’s income over the
period that the replacement asset is written off for tax purposes in the same
proportion as the allowance granted on the replacement asset [see section 8(4)(eB)].
• In the year of assessment in which the taxpayer disposes of a replacement asset,
any portion of the recoupment that is apportioned to the replacement asset that has
not been included in the taxpayer’s income will be deemed to have been recouped in
that year of assessment [see section 8(4)(eC)].

30
Guide to Building Allowances dated 13 November 2014.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 34

 • In the year of assessment in which the taxpayer ceases to use a replacement asset,
any portion of the recoupment that is apportioned to the replacement asset that has
not been included in the taxpayer’s income will be deemed to have been recouped in
that year of assessment [see section 8(4)(eD)].
• In the year of assessment in which the taxpayer fails to conclude a contract or fails to
bring any replacement asset into use within the period prescribed in paragraph 65 or
66 of the Eighth Schedule, section 8(4)(e) will not apply and the recoupment will be
deemed to be recouped under section 8(4)(a) on the date on which the relevant
period ends [see section 8(4)(eE)].

Expenditure incurred by a taxpayer during any year in moving an asset, for which an
allowance was deducted or is deductible, from one location to another, will be allowed as a
deduction as follows:
• if the allowance is deductible in that year of assessment and one or more succeeding
years of assessment, the expenditure will be allowed in equal instalments in each
year of assessment in which the allowance is deductible; or
• in any other case, the expenditure will be allowed in that year of assessment.

2.6.5 Rolling stock (that is, trains and carriages)

An allowance equal to 20% (five-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost incurred
by a taxpayer on rolling stock brought into use on or after 1 January 2008
(see section 12DA).

The depreciable cost of the rolling stock is the lesser of –

• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price of the stock at the time of acquisition.

The rolling stock must be owned by the taxpayer or acquired by the taxpayer as purchaser in
terms of an “instalment credit agreement” as defined in the VAT Act and must be used
directly by the taxpayer wholly or mainly for the transportation of persons, goods or things.

Any recoupment of the allowance granted will be accounted for in exactly the same manner
as mentioned in 2.6.4.

2.6.6 Certain pipelines, transmission lines and railway lines

Pipelines used for transportation of natural oil
An allowance equal to 10% (10-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost incurred
by a taxpayer to acquire any new or unused pipelines (see section 12D).

The pipeline must be owned by the taxpayer and brought into use for the first time by the
taxpayer and used directly by the taxpayer for the transportation of natural oil.

Pipelines for transportation of water used by power stations

An allowance equal to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost incurred by
a taxpayer to acquire any new or unused pipelines (see section 12D).

The pipeline must be owned by the taxpayer and brought into use for the first time by the
taxpayer and used directly by the taxpayer for the transportation of water used by power
stations in generating electricity.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 35

Lines or cables used for transmission of electricity
An allowance equal to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost incurred by
a taxpayer to acquire any new or unused lines or cables (see section 12D).

The line or cable must be owned by the taxpayer and brought into use for the first time by
the taxpayer and used directly by the taxpayer for the transmission of electricity.

Lines or cables used for transmission of electronic communications

An allowance equal to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost incurred by
a taxpayer to acquire new or unused lines or cables (see section 12D).

The line or cable must be owned by the taxpayer and brought into use for the first time by
the taxpayer and used directly by the taxpayer for the transmission of telecommunication
signals.

The allowance increased to 6,67% (15-year straight-line basis) for lines and cables (new or
used) owned by the taxpayer and brought into use for the first time by the taxpayer. The
increased allowance only applies to lines and cables acquired on or after 1 April 2015.

Railway lines used for transportation of persons, goods or things

An allowance equal to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost incurred by
a taxpayer to acquire new or unused railway lines (see section 12D).

The railway line must be owned by the taxpayer and brought into use for the first time by the
taxpayer and used directly by the taxpayer for the transportation of persons or goods or
things.

Earthworks or supporting structures forming part of abovementioned assets and any

improvements thereto, will also qualify for the relevant allowance.

The depreciable cost of these assets is the lesser of –

• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price at the time of acquisition.

Any recoupment of the allowance granted will be accounted for in exactly the same manner
as mentioned in 2.6.4.

2.6.7 Airport assets

An allowance equal to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost incurred by
a taxpayer to acquire airport assets (see section 12F).

Airport assets are any aircraft hangar, apron, runway or taxiway on any designated airport
and any improvements to these assets (including any earthworks or supporting structures
forming part of these assets).

The depreciable cost of an asset is the lesser of –

• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price at the time of acquisition.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 36

Any recoupment of the allowance granted will be accounted for in exactly the same manner
as mentioned in 2.6.4.

2.6.8 Port assets

An allowance equal to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost incurred by
a taxpayer of new and unused port assets (including the construction, erection or installation
thereof) (see section 12F).

Port assets are any port terminal, breakwater, sand trap, berth, quay wall, bollard, graving
dock, slipway, single point mooring, dolos, fairway, surfacing, wharf, seawall, channel, basin,
sand bypass, road, bridge, jetty or off-dock container depot (including any earthworks or
supporting structures forming part of the aforementioned and any improvements thereto).

The depreciable cost of an asset is the lesser of –

• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price at the time of acquisition.

Any recoupment of the allowance granted will be accounted for in exactly the same manner
as mentioned in 2.6.4.

2.6.9 Machinery, plant, implements, utensils and articles (the asset) (other than
rolling stock or an asset for farming, manufacturing, agricultural co-operatives
or a small business corporation)
An allowance equal to the amount by which the value of the asset has diminished through
wear-and-tear or depreciation, as determined on the basis of the period of use for trade
purposes listed in a public notice issued by the Commissioner, or a shorter period of use
approved by the Commissioner on application in the prescribed form and manner by the
taxpayer will be granted [see section 11(e)].

Any foundation or supporting structure to which the asset is mounted or affixed forms part of
the asset and qualifies for the allowance.

The depreciable cost of the asset is the direct cost under a cash transaction concluded at
arm’s length including the direct cost of the installation or erection thereof.

The value of the asset will be increased by the amount of any expenditure incurred by a
taxpayer during any year in moving the asset from one location to another.

The assets must be owned by the taxpayer or acquired by the taxpayer as purchaser in
terms of an “instalment credit agreement” as defined in the VAT Act.

Small items costing less than R7 000 may be written off in full in the year of assessment of
acquisition.

Any recoupment of the allowance granted will be included in the taxpayer’s income under
section 8(4)(a).

For more information see the interpretation note.31

31
Interpretation Note 47 (Issue 3) dated 2 November 2012 “Wear-and-Tear or Depreciation
Allowance”.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 37

2.6.10 Manufacturing assets (the assets)
(i) Machinery or plant or improvements thereto owned or acquired by a taxpayer and
brought into use for the first time by the taxpayer in a direct process of
manufacturer or similar process;
(ii) Machinery or plant or improvements thereto owned or acquired by a taxpayer and
let to a lessee who brought it into use for the first time in its trade as
manufacturer;
(iii) Machinery or plant owned or acquired by a taxpayer (manufacturer) and was or is
made available by the manufacturer in terms of a contract to another person for
no consideration and brought it into use for the first time by that other person for
that other person’s trade and used by that other person solely for the benefit of
that taxpayer for the purpose of the performance of that taxpayer’s obligation
under that contract in a process of manufacture under the Automotive Production
and Development Programme;
(iv) Machinery, implements, utensils or articles [other than those referred to in
paragraph (i) above – section 11(e)] or improvements thereto owned or acquired
by the taxpayer and brought into use for the first time by the taxpayer in his trade
as hotelkeeper;
(v) Machinery, implements, utensils or articles [other than those referred to in
paragraph (i) above – section 11(e)] or improvements thereto owned or acquired
by a taxpayer and let to a lessee who brought it into use for the first time in its
trade as hotelkeeper; or
(vi) Machinery or plant owned or acquired by a taxpayer and brought into use for the
first time by any agricultural co-operative for storing or packing farming products.

An allowance equal to 20% (5-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost to a
taxpayer to acquire the asset or improvements effected thereto (see section 12C). The
allowance for (iii) above is only applicable for years of assessment ended on or after
1 January 2016.

Any foundation or supporting structure to which the asset is mounted or affixed forms part of
the asset and qualifies for the allowance.

The allowance is increased for a new or unused asset, acquired on or after 1 March 2002
and brought into use by the taxpayer in its manufacture or similar process carried on in the
course of its business, to –
• 40% of the cost to the taxpayer in the year of assessment during which the asset was
or is so brought into use; and
• 20% of the cost to the taxpayer in each of the three succeeding years of assessment.

The depreciable cost of the asset is the lesser of –

• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price at the time of acquisition.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 38

Expenditure incurred by a taxpayer during any year in moving an asset for which an
allowance was deducted or is deductible, from one location to another, will be allowed as a
deduction as follows:
• if the allowance is deductible in that year of assessment and one or more succeeding
years of assessment, the expenditure will be allowed in equal instalments in each
year of assessment in which the allowance is deductible; or
• in any other case, the expenditure will be allowed in that year of assessment.

The asset must be owned by the taxpayer or acquired by the taxpayer as purchaser in terms
of an “instalment credit agreement” as defined in the VAT Act.

Any recoupment of the allowance granted will be accounted for in exactly the same manner
as mentioned in 2.6.4.

2.6.11 Plant or machinery of small business corporations

Plant and machinery (used in a process of manufacturing or a process of a similar nature)
A deduction, equal to 100% of the cost of any plant or machinery, brought into use in a year
of assessment for the first time and used in a process of manufacture or any other process
which is of a similar nature, will be granted [see section 12E(1)].

Machinery, plant, implement, utensil, article, aircraft or ship (other than plant or machinery
used in a process of manufacturing or a process of a similar nature)
An allowance equal to –
• an amount as calculated in 2.6.10 [see section 12E(1A)(a) read with section 11(e)];
or
• an accelerated allowance for the assets, acquired by an SBC on or after 1 April 2005
[see section 12E(1A)(b)], at –
 50% of the cost of the asset in the year of assessment during which it is first
brought into use;
 30% in the second year of assessment; and
 20% in the third year of assessment,
will be granted.

An SBC can elect to claim either a wear-and-tear allowance under section 11(e) (see (i)
above) or the accelerated allowance (50:30:20 deductions) under section 12E(1A)(b).

The asset must be owned by the taxpayer or acquired by the taxpayer as purchaser in terms
of an “instalment credit agreement” as defined in the VAT Act.

The depreciable cost of plant or machinery (the asset) is the lesser of –

• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price at the time of acquisition.

Any recoupment of the allowance –

• granted under section 11(e) will be included in the taxpayer’s income under
section 8(4)(a), and

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 39

 • granted under section 12E(1A)(b) will be accounted for in exactly the same manner
as mentioned in 2.6.4.

2.6.12 Machinery, plant, implements, utensils or articles or improvements thereto (the

asset) used in farming or production of renewable energy
An allowance will be granted for assets owned by a taxpayer or acquired by the taxpayer as
purchaser in terms of an “instalment credit agreement” as defined in the VAT Act, and
brought into use for the first time by the taxpayer –
• in the carrying on of farming operations except –
 any motor vehicle of which the sole primary function is the conveyance of
persons;
 any caravan;
 any aircraft (other than an aircraft used solely or mainly for crop spraying); or
 any office furniture or equipment);
• for the purpose of trade to be used for the production of bio-diesel or bio-ethanol;
• for the purpose of his trade to generate electricity from –
 wind power;
o photovoltaic solar energy of more than 1 megawatt;
o not exceeding 1 megawatt; or
o concentrated solar energy;
 hydropower to produce electricity of not more than 30 megawatts; and
 biomass comprising organic wastes, landfill gas or plant material.

An allowance for –
• assets used to generate electricity from photovoltaic solar energy not exceeding
1 megawatt, equal to 100% (in respect of years of assessment commencing on or
after 1 January 2016); and
• all other assets, equal to –
 50% of the cost of the asset to the taxpayer in the year of assessment (first
year of assessment) in which the asset is so brought into use;
 30% of such cost in the second year of assessment; and
 20% of such cost in the third year of assessment,
will be granted [see section 12B(2)].

Any foundation or supporting structure to which the abovementioned assets are mounted or
affixed forms part of the asset and qualifies for the allowance.

The depreciable cost of the asset is the lesser of –

• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price at the time of acquisition.

Any recoupment of the allowance granted will be accounted for in exactly the same manner
as mentioned in 2.6.4.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 40

2.6.13 Invention, patent, design, trade mark, copyright and knowledge
Expenditure incurred during any year of assessment commencing before 1 January 2004
[see section 11(gA)]
An allowance for expenditure exceeding R5 000 (other than expenditure which has qualified
in whole or part for deduction or allowance), in –
• devising or developing any invention; or
• creating or producing any design, trade mark, copy right or other property which is of
a similar nature; or
• obtaining or restoring any patent or the registration of any design or trade mark; or
• acquiring any such patent, design, trade mark or copyright or any other property of a
similar nature or knowledge essential to use such patent, design, trade mark,
copyright or other property or the right to have such knowledge imparted,
will be granted.

In the case of expenditure incurred before 29 October 1999, an allowance will be granted
equal to the amount which is the greater of –
• the expenditure divided by the number of years which represents the probable
duration of use; or
• 4% of the said amount.

In the case of expenditure incurred on or after 29 October 1999, an allowance will be

granted equal to –
• 5% of the expenditure incurred on any invention, patent, trade mark, copyright or
property of a similar nature or any knowledge essential to the use thereof; or
• 10% of the expenditure of any design or other property of a similar nature or any
knowledge essential to the use thereof.

No allowance will be granted for expenditure incurred on or after 29 October 1999 for the
acquisition of a trade mark or knowledge essential to the use of such trade mark.

This allowance will not be granted for expenditure incurred during any year of assessment
commencing on or after 1 January 2004.

Expenditure (other than expenditure which has qualified in whole or in part for deduction or
allowance under any other provision of section 11) [see section 11(gB)]
Expenditure incurred in –
• obtaining the grant of any patent;
• the restoration of any patent;
• the extension of the term of any patent;
• the registration of any design;
• extension of the registration period of any design;
• the registration of any trade mark;
• renewal of the registration of any trade mark,

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 41

 • will be allowed as a deduction.

Expenditure incurred during any year of assessment commencing on or after 1 January

2004 [see section 11(gC)]
An allowance will be granted for expenditure incurred to acquire (otherwise than by way of
devising, developing or creating) –
• an invention or patent as defined in the Patents Act 57 of 1978;
• a design as defined in the Designs Act 195 of 1993;
• a copyright as defined in the Copyright Act 98 of 1978;
• other property which is of a similar nature (other than a trade mark as defined in the
Trade Marks Act 194 of 1993; or
• knowledge essential to the use of such patent, design, copyright or other property or
the right to have such knowledge imparted.

The allowance will be granted in the year of assessment in which the abovementioned
property is brought into use for the first time by the taxpayer for purposes of the taxpayer’s
trade.

In the case of expenditure that exceeds R5 000, the allowance will not exceed in any year of
assessment –
• 5% of the expenditure in respect of any invention, patent, copyright or other property
of a similar nature or any knowledge essential to the use of such invention, patent,
copyright or other property or the right to have such knowledge imparted; or
• 10% of the expenditure of any design or other property of a similar nature or any
knowledge essential to the use of such design or other property or the right to have
such knowledge imparted.

Any recoupment of an allowance granted under section 11(gA), (gB) or (gC) will be included
in the taxpayer’s income under section 8(4)(a).

2.6.14 Scientific or technological research and development

R&D expenditure incurred on or after 1 October 2012
A deduction will be allowed in the year of assessment that expenditure is incurred, equal to
150% of the expenditure (whether income or capital in nature) directly and solely incurred on
R&D undertaken in South Africa, if that expenditure is incurred in the production of income
and in the carrying on of any trade [see section 11D(2)].

If one party undertakes R&D activities on behalf of another (the funder), only one party (the
one responsible for determining the research methodology) will be eligible to qualify for the
deduction [see section 11D(4) and (5)].

A deduction, equal to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) of the cost to a taxpayer of any new
and unused building or part thereof, and brought into use for the purpose of carrying on
therein a process of R&D in the course of that taxpayer’s trade, will be allowed (see
section 13).

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 42

For more information see the guide. 32

The recoupment of the allowance can, at the option of the taxpayer, either be –
• set off against the cost of a further building under section 13(3) provided the
requirements thereof are met; or
• included in the taxpayer’s income under section 8(4)(a).

A deduction, equal to a four year write-off at a rate of 40:20:20:20 will be allowed for any
new and unused machinery, plant, implement, utensil or article or improvements thereto
brought into use for purposes of R&D (see section 12C).

The depreciable cost of the asset is the lesser of –

• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price at the time of acquisition.

Any recoupment of the allowance granted will be accounted for in exactly the same manner
as mentioned in 2.6.4.

R&D expenditure incurred on or after 1 January 2014 but before 1 October 2022
A deduction, equal to 150% of the expenditure incurred directly and solely on R&D
undertaken in South Africa, will be allowed in the year of assessment in which the
expenditure is incurred in the production of income; and in the carrying on of any trade.

If one party undertakes R&D activities on behalf of another (the funder), only one party (the
one responsible for determining the research methodology) will qualify for the 150%
deduction.

The Minister of Science and Technology may withdraw an approval granted for research and
development with effect from a specific date. Under section 11D(19) an additional
assessment may be raised for any year of assessment in which a deduction for research
and development was allowed, if approval for such a deduction is subsequently withdrawn.

A deduction, equal to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) of the cost to a taxpayer of any new
and unused building or part thereof, and brought into use for the purpose of carrying on
therein a process of R&D in the course of that taxpayer’s trade, will be allowed (see
section 13).

For more information see the guide. 33

A deduction, equal to a four year write-off at a rate of 40:20:20:20 will be allowed for any
new and unused machinery, plant, implement, utensils or article (assets) or improvements
thereto brought into use for purposes of R&D (see section 12C).

Any foundation or supporting structure to which the asset, acquired under an agreement
formally and finally signed by every party to the agreement on or after 1 January 2012, is
mounted or affixed, forms part of the asset and qualifies for the allowance.

32
Guide to Building Allowances dated 13 November 2014.
33
Guide to Building Allowances dated 13 November 2014.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 43

The depreciable cost of the asset is the lesser of –
• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price at the time of acquisition.

Any recoupment of the allowance granted will be accounted for in exactly the same manner
as mentioned in 2.6.4.

2.6.15 Urban development zones

Taxpayers investing in one of the 16 demarcated urban development areas receive special
depreciation allowances for construction or refurbishment of commercial and residential
buildings located in these areas that are used solely for trade purposes. These areas are
located within the boundaries of the municipalities of Buffalo City, City of Cape Town,
Ekurhuleni, Emalahleni, Emfuleni, eThekwini, Johannesburg, Mahikeng, Mangaung,
Matjhabeng, Mbombela, Msunduzi, Nelson Mandela, Polokwane, Sol Plaatje and Tshwane.

For more information see the guides. 34

2.6.16 Additional deduction for learnership agreements

With effect from 1 January 2013 the definition of “registered learnership agreement” in
section 12H(1) has been amended to read as follows, namely –
“a learnership agreement that is –
• registered in accordance with the Skill Development Act, 1998; and
• entered into between a learner and an employer before 1 October 2016”.

The deduction is allowed as follows:

1) During any year of assessment that a learner

is a party to a registered learnership
agreement with an employer; and that R30 000
agreement was entered into pursuant to a
trade carried on by that employer.

R30 000 is reduced in the same

2) If that agreement is for less than 12 full ratio as the number of full months
months during the year of assessment. that the learner is a party to that
agreement bears to 12.

3) During any year of assessment that a learner

is a party to a registered learnership
agreement with an employer for less than
24 months, that agreement was entered into R30 000 in addition to any
pursuant to a trade carried on by that allowable deduction.
employer and that learner successfully
completes that learnership during that year of
assessment.

34
Guide to the Urban Development Zone Tax Incentive (Issue 4) dated September 2014 and Guide
to Building Allowances dated 13 November 2014.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 44

 4) During any year of assessment that a learner
is a party to a registered learnership
R30 000 multiplied by the number
agreement with an employer for a period that
of consecutive 12-month periods
equals or exceeds 24 full months, which
within the duration of that
agreement was entered into pursuant to a
agreement in addition to any
trade carried on by that employer and that
allowable deduction.
learner successfully completes that
learnership during that year of assessment.

5) If the learner mentioned above is a person

with a disability at the time of entering into the R30 000 is increased to R50 000
learnership agreement.

For more information see the interpretation note. 35

2.6.17 Film owners

As from 1 January 2012 no deduction will be allowed on any expenditure incurred in respect
of –
• any film, the principal photography of which commenced on or after 1 January 2012;
or
• any film after 31 December 2012.

As from 1 January 2012 income derived from the exploitation rights of qualifying films is,
subject to the requirements as set out in section 12O being met, exempt from income tax.
However, taxpayers will be entitled to claim a limited net loss for expenditure incurred after a
two-year period. Taxpayers claiming this net loss will lose the benefit of the exemption going
forward.

For more information see the guide. 36

2.6.18 Environmental expenditure

Environmental treatment and recycling asset
This includes any air, water and solid waste treatment and recycling plant or pollution control
and monitoring equipment (and improvements to the plant or equipment).

An allowance will be granted, equal to –

• 40% of the cost to the taxpayer to acquire the asset in the year of assessment (first
year of assessment) in which the asset is so brought into use; and
• 20% of such cost in each of the subsequent three years of assessment.

See section 37B.

35
Interpretation Note 20 (Issue 6) dated 27 November 2015 “Additional deduction for Learnership
Agreements”.
36
Guide to the Exemption from Normal Tax of Income from Films to be finalised.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 45

Environmental waste disposal asset
This includes any air, water and solid waste disposal site, dam, dump, reservoir, or other
structure of a similar nature, or any improvement thereto.

An allowance equal to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) will be granted on the cost to a

taxpayer to acquire the asset.

See section 37B.

The depreciable cost of the abovementioned assets is the lesser of –

• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price at the time of acquisition.

Any recoupment of these allowances will be included in the taxpayer’s income under
section 8(4)(a).

Post-trade environmental expenses

A deduction equal to 100% of the expenditure or loss incurred in respect of certain
decommissioning, remediation or restoration will be allowed.

See section 37A.

2.6.19 Certain residential units

An allowance, equal to 5% (20-year straight-line basis) of the cost to a taxpayer of a new
and unused residential unit (or of new and unused improvements to a residential unit)
acquired by or the erection of which commenced on or after 21 October 2008 by the
taxpayer, will be granted if –
• the unit or improvement is used by the taxpayer solely for the purposes of a trade
carried on by the taxpayer;
• the unit is situated within South Africa; and
• the taxpayer owns at least five residential units within South Africa, which are used
by the taxpayer for the purposes of a trade carried on by the taxpayer.

An additional allowance of 5% of the cost of a low-cost residential unit of a taxpayer will be

granted if the allowance of 5% referred to above is deducted.

The percentages below will be deemed to be percentages of the costs incurred by the
taxpayer on a residential unit where the taxpayer acquires a residential unit (or improvement
to a residential unit) representing only a part of a building, without erecting or constructing
the unit or improvement –
• 55% of the acquisition price, in the case of the unit being acquired; and
• 30% of the acquisition price, in the case of the improvement being acquired.

These allowances are not applicable to any residential unit (or any improvement thereto) if
the cost of the residential unit qualified or will qualify for a deduction under any other
provisions of the Act.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 46

The depreciable cost of the residential unit is the lesser of –
• the actual cost to the taxpayer; or
• the arm’s length cash price at the time of acquisition.

Any recoupment of these allowances will be included in the taxpayer’s income under
section 8(4)(a).

For more information see the guide. 37 Also see section 13sex.

2.6.20 Residential buildings

Deductions are available to a taxpayer who erects at least five residential units. The
taxpayer must have commenced the erection of the residential units, under a housing
project, on or after 1 April 1982 and before 21 October 2008. Both terms “residential unit”
and “housing project” are defined in section 13ter(1). The deductions are as follows:
• A residential building initial allowance equal to 10% of the cost to the taxpayer of the
unit if it is let to a tenant for profit purposes or occupied by a full-time employee and
provided at least five residential units in that housing project have been let or
occupied for the first time.
• A residential building annual allowance equal to 2% of the cost to the taxpayer of the
unit in the year of assessment in which the residential building initial allowance is
deducted and each succeeding year of assessment.

If the unit is used or dealt with by the taxpayer in such a way that the unit ceases to be
available for letting to a tenant or occupied by a full time employee, these two allowances
are subject to recoupment as provided for under section 13ter(7). Should the unit be
disposed of, section 8(4)(a) will apply to the balances of these two allowances not yet
recouped.

For more information see the guide. 38

2.6.21 Sale of low-cost residential units on loan account

Should a taxpayer dispose of a low-cost residential unit to an employee on or after
21 October 2008, a deduction, equal to 10% of the amount owing to the taxpayer by the
employee for the unit at the end of the taxpayer’s year of assessment, will be allowed,
provided no such deduction will be allowed in the eleventh and subsequent years of
assessment after the disposal of the unit.

No deduction will be allowed, if –

• the disposal is subject to any condition other than that the employee may be required
to transfer the low-cost residential unit back to the taxpayer –
 upon termination of employment; or
 upon a consistent failure (for a minimum period of three months) by the
employee to pay an amount owing to the taxpayer in respect of the low-cost
residential unit,
• interest is payable on the amount owing to the taxpayer by the employee; or

37
Guide to Building Allowances dated 13 November 2014.
38
Guide to Building Allowances dated 13 November 2014.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 47

 • the unit is disposed of to the employee for an amount that exceeds the actual cost to
the taxpayer of the unit and the land on which the unit is erected.

All repayments of the amount owing on the loan trigger a potential deemed recoupment
[see section 13sept(4)]. The amount deemed recouped by the employer will equal the lesser
of –
• the amount so paid; or
• the amount allowed as a deduction in the current or previous years of assessment.

For more information see the guide. 39 Also see section 13sept.

Mining employers engaging in the same form of disposal fall under the special capital
expenditure regime for mining. Mining has been kept separate because this deduction needs
to be part of the capital expenditure rules associated with mining (see section 36).

2.6.22 Environmental conservation and maintenance expenditure

A deduction for expenditure incurred by a taxpayer to conserve or maintain land is deemed
to be expenditure incurred in the production of income and for purposes of a trade carried on
by the taxpayer, if –
• the conservation or maintenance is carried out in terms of a biodiversity management
agreement that has a duration of at least five years entered into by the taxpayer in
terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004; and
• the land used by the taxpayer in the production of income and for purposes of a trade
consists of, includes or is in the immediate proximity of the land that is the subject of
the agreement contemplated in the bullet above.

The above expenditure will be limited to the income of the taxpayer derived from the trade
carried on by the taxpayer on the land used as contemplated in the second bullet above. The
excess amount will be carried forward and deemed to be a deduction in the next year of
assessment.

Expenditure incurred by a taxpayer to conserve or maintain land owned by the taxpayer is

for purposes of section 18A deemed to be a donation, if the conservation or maintenance is
carried out in terms of a declaration that has a duration of at least 30 years in terms of the
National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003.

If land is declared a national park or nature reserve and the declaration is endorsed on the
title deed of the land and has a duration of at least 99 years, 10% of the lesser of the cost or
market value of the land is, for purposes of section 18A and paragraph 62 of the Eighth
Schedule, deemed to be a donation paid or transferred to the Government, for which a
receipt has been issued under section 18A(2), in the year of assessment in which the land is
so declared and each of the succeeding nine years of assessment.

If land is declared on or after 1 March 2015 as a national park or nature reserve for at least
99 years, it is not deemed a donation but an allowance will be allowed under section 37D
[see 2.6.23 below].

See section 37C.

39
Guide to Building Allowances dated 13 November 2014.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 48

2.6.23 Allowance for land conservation of nature reserves or national parks
If land is declared on or after 1 March 2015 as a national park or nature reserve, for at least
99 years, an allowance will be granted equal to 4% (25-year straight-line basis) of –
• the cost to a taxpayer to acquire the land and improvements thereon, if the cost is not
less than the market value or municipal value; or
• an amount determined in accordance with the formula in section 37D, if the market
value or municipal value exceeds the cost.

2.6.24 Additional investment and training allowances for industrial policy projects
Additional investment allowance
A company may deduct an amount equal to –
(a) (i) 55% of the cost of any new and unused manufacturing asset used in an
industrial policy project with preferred status; or
(ii) 100% of the cost of any new and unused manufacturing asset used in an
industrial policy project with preferred status that is located within a special
economic zone; or
(b) (i) 35% of the cost of any new and unused manufacturing asset used in any
industrial policy project other than an industrial policy project with preferred
status; or
(ii) 75% of the cost of any new and unused manufacturing asset used in any
industrial policy project other than an industrial policy project with preferred
status that is located within a special economic zone,

in the year of assessment during which the asset is first brought into use by the company as
owner thereof for the furtherance of the industrial policy project carried on by that company,
if that asset was acquired and contracted for on or after the date of approval and was
brought into use within four years from the date of approval.

The deduction referred to in (a)(ii) and (b)(ii) above is only applicable to projects approved
on or after 1 January 2012.

The additional investment allowance may not exceed –

• R900 million for a greenfield project with preferred status, or R550 million for any
other greenfield project from the date of approval;
• R550 million for a brownfield project with preferred status, or R350 million for any
other brownfield project from the date of approval.

All three terms, “industrial policy project”, “brownfield project” and “greenfield project” are
defined in section 12I.

Additional training allowance

A company may also deduct an amount equal to the cost of training provided to employees
in the year of assessment during which the cost of training is incurred for the furtherance of
the industrial policy project.

The cost of the training must be incurred within six years from the date of approval of the
project and the additional training allowance may not exceed R36 000 per employee.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 49

This training allowance may not exceed –
• R30 million for an industrial policy project with preferred status; and
• R20 million for any other industrial policy project.

See section 12I.

2.6.25 Expenditure incurred to obtain a licence

Expenditure (not in respect of infrastructure) incurred to acquire a licence from certain
government authorities to carry on a trade that constitutes the provision of
telecommunication services, the exploration, production or distribution of petroleum or the
provision of gambling facilities, may be claimed as a deduction. The deduction for any year
of assessment must not exceed an amount equal to the amount of the expenditure divided
by the number of years for which the taxpayer has the right to the licence, or 30 years,
whichever is the lesser.

See section 11(gD).

2.6.26 Deduction for expenditure incurred in exchange for issue of venture capital
company shares
The deduction under section 12J aims to encourage investors to invest in venture capital
companies (VCCs), which in turn, invest in qualifying investee companies (that is, small and
medium-sized businesses and junior mining companies).

A claim for a deduction must be supported by a certificate issued by the approved VCC.

For more information see the guide. 40

2.6.27 Deduction of medical lump sum payments

A taxpayer will be allowed to deduct from income derived from carrying on a trade, a lump
sum payment –
• to any former employee of the taxpayer who has retired from the taxpayer’s employ
on grounds of old age, ill health or infirmity or to a dependant of that former
employee; or
• under a policy of insurance taken out with an insurer solely for one or more former
employees or dependants mentioned in the bullet above,
but only to the extent that the amount is paid for purposes of making any contribution, in
respect of any former employee or dependant contemplated in the first bullet above, to any
medical scheme or fund contemplated in section 6A(2)(a)(i) or (ii).

See section 12M.

2.7 Owners or charterers of ships or aircraft who are not residents of

South Africa
An owner or charterer of a ship or aircraft who is a non-resident and who embarks
passengers, or loads livestock, mails or goods in South Africa will be deemed to have
derived taxable income equal to 10% of the amount payable to him, or to an agent on his
behalf, no matter whether the amount is payable in or outside of South Africa

40
External Guide: Venture Capital Companies – Revision 6.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 50

(see section 33). Such owner or charterer will be assessed accordingly. However, this will
not apply if the owner or charterer renders accounts that satisfactorily disclose the actual
taxable income derived from the business.

The owner or charterer who is a non-resident is exempt from taxation in South Africa, if a
similar exemption or equivalent relief is granted by the foreign country of which that owner or
charterer is a resident, to any resident of South Africa in respect of any tax imposed in that
foreign country on income which may be derived by a resident of South Africa from carrying
on in that foreign country any business as any ship or aircraft owner or charterer.
Furthermore, provisions dealing with these aspects are generally contained in tax treaties
(see 2.2.4).

2.8 Farming
Farming operations include livestock farming, crop farming, milk production, plantation
farming, sugar cane farming and game farming.

Any person carrying on farming operations is required to account for the value of livestock
and produce on hand at the beginning and end of a year of assessment in that person’s
income tax return. The values to be placed on livestock at the beginning and end of the year
of assessment are the standard values as prescribed by regulation in terms of the Act.
Produce, on the other hand, must be accounted for at cost of production or market value,
whichever is the lower.

Game is also regarded as livestock, but is excluded from opening and closing stock due to
practical difficulties that can be encountered in establishing the actual numbers of game on
hand at any given time. For more information see the interpretation note. 41

Game farmers must prove that the game is purchased, bred and sold on a regular basis with
a genuine intention to carry on farming operations profitably in order to qualify as game
farmers. Income relating to accommodation and catering facilities for visitors does not qualify
as income from farming operations and separate financial statements must be drawn up for
such income.

Allowable deductions for capital development expenditure are –

• the eradication of noxious plants and alien invasive vegetation;
• the prevention of soil erosion;
• dipping tanks;
• dams, irrigation schemes, boreholes, pumping plants;
• fences;
• the erection of or extensions, additions or improvement (other than repairs) to
buildings used in connection with farming operations other than those used for
domestic purposes (for more information see the guide 42);
• the planting of trees, shrubs or perennial plants for the production of grapes or other
fruit, nuts, tea, coffee, hops, sugar, vegetable oils or fibre, and the establishment of
any area used for the planting of such trees, shrubs or plants;
• the building of roads and bridges used in connection with farming operations; and
41
Interpretation Note 69 dated 12 February 2013 “Game Farming”.
42
Guide to Building Allowances dated 13 November 2014.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 51

 • the carrying of electric power from the main transmission lines to farm apparatus or
under an agreement concluded with the Escom in connection with the supply of
electric power consumed by the farmer wholly or mainly for farming purposes.

The deduction for capital development expenditure may not exceed the taxable income from
farming operations during a year of assessment. The balance of the amount of such
expenditure that exceeds the taxable income in the year of assessment will be carried
forward and deducted in the succeeding year, subject to the same limitation.

Certain of the above capital development expenditure incurred such as the prevention of soil
erosion, dams, irrigation schemes and fences to conserve and maintain land owned by the
taxpayer will be deemed to be expenditure incurred in the carrying on of pastoral, agricultural
or other farming operations if certain requirements are met (see paragraph 12(1A) of the
First Schedule).

Special measures in determining taxable income of farmers

Since a farmer’s income can fluctuate considerably from year to year, the Act contains
provisions whereby the farmer may be taxed on the basis of his or her annual average
taxable income from farming in the current and previous four years of assessment. For more
information see the interpretation note. 43

Relief is also given to farmers whose income for any year of assessment includes income
derived from –
• the disposal of plantation and forest produce;
• the abnormal disposal of sugar cane as a consequence of damage to cane fields by
fire;
• the disposal of livestock sold on account of drought; or
• excess profits as a result of farming land acquired by the state or certain juristic
persons.

See the First Schedule.

2.9 Deductions in respect of expenditure and losses incurred before

commencement of trade (pre-trade costs)
Taxpayers are entitled to a deduction for pre-trade costs incurred before the commencement
of and in preparation for carrying on a trade.

“Pre-trade costs” are not defined but they might include costs such as advertising and
marketing promotion, insurance, accounting and legal fees, rent, telephone, licences and
permits, market research and feasibility studies, but exclude costs such as the purchase of
buildings and motor vehicles, and pre-trade research and development expenses. Pre-trade
costs incurred before the commencement of trade can only be set off against income from
that trade.

In order for these expenses and losses to be deductible during a year of assessment, the
requirements as set out in section 11A must be met.

43
Interpretation Note 29 (Issue 2) dated 19 February 2013 “Farming Operations: Equalised Rates of
Tax”.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 52

For more information see the interpretation note. 44

2.10 Trading stock

The acquisition cost (cost price) of trading stock is allowed as a deduction under
section 11(a).

The Act makes specific provisions for the tax treatment of trading stock at the beginning of
the year of assessment (opening stock) and trading stock at the end of the year of
assessment (closing stock). The cost of opening stock is allowed as a deduction and the
value of closing stock is an addition to taxable income.

The cost price of trading stock is normally the cost incurred by the taxpayer, whether in the
current or any previous year of assessment in acquiring that stock plus any further cost. If
stock is acquired for no consideration or for a consideration which is not measurable in
money, the taxpayer is deemed to have acquired that stock at a cost equal to the current
market value of that stock on the date on which it was acquired.

For more information see section 22 and the interpretation note. 45

The Act also contains anti-avoidance provisions regarding trading stock. See section 23F.

2.11 Exemption of certified emission reductions

Section 12K provides that any amount received by or accrued to a person on the disposal of
any certified emission reductions derived by the person in the furtherance of a qualifying
clean development mechanism project carried on by the person will be exempt from income
tax. This exemption came into operation on 11 February 2009 and applies to disposals on or
after that date.

2.12 Transfer pricing and thin capitalisation

South Africa’s transfer pricing and thin capitalisation rules apply arm’s length principles to
transactions, operations or schemes that have been entered into between connected
persons. It is in line with OECD and international tax principles. From a compliance
perspective, the burden of proof is on the taxpayer to illustrate that the transaction, operation
or scheme complied with the arm’s length principle.

For more information see section 31.

2.13 Capital gains tax

2.13.1 Introduction
CGT was introduced in South Africa with effect from 1 October 2001 (referred to as the
“valuation date”) and applies to the disposal by a person of an asset on or after that date. All
capital gains and capital losses made on the disposal of assets are subject to CGT unless
excluded by specific provisions.

The Eighth Schedule contains the CGT provisions which determine a taxable capital gain or
assessed capital loss. Section 26A provides that a taxable capital gain must be included in
taxable income.

44
Interpretation Note 51 (Issue 3) dated 22 July 2014 “Pre-Trade Expenditure and Losses”.
45
Interpretation Note 65 (Issue 2) dated 5 February 2014 “Trading Stock – Inclusion in Income when
Applied Distribution or Disposed of Otherwise than in the Ordinary Course of Trade”.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 53

Since CGT forms part of the income tax system the capital gains and capital losses must be
declared in the annual income tax return.

2.13.2 Registration
A person who is already registered as a taxpayer for income tax purposes need not register
separately for CGT. Any natural person (whether a resident or non-resident), whose sole
source of taxable income comprises a capital gain or a capital loss that exceeds the annual
exclusion of R30 000, needs to register as a taxpayer at a SARS branch and must complete
and submit an income tax return for that year of assessment.

2.13.3 Rates
Natural persons, deceased estates, insolvent estates or special trusts
For natural persons, deceased estates, insolvent estates or special trusts, 33,3% (40% as
from 1 March 2016) of the net capital gain is included in his or her or its taxable income and
is subject to income tax at the marginal rate of tax of that natural person, deceased estate,
insolvent estate or special trust.

Companies and trusts (other than special trusts)

For companies and trusts that are not special trusts, 66,6% (80% as from 1 March 2016) of
the net capital gain is included in the company’s/trust’s taxable income.

Effective rate of tax

The effective rate of tax on a capital gain (ignoring the annual exclusion which is only
applicable to natural persons and special trusts and any assessed capital loss brought
forward from the previous year of assessment) is calculated as follows for:
• Natural persons or special trusts
The minimum marginal rate of income tax for natural person or special trusts is 18%
and the maximum marginal rate is 41%. It follows that the minimum effective rate and
the maximum effective rate of CGT for individuals or special trusts are, therefore,
18 × 33,3% = 5,994% and 41 × 33,3% = 13,653% respectively. (As from 1 March
2016 the minimum effective rate is 18 × 40% = 7,2% and the maximum effective rate
is 41 × 40% = 16,4%.)
[For purposes of the Eighth Schedule the disposal of an asset by a deceased
estate/insolvent estate of a natural person is treated in the same manner as if that
asset had been disposed of by that person. See paragraphs 40(3) and 83(1) of the
Eighth Schedule.]

• Trusts, other than special trusts

The rate of income tax for trusts is 41%. The effective rate of CGT for trusts is,
therefore, 41 × 66,6% = 27,3%. (As from 1 March 2016 the effective rate of CGT is
41 × 80% = 32,8%.)

• An insurer
The rate of tax for the individual policyholder fund is 30% The effective rate of CGT
for the individual policyholder fund is, therefore, 30 x 33,3% = 9,99%. (As from
1 March 2016 the effective rate is 30 x 40% = 12%.)
The effective rate of CGT for the untaxed policyholder fund equals 0%x 0 = 0%

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 54

 The rate of tax for the corporate fund and the company policyholder fund is 28% The
effective rate of CGT for the corporate fund and the company policyholder fund are,
therefore, 28 × 66,6% = 18,648%. (As from 1 March 2016 the effective rate is 28 ×
80% = 22,4%.)
The rate of tax for the risk policy fund is 28% effective from 1 January 2016 and
applicable for years of assessment commencing on or after that date. The effective
rate of CGT for the risk policy fund is, therefore, 28 × 66,6% = 18,648%. (As from
1 March 2016 the effective rate is 28 x 80% = 22,4%.)

• In any other case

The effective rate of CGT equals the marginal rate of income tax for the taxpayer
multiplied by 66,6%. (As from 1 March 2016 the effective rate of CGT equals the
marginal rate of the taxpayer multiply by 80%.)

2.13.4 Capital losses

Capital losses may only be set off against capital gains. Any capital loss that is not used in a
current year of assessment is carried forward to the next year of assessment as an
assessed capital loss and may be set off against any capital gain in that year of assessment.

2.13.5 Disposal
CGT is triggered by the disposal of an asset. The word “disposal” is described very widely
(see paragraph 11 of the Eighth Schedule). Events that trigger a disposal include a sale,
donation, exchange, loss, death and cessation of residence in South Africa.

2.13.6 Exclusions
Some capital gains or losses (or a portion of them) are excluded for CGT purposes.

The following are some of the specific exclusions:

• In the case of a natural person, or special trust, the first R2 million of the capital gain
or loss on the disposal of a primary residence.
• Most personal belongings which are not used for the carrying on of a trade.
Examples include motor vehicles, caravans, furniture and jewellery.
• Any gain or loss on disposal of a motor vehicle for which a travel allowance was
received.
• Retirement benefits.
• An amount received for a long-term insurance policy by the original owner.
• In the case of a natural person and a special trust, the first R30 000 (as from 1 March
2016 the amount increased to R40 000) of the sum of capital gains and losses in a
year of assessment (known as the annual exclusion).
• The annual exclusion increases to R300 000 in the year of death.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 55

2.13.7 Base cost
The base cost of an asset is the amount the taxpayer paid for the asset plus whatever other
costs were incurred directly related to buying, selling or improving it. The base cost does not
include any amount otherwise allowed as a deduction for income tax purposes. Some of the
main costs that may form part of the base cost of an asset are –
• the price the taxpayer originally paid to buy the asset;
• transfer costs (including any VAT or transfer duty paid, to the extent that the amount
does not qualify as an “input tax” under the VAT Act, or is otherwise not refundable
under the VAT Act or the Transfer Duty Act);
• cost of improvements to the asset;
• advertising costs to find a buyer or seller;
• the cost of having the asset valued in order to determine a capital gain or loss;
• costs directly relating to the buying or selling of the asset, for example, fees paid to a
surveyor, broker, agent or consultant for services rendered;
• cost of establishing, maintaining or defending a legal title or right in the asset;
• cost of moving the asset from one place to another upon acquisition or disposal; and
• cost of installing the asset, including the cost of foundations and supporting
structures.

A capital gain arises when the proceeds from a disposal of an asset exceed the base cost
and a capital loss when the base cost exceeds the proceeds. As noted above certain capital
gains and capital losses are excluded for CGT purposes.

For more information on CGT see the guides.46

2.13.8 Small businesses

A person who operates a small business as sole proprietor, partner or owner of an interest in
a company or close corporation is, subject to certain conditions, entitled to a concession
which excludes capital gains of up to R1,8 million (during the person’s lifetime) on the
disposal of active business assets when the person attains the age of 55 years or the
disposal is in consequence of ill-health, other infirmity, superannuation or death.

See paragraph 57 of the Eighth Schedule.

2.14 Ring-fencing of assessed losses of certain trades

Section 11 currently lays down the general requirements for deducting expenditure and
losses to the extent that a person derives income from carrying on any trade. Not every
activity is a trade, even if intended or labelled by a taxpayer as such. Whether or not an
activity is a trade, is a question of law that depends on the “facts and circumstances” of each
case. These “facts and circumstances” are deliberately left open to accommodate the wide
range of trading activities existing in a modern world.

46
Comprehensive Guide to Capital Gains Tax (Issue 5) dated 9 December 2015; ABC of Capital
Gains Tax for Individuals (Issue 8) dated 15 April 2015; ABC of Capital Gains Tax for Companies
(Issue 6) dated 15 April 2015 and Guide on Valuation of Assets for Capital Gains Tax Purposes
dated February 2006.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 56

However, more often than not, private consumption (that is, a hobby) can be disguised as a
trade so that a natural person can set off these expenditure and losses against other income
such as salary or business income.

Due to the above, section 20A was added to the Act to prevent expenditure and losses
normally associated with suspect activities (that is, disguised hobbies) from being deducted
from income. This deduction limitation applies only to natural persons.

For more information see the guide. 47

2.15 Tax rates

2.15.1 Taxable income (excluding any retirement lump sum benefit, retirement fund
lump sum withdrawal benefit or severance benefit) of any natural person,
deceased estate, insolvent estate or special trust
Year of assessment commencing on 1 March 2015 or ending on 29 February 2016

Taxable income Rate of tax

Not exceeding R181 900 18% of taxable income

Exceeding R181 900 but not exceeding R32 742 plus 26% of the amount by which
R284 100 taxable income exceeds R181 900

Exceeding R284 100 but not exceeding R59 314 plus 31% of the amount by which
R393 200 taxable income exceeds R284 100

Exceeding R393 200 but not exceeding R93 135 plus 36% of the amount by which
R550 100 taxable income exceeds R393 200

Exceeding R550 100 but not exceeding R149 619 plus 39% of the amount by which
R701 300 taxable income exceeds R550 100

Exceeding R701 300 R208 587 plus 41% of the amount by which
taxable income exceeds R701 300

Income tax threshold for the year of assessment commencing on 1 March 2015 or
ending on 29 February 2016

Income tax thresholds (natural persons only) Amount

Below the age of 65 years R73 650

Age 65 years of age R114 800

Age 75 years of age R128 500

47
Guide on the Ring-Fencing of Assessed Losses Arising from Certain Trades Conducted by
Individuals dated 8 October 2010.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 57

Year of assessment commencing on 1 March 2016 or ending on 28 February 2017

Taxable income Rate of tax

Not exceeding R188 000 18% of taxable income

Exceeding R188 000 but not exceeding R33 840 plus 26% of the amount by which
R293 600 taxable income exceeds R188 000

Exceeding R293 600 but not exceeding R61 296 plus 31% of the amount by which
R406 400 taxable income exceeds R293 600

Exceeding R406 400 but not exceeding R96 264 plus 36% of the amount by which
R550 100 taxable income exceeds R406 400

Exceeding R550 100 but not exceeding R147 996 plus 39% of the amount by which
R701 300 taxable income exceeds R550 100

Exceeding R701 300 R206 964 plus 41% of the amount by which
taxable income exceeds R701 300

Income tax threshold for the year of assessment commencing on 1 March 2016 or
ending on 28 February 2017

Income tax thresholds (natural persons only) Amount

Below the age of 65 years R75 000

Age 65 years of age R116 150

Age 75 years of age R129 850

Lump sum benefits

There are three categories of lump sum benefits –
• retirement fund lump sum withdrawal benefit;
• retirement fund lump sum benefit; and
• severance benefit.

A retirement fund lump sum benefit refers to a lump sum from a pension, pension
preservation, provident, provident preservation or retirement annuity fund upon either –
• retirement or death; or
• termination or loss of employment due to redundancy or an employer ceasing trade.

A retirement fund lump sum withdrawal benefit is any other lump sum from any fund
mentioned above.

A severance benefit refers to a lump sum from or by arrangement with a person’s employer
or an associated institution in relation to that employer in respect of the relinquishment,
termination loss, repudiation, cancellation or variation of the person’s office or employment
or of the person’s appointment to any office or employment.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 58

The amounts of R25 000 and R500 000 in the three tables below, that is, where the lump
sum payments become taxable, are only available once for a taxpayer. Lump sum benefits
must be aggregated to ensure that this is achieved since –
• 1 October 2007 for retirement fund lump sum benefits;
• 1 March 2009 for retirement fund lump sum withdrawal benefits; and
• 1 March 2011 for severance benefits.

Once all lump sum benefits are aggregated, the tax due is calculated in accordance with the
respective tables below. Tax payable on previous lump sums is deducted from the total tax
payable to arrive at the tax payable on the current lump sum.

2.15.2 Taxable income from retirement fund lump sum withdrawal benefit:
Year of assessment –
• commencing on or after 1 March 2015; or
• commencing on or after 1 March 2016.

Taxable income from lump sum benefits Rate of tax

Not exceeding R25 000 0% of taxable income

Exceeding R25 000 but not exceeding R660 000 18% of taxable income
exceeding R25 000

Exceeding R660 000 but not exceeding R990 000 R114 300 plus 27% of taxable
income exceeding R660 000

Exceeding R990 000 R203 400 plus 36% of taxable

income exceeding R990 000

2.15.3 Taxable income from retirement fund lump sum benefit:

Year of assessment –
• commencing on or after 1 March 2015; or
• commencing on or after 1 March 2016.

Taxable income from lump sum benefits Rate of tax

Not exceeding R500 000 0% of taxable income

Exceeding R500 000 but not exceeding R700 000 18% of taxable income
exceeding R500 000

Exceeding R700 000 but not exceeding R36 000 plus 27% of taxable
R1 050 000 income exceeding R700 000

Exceeding R1 050 000 R130 500 plus 36% of taxable

income exceeding R1 050 000

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 59

2.15.4 Taxable income from severance benefit:
Year of assessment –
• commencing on or after 1 March 2015; or
• commencing on or after 1 March 2016.

Taxable income from lump sum benefits Rate of tax

Not exceeding R500 000 0% of taxable income

Exceeding R500 000 but not exceeding R700 000 18% of taxable income
exceeding R500 000

Exceeding R700 000 but not exceeding R36 000 plus 27% of taxable
R1 050 000 income exceeding R700 000

Exceeding R1 050 000 R130 500 plus 36% of taxable

income exceeding R1 050 000

2.15.5 Taxable income of trusts (other than special trusts or public benefit
organisations that are trusts):
Year of assessment –
• commencing on 1 March 2015 or ending on 29 February 2016; or
• commencing on 1 March 2016 or ending on 28 February 2017.

Taxable income Rate of tax

On each rand of taxable income 41%

2.15.6 Taxable income of corporates

(a) Companies (standard) or close corporations
Year of assessment –
• ending during the 12 months ending on 31 March 2016; or
• ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2017.

Taxable income Rate of tax

On each rand of taxable income 28%

(b) Small business corporations

Year of assessment ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2016

Taxable income Rate of tax

Not exceeding R73 650 0% of taxable income

Exceeding R73 650 but not exceeding 7% of the amount by which taxable

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 60

 R365 000 income exceeds R73 650

Exceeding R365 000 but not exceeding R20 395 plus 21% of the amount by
R550 000 which taxable income exceeds R365 000

Exceeding R550 000 R59 245 plus 28% of the amount by

which taxable income exceeds R550 000

Year of assessment ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2017

Taxable income Rate of tax

Not exceeding R75 000 0% of taxable income

Exceeding R75 000 but not exceeding 7% of the amount by which taxable
R365 000 income exceeds R75 000

Exceeding R365 000 but not exceeding R20 300 plus 21% of the amount by
R550 000 which taxable income exceeds R365 000

Exceeding R550 000 R59 150 plus 28% of the amount by

which taxable income exceeds R550 000

(c) Micro businesses (turnover tax)

Year of assessment –
• ending during the 12 month period ending on 29 February 2016;or
• ending during the 12-month period ending on 28 February 2017

Taxable turnover Rate of tax

Not exceeding R335 000 0% of taxable turnover

Exceeding R335 000 but not exceeding 1% of the amount by which taxable
R500 000 turnover exceeds R335 000

Exceeding R500 000 but not exceeding R1 650 plus 2% of the amount by which
R750 000 taxable turnover exceeds R500 000

Exceeding R750 000 R6 650 plus 3% of the amount by which

taxable turnover exceedsR750 000

(d) Mining companies

Companies mining for gold (taxed according to the following formula “gold mining tax
formula”)
Any year of assessment: ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2016; or
: ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2017

y = 34 – 170/x

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 61

 Where:
y = rate of tax to be levied
x = the ratio expressed as a percentage
Taxable income from gold mining
Total revenue (turnover) from gold mining

(e) Oil and gas companies

The rate of tax on taxable income derived from oil and gas income by any oil and gas
company will not exceed 28% on each rand of taxable income for the year of assessment –
• ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2016; or
• ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2017.
For more information see paragraph 2 of the Tenth Schedule.

(f) Other mining companies

The rates applicable to ordinary companies, namely, 28% also apply to all mining
companies, other than companies mining for gold for the year of assessment –
• ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2016; or
• ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2017.

(g) Insurance companies

Long-term insurance companies
Year of assessment –
• ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2016; or
• ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2017.

Funds Rate of tax

Corporate fund 28% of taxable income

Individual policyholder fund 30% of taxable income

Company policyholder fund 28% of taxable income

Untaxed policyholder fund:

■ Retirement fund business (abolished from 1 March 2007)
■ Other 0% of taxable income

Risk policyholder fund 28% of taxable income

(With effect from 1 January 2016 and for
years of assessment commencing on or
after 1 January 2016.)

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 62

Short-term insurance companies
Companies carrying on a short-term insurance business are taxed at the same rate as is
applicable to standard companies, namely, 28% for the year of assessment –
• ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2016; or
• ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2017.

2.15.7 Taxable income of public benefit organisations or recreational clubs

The tax rates below are applicable to a PBO which is approved under section 30(3), or
recreational club which is approved under section 30A(2).

A PBO is partially taxable on its trading receipts as from its first tax year commencing on or
after 1 April 2006.

A recreational club is partially taxable on its trading receipts as from its first tax year
commencing on or after 1 April 2007.

(a) If the public benefit organisation or recreational club is a company

Year of assessment –
• ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2016; or
• ending during the 12-month period ending on 31 March 2017

Taxable income Rate of tax

On each rand of taxable income 28%

(b) If the public benefit organisation is a trust

Year of assessment –
• commencing on 1 March 2015 or ended on 29 February 2016; or
• commencing on 1 March 2016 or ending on 29 February 2017

Taxable income Rate of tax

On each rand of taxable income 28%

2.16 Medical scheme fees tax credit

The amount of the medical scheme fees tax credit arising from fees paid by a natural person
to a medical scheme registered under the Medical Schemes Act, or a fund which is
registered under any similar provisions contained in the laws of any other country where the
medical scheme is registered, is allowable as a rebate. The amount of the medical scheme
fees tax credit is deducted from normal tax payable by the natural person and is calculated
as follows –
• R270 (R286 as from 1 March 2016) in respect of benefits to the person;
• R540 (R572 as from 1 March 2016) in respect of benefits to the person and one
dependant; or

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 63

 • R540 (R572 as from 1 March 2016) in respect of benefits to the person and one
dependant, plus R181 (R192 as from 1 March 2016) for every additional dependant,
for each month in the year of assessment in respect of which those fees were paid.

Any amount paid by an employer on behalf of an employee will be a taxable benefit for the
employee and will be included in the employee’s income.

For more information see the guide. 48 Also see section 6A.

2.17 Additional medical expenses tax credit

Qualifying medical expenses is allowed as a rebate that is deducted from the normal tax
payable by a natural person.

Any expense paid by an employer on behalf of the employee will be a taxable benefit for the
employee and will be included in the employee’s income.

Whether a person is entitled to the additional medical expenses tax credit depends on the
category in which the person falls, namely –
• the person is aged 65 years or older;
• the person, his or her spouse or his or her child is a person with a “disability” as
defined in section 6B(1); or
• in any other case.

The amount to be deducted is calculated as follows:

Category Amount

The aggregate of:

(i) 33,3% of so much of the amount of the fees paid by that person
to a medical scheme or fund contemplated in section 6A(2)(a) as
The person aged
exceeds three times the amount of the medical scheme fees tax
65 years or older
credit to which that person is entitled under section 6A(2)(b); and
(ii) 33,3% of the amount of qualifying medical expenses paid by that
person.

The person, his The aggregate of:

or her spouse or (i) 33,3% of so much of the amount of the fees paid by that person
his or her child is to a medical scheme or fund contemplated in section 6A(2)(a) as
a person with a exceeds three times the amount of the medical scheme fees tax
disability as credit to which that person is entitled under section 6A(2)(b); and
defined in (ii) 33,3% of the amount of qualifying medical expenses paid by that
section 6B(1) person.

48
Guide on the Determination of Medical Tax Credit and Allowances (Issue 6) dated 18 November
2015.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 64

 Category Amount

If the aggregate of –
(i) the amount of the fees paid by that person to a medical scheme
or fund contemplated in section 6A(2)(a) as exceeds four times
the amount of the medical scheme fees tax credit to which that
In any other case person is entitled under section 6A(2)(b); and
(ii) the amount of qualifying medical expenses paid by that person,
exceeds 7,5% of the person’s taxable income (excluding any
retirement fund lump sum benefit, retirement fund lump sum
withdrawal benefit and severance benefit), 25% of the excess.

Check the SARS website for more information. Also see section 6B.

2.18 Normal tax rebates

The amounts of the normal tax rebates (for the year of assessment commencing on 1 March
2015 or ending on 29 February 2016) which are deductible from normal tax payable by a
natural person, other than normal tax payable on any retirement fund lump sum benefit,
retirement lump sum withdrawal benefit or severance benefit, are as follows:

Rebates (natural persons only) Amount

Primary rebate – (Below the age of 65 years) R13 257

Secondary rebate – (Age 65 years or older) additional to primary rebate R7 407

Tertiary rebate – (Age 75 years or older) additional to primary and secondary R2 466
rebates

For the year of assessment commencing on 1 March 2016 or ended on 28 February 2017,
normal tax rebates are as follows:

Rebates (natural persons only) Amount

Primary rebate – (Below the age of 65 years) R13 500

Secondary rebate – (Age 65 years or older) additional to primary rebate R7 407

Tertiary rebate – (Age 75 years or older) additional to primary and secondary R2 466
rebates

3. Taxation of foreign entertainers and sportspersons

Any resident who is liable to pay any amount to a foreign entertainer/sportsperson (who is a
non-resident) for his/her performance in South Africa, must deduct or withhold tax at a rate
of 15% of the gross payments to the foreign entertainer/sportsperson. The resident must pay
the amount so deducted or withheld over to SARS on behalf of the foreign
entertainer/sportsperson before the end of the month following the month in which the tax
was deducted or withheld. Failure to deduct or withhold tax and to pay it over to SARS will
render the resident personally liable for the tax. The foreign entertainer/sportsperson or the

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 65

resident who pays the withholding tax must submit a return together with the payment to the
Commissioner.

If it is not possible for the tax to be withheld (for example, the payer is a non-resident), the
foreign entertainer/sportsperson will personally be held liable for the 15% withholding tax
which must be paid over to SARS within 30 days after the amount is received by or accrued
to him or her.

The 15% withholding tax is a final tax. The amount received by or accrued to a person who
is a non-resident is exempt from income tax under section 10(1)(lA) if that amount is subject
to tax on foreign entertainers and sportspersons.

A foreign entertainer/sportsperson who is –

• employed by an employer who is a resident; and
• physically present in South Africa for more than 183 days in aggregate in a 12-month
period that commences or ends during a year of assessment,
will not be liable for the 15% withholding tax but will have to pay income tax on the same
basis as a resident, that is, at the rates of normal tax, which requires the submission of an
income tax return.

Any person who is primarily responsible for founding, organising or facilitating a performance
in South Africa and who will be rewarded therefor, must notify SARS of the performance
within 14 days of concluding an agreement with a performer.

For more information contact the special team dealing with visiting artists at the SARS office,
Megawatt Park, Gauteng: e-mail at [email protected].

See sections 47A to 47K.

4. Withholding tax on royalties

Amounts received for the imparting of any scientific, technical, industrial or commercial
knowledge or information, commonly known as “know-how” payments, are specifically
included in the definition of “gross income”, and are taxable.

Withholding tax on royalties of 15% (or a lower rate determined in accordance with a
relevant tax treaty) is a final tax. Withholding tax on royalties is payable on royalties or
similar payments made to a person who is a non-resident for the use or right of use, or
permission to use in South Africa –
• patents, designs, trademarks, copyright, models, patterns, plans, formulas or
processes or any property or right of a similar nature; or
• any motion picture film, or any film or video tape or disc for use in connection with
television, or any sound recording or advertising matter used or intended to be used
in connection with such motion picture film, film or video tape or disc.

The liability for the payment of withholding tax on royalties remains with the person making
the payment of the royalty. The withholding of tax is triggered by the date that the royalty is
paid or becomes due and payable. The withholding tax on royalties must be paid over to
SARS by the last day of the month following the month during which the royalty is paid.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 66

The amount of the royalty must be translated to rand at the spot rate on the day the royalty is
paid or becomes payable. Overpayment of withholding tax on royalties may be refunded if
the person paying the royalty lodges a claim for a refund within three years after the royalty
is paid.

The royalty is exempt from withholding tax on royalties if the non-resident or the royalty
complies with one of the requirements as set out in section 49D.

The amount of any royalty received by or accrued to a person who is a non-resident is

exempt from income tax under section 10(1)(l), unless –
• the non-resident was physically present in South Africa for more than 183 days in
aggregate during the twelve-month period preceding the date on which the amount is
received by or accrued to that person; or
• the intellectual property, knowledge or information in respect of which the royalty is
paid is effectively connected with a permanent establishment of the non-resident in
South Africa if that non-resident is registered as a taxpayer for purposes of the Act.

Royalties earned by a non-resident may fall within the withholding tax on royalties’ rules or
the normal tax rules.

See sections 49A to 49G.

See the SARS website for more information.

5. Withholding tax on interest

Any amount of interest that is paid by any person to or for the benefit of any foreigner (non-
resident) is subject to withholding tax on interest, to the extent that the amount is regarded
as being received or accrued from a source within South Africa. Withholding tax on interest
is calculated at the rate of 15% of the amount of the interest or a lower rate determined in
accordance with a relevant tax treaty.

The withholding tax on interest is a final tax.

The liability for the payment of withholding tax on interest is that of the person paying the
interest. The withholding of tax is triggered by the date on which the interest is paid or
becomes due and payable. The withholding tax on interest must be paid over to SARS by
the last day of the month following the month during which the interest is paid.

If the amount withheld by a person is denominated in any currency other than the currency
of South Africa that amount must be translated to the currency of South Africa at the spot
rate on the date on which that amount was so withheld.

Overpayment of withholding tax on interest may be refunded if the person paying the interest
lodges a claim for a refund within three years after the interest is paid.

Interest paid to a non-resident is exempt from withholding tax on interest provided the
requirements of section 50D are met.

Interest earned by a non-resident may fall within the withholding tax on interest rules or the
normal tax rules.

See sections 50A to 50H.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 67

6. Donations tax
Donations tax is payable by any resident (the donor) who makes a donation to another
person (the donee). Donations tax is calculated at a rate of 20% on the value of the property
disposed of.

The Act provides for specific donations to be exempt from donations tax [see section 56(1)].

Furthermore, the Act also makes provision for the exemption of:
• Casual gifts made by a donor other than a natural person, not exceeding R10 000
during a year of assessment. If the period of assessment is less than 12 months or
exceeds 12 months the R10 000 must be adjusted accordingly [see section 56(2)(a)].
• Donations by a donor that is a natural person, not exceeding R100 000 during a year
of assessment [see section 56(2)(b)].
• The sum of all bona fide contributions made by a donor for the maintenance of any
person as the Commissioner considers to be reasonable [see section 56(2)(c)].

Any property that has been disposed of for a consideration which, in the opinion of the
Commissioner, is not an adequate consideration is treated as having been disposed of
under a donation. See section 58.

If a donor fails to pay the donations tax within the prescribed period (within three months or
longer period as the Commissioner may allow from the date upon which the donation took
effect), the donor and the donee (whether a resident or a non-resident) are jointly and
severally liable for this tax.

See the SARS website for more information.

7. Dividends tax
Dividends tax is a classical method of taxing dividends. The company pays normal tax on its
profits and withholds a further amount of dividends tax on behalf of the beneficial owners
who are entitled to the benefit of the dividend attaching to the shares when a cash dividend
is distributed to them. The company is subject to dividends tax on any dividend in specie
distributed by it. Dividends tax is a stand-alone tax and is not a payment towards a person’s
normal tax liability.

Dividends tax is levied on dividends paid by companies that are residents (other than
headquarter companies). Dividends tax is also payable on a foreign dividend to the extent
that the foreign dividend does not constitute the distribution of an asset in specie and it is
paid to residents by foreign companies whose shares are listed on the JSE.

Dividends tax is levied at the rate of 15% of the amount of the dividend paid. Certain
dividends paid by oil and gas companies and international shipping companies are subject to
dividends tax at the rate of 0%. Dividends paid to non-residents may be subject to a reduced
rate of tax under a tax treaty.

Although dividends tax is part of the Act, it is a separate tax from normal tax. Generally
speaking, a dividend will be subject to dividends tax or normal tax, not both.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 68

For more information see the guide. 49 Also see sections 64D to 64N.

8. Turnover tax
As part of government’s broader mandate to encourage entrepreneurship and create an
enabling environment for small businesses to survive and grow, a presumptive tax was
introduced to reduce the tax compliance burden on micro businesses. Turnover tax is
available to micro businesses of sole proprietors, partnerships, close corporations,
companies and co-operatives with effect from 1 March 2009.

The turnover tax system is essentially an alternative to the current tax regime provided for in
the Act. A qualifying micro business may choose to register for VAT and turnover tax,
provided that all the conditions for voluntarily VAT registration are met.

A person qualifies as a micro business if that person is a –

• natural person (or the deceased or insolvent estate of a natural person that was a
registered micro business at the time of death of insolvency); or
• company,
• and the qualifying turnover of that person for the year of assessment does not
exceeds an amount of R1 million.

Turnover tax is a single tax in the place of normal tax, capital gains tax (CGT) and dividends
tax.

Under normal circumstances an application to switch to (or from) turnover tax must be made
before 1 March each year. It is important to thoroughly review the operations of a business
before deciding on whether to switch or not. Factors such as the overhead costs of the micro
business, its expected tax contributions and its tax compliance costs should be taken into
account in making the decision.

Unlike the income tax system that makes use of comprehensive inclusion rules and a
reduction process that requires proof of expenditure to be maintained, turnover tax is
calculated by simply applying the tax rate (see 2.15.6 paragraph (c)) to the taxable turnover
of the micro business. The taxable turnover will basically consist of the turnover of the micro
business with a few specific inclusions and exclusions.

For more information see the guide. 50 Also see sections 48 to 48C and the Sixth Schedule.

9. Employment tax incentive

The employment tax incentive (ETI) was introduced by the ETI Act which was promulgated
on 18 December 2013.

The ETI is a temporary tax incentive awarded to eligible employers (employers) to

encourage them to employ –
• young employees between the ages of 18 and 29 years; or

49
Comprehensive Guide to Dividends Tax dated 23 February 2015.
50
Tax Guide for Micro Businesses 2014/15 dated 27 March 2015 and the Tax Guide for Micro
Businesses 2015/16 to be finalised

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 69

 • employees of any age in special economic zones identified by the Minister by notice
in the Government Gazette; or
• employees of any age in any industry identified by the Minister by notice in the
Government Gazette.

Payment of the incentive is effected by the employers being able to reduce the PAYE due by
them, by the amount of the ETI that they may claim, provided that they meet the
requirements of the ETI Act. The ETI is administered by SARS through the PAYE system.
PAYE is deducted and withheld from the remuneration of the employees and accounted for
to SARS (usually monthly) via the PAYE system.

It is a temporary programme covering a period of three years in which the employer may
claim the ETI for a maximum of 24 individual months per qualifying employee. The ETI will
be subject to continuous review of its effectiveness and impact in order to determine the
extent to which its core objective of reducing youth unemployment is achieved. The ETI
commenced on 1 January 2014 and will end on 1 January 2017. It applies to qualifying
employees employed on or after 1 October 2013 by employers.

The employer is required to perform a monthly calculation to determine the amount of the
ETI that it may claim per qualifying employee. The calculation takes into account –
• the monthly remuneration paid to the qualifying employee;
• the period for which the qualifying employee is employed; and
• the amount or percentage that may be claimed.

The employer must add any amounts rolled over from previous months to the amount of the
ETI for the current month.

The table below illustrates how the ETI will be calculated in relation to the remuneration
received by a qualifying employee.

ETI per month during the first ETI per month during the
Monthly
12 months in which the next 12 months in which the
remuneration
employee qualified employee qualified employee

R0 – R2 000 50% of monthly remuneration 25% of monthly remuneration

R2 001 – R4 000 R1 000 R500

Formula: R1 000 – [0,5 × Formula: R500 – [0,25 ×

R4 001 – R6 000 (monthly remuneration – (monthly remuneration –
R4 000)] R4 000)]

For more information see the guide. 51

10. General Anti-Avoidance Rule

The General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) is contained in the Income Tax Act, sections 80A
to 80L. The application of the GAAR rule is based on the definition of an “impermissible

51
Guide to the Employment Tax Incentive to be finalised.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 70

avoidance arrangement” in section 80A. The Commissioner may make adjustments if it is
found that the transactions were entered into to obtain a tax benefit and lack commercial
substance.

11. Value-added tax

11.1 Introduction
VAT is an indirect tax levied in terms of the VAT Act. VAT must be included in the selling
price of every taxable supply of goods or services made by a vendor in the course or
furtherance of that vendor’s enterprise. A vendor is a person who is registered, or required to
register for VAT. VAT is a destination-based tax (resulting in exports being zero rated)
payable on most goods or services supplied in South Africa as well as on the importation of
goods into the country. “Imported services”, as defined in section 1(1) of the VAT Act are
also subject to VAT if the recipient is a resident and the services are acquired for exempt,
private or other non-taxable purposes.

11.2 Rates
VAT is presently levied at the standard rate of 14% on most supplies and importations but
there is a limited range of goods and services which are subject to VAT at the zero rate. For
example, exports and certain basic foodstuffs are taxed at the zero rate of VAT. Certain
goods are also exempt when supplied in, or imported into South Africa.

VAT is levied on an inclusive basis, which means that any prices marked on products in
stores, and any prices advertised or quoted, must include VAT if the supplier is a vendor.

11.3 Registration, collection and payment of value-added tax

Any person who carries on an enterprise where the total value of taxable supplies (taxable
turnover) has exceeded the compulsory VAT registration threshold of R1 million in any
consecutive 12 month period, must register for VAT. In addition, a person must register
when entering into a written contractual commitment to make taxable supplies which will
exceed the R1 million threshold within the next 12 month period. 52 An application to register
in these cases must be submitted within 21 business days reckoned from the first day of the
month after the threshold was exceeded, or the contract was entered into (as the case may
be). Most vendors account for VAT on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, although other tax
periods for the payment of VAT are available to certain vendors, provided certain conditions
are met.

Non-resident suppliers of certain “electronic services” as prescribed in The Electronic

Services Regulation 53 are also currently required to register and account for VAT in South
Africa if the total value of such taxable supplies exceeds R50 000. With effect from 1 April
2015, such non-resident suppliers will be required to register for VAT if at least two out of the
following three circumstances are present –
• electronic services are supplied to recipients who are South African residents;
• payment for the electronic services originates from a South African bank account; or

52
Compulsory registration is dealt with in section 23(1) of the VAT Act.
53
Regulation 221 (GG 37580 dated 2 May 2014) which came into operation on 1 June 2014. The
different types of electronic services include educational services, games and games of chance,
internet-based auction services, subscription services and the supply of e-books, audio visual
content, still images and music. Refer to the SARS website to view the Regulations.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 71

 • the recipient of the electronic services has a business address, residential address or
postal address in South Africa to which the invoice for such services will be sent.

A person making taxable supplies with a value of less than R1 million may choose to apply
to the Commissioner for voluntary registration if certain conditions are met. This applies
when the value of taxable supplies has already exceeded the minimum voluntary threshold
of R50 000 within the preceding 12 months, or if there is a written contractual commitment to
make taxable supplies exceeding R50 000 within the next 12 month period. 54 A person may
also qualify to register voluntarily if the R50 000 threshold has not yet been reached, or if
that person carries on certain types of activities which will only lead to taxable supplies being
made after a period of 12 months due to the nature of the activity. However, registration in
respect of these special cases will only be permitted under certain conditions prescribed by
Regulation. 55

VAT is levied on all supplies made by a vendor in the course or furtherance of its enterprise
and only a vendor may levy VAT. A vendor may not charge VAT on any exempt supplies nor
deduct any VAT as input tax if an expense is incurred to make exempt supplies or for any
other non-taxable purpose.

The mechanics of the VAT system are based on a subtractive or credit-input method which
allows the vendor to deduct the tax incurred on enterprise inputs (input tax) from the tax
collected on the supplies made by the enterprise (output tax). The effect is that VAT is
ultimately borne by the final consumer of goods and services, but it is collected and paid
over to SARS by registered VAT vendors. The difference between the input tax and output
tax in a tax period is the VAT that must be paid to SARS, or if the input tax exceeds the
output tax in a tax period, SARS will refund the difference to the vendor.

In the case of imported services, the recipient is liable to declare and pay the VAT to SARS.
A registered vendor will only declare and pay VAT on imported services if the services are
acquired from a non-resident for non-taxable purposes. In such a case the taxable amount of
any imported services must be declared in Block 12 of the VAT 201 return and paid together
with any other VAT which may be due for the tax period concerned. Non-vendors must
complete and submit form VAT 215 on eFiling and make payment of any VAT on imported
services within 30 days of importation.

For more information on VAT registration and the collection and payment of VAT see the
guide. 56

11.4 Application of value-added tax to supplies and imports

Most supplies of goods or services by vendors are subject to the standard rate of VAT
(currently 14%). The standard rate also applies to most imports of goods into South Africa
and any services which fall into the definition of “imported services.” The standard rate
applies as a default if there is no exemption or zero-rating provision which covers the supply
or the importation in question.

54
Persons supplying “commercial accommodation" are currently subject to a minimum threshold for
voluntary registration of R60 000 and not R50 000. The R60 000 threshold will increase to
R120 000 with effect from 1 April 2016.
55
Refer to the regulations issued in terms of section 23(3)(b)(ii) and 23(3)(d) in Government Notices
R446 and R447 respectively, which were published in GG 38836 dated 29 May 2015.
56
VAT 404 – Guide for Vendors.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 72

Zero-rated supplies and exempt supplies are listed in sections 11 and 12 of the VAT Act
respectively. Sections 13 and 14 of the VAT Act deal with exemptions and exclusions
relating to the importation of goods and imported services respectively. Schedule 1 to the
VAT Act lists the specific exemptions and the relevant rebate item numbers for goods that
qualify for exemption on importation into South Africa.

See 11.5 and 11.6 for some examples of zero-rated and exempt supplies of goods and
services and exempt imports.

See also 12.4 for more information regarding the importation of goods into South Africa.

11.5 Zero-rated supplies

The following are some examples of goods and services that are subject to VAT at the zero
rate:
• Goods exported 57 from South Africa
• Petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin
• Certain gold coins issued by the South African Reserve Bank, including Krugerrands
• International transport and related services
• Services physically rendered outside South Africa
• Certain basic foodstuffs supplied for human consumption, such as:
 Brown bread
 Brown wheaten meal
 Maize meal
 Samp
 Mealie rice
 Dried mealies
 Dried beans
 Rice
 Lentils
 Fruit and vegetables
 Tinned pilchards or sardinella;
 Milk, cultured milk and milk powder;
 Vegetable cooking oil;
 Eggs;
 Edible legumes and pulse of leguminous plants; and
 Dairy powder blends.

Certain agricultural products such as animal feed, seedlings and fertilisers which are for use
in farming enterprises are also currently zero rated when supplied to VAT registered farmers.

57
The zero-rating is subject to the parties meeting the relevant requirements set out in Interpretation
Note 30 with regard to direct exports and Regulation 316 published in GG 37580 on 2 May 2014
with regard to indirect exports.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 73

The VAT Act has, however, been amended to remove this zero rating with effect from a
future date determined by the Minister by notice in the Government Gazette. 58

The effect of applying the zero rate of VAT means that the purchaser does not pay any VAT
to the vendor making the supply. However, as zero-rated supplies are regarded as taxable
supplies, it means that the VAT incurred by the vendor to make those zero-rated supplies
may generally be deducted as input tax, subject to the required documents such as valid tax
invoices being held.

11.6 Exempt supplies

The following are some examples of goods and services that are exempt from VAT:
• Financial services;
• Public transport of fare-paying passengers by road and rail;
• The supply of a dwelling 59 under a lease agreement;
• Certain educational services, for example, in primary and secondary schools,
universities and universities of technology (formerly known as technikons);
• Certain supplies of goods or services made by an employee organisation, bargaining
council or political party to any of its members, subject to certain conditions; and
• Child minding services in crèches and after-school centres.

Unlike zero-rated supplies, an exempt supply does not qualify as a taxable supply. This
means that the supplier of exempt goods or services does not levy VAT (output tax) and any
VAT incurred in the course of making those exempt supplies is not deductible as input tax.

11.7 Tourists, diplomats and exports to foreign countries

11.7.1 Tourists
Goods consumed and services rendered in South Africa, do not qualify for a VAT refund.
However, any qualifying purchaser (including a foreign tourist) may obtain a refund of the
VAT paid for any goods purchased whilst in South Africa from the VAT Refund Administrator
(VRA). In order to obtain a refund, the qualifying purchaser must remove (export) the goods
when departing from South Africa and must have the goods available for inspection by
Customs at the point of departure as well as by the VRA if the VRA is present at the point of
exit. The qualifying purchaser must be in possession of a valid tax invoice issued by a
registered VAT vendor relating to the goods removed. An administration fee is levied by the
VRA for processing the refund. This fee may change from time-to-time. For more details in
this regard, see the VRA details provided below.

The VRA will process the refund if you exit South Africa via any of the international airports
situated in Johannesburg (OR Tambo), Durban (King Shaka) and Cape Town (Cape Town
International). However, if you exit the country via any other designated commercial port you
will need to send your refund application to the VRA after leaving the country.

58
Farmers were given a period of at least 12 months from the time that the law was amended
(20 January 2015) to prepare for this change. As at the time of updating this guide, the notice had
not yet been issued by the Minister.
59
A place used (or intended to be used) predominantly as a place of residence or abode by a natural
person, but excludes commercial accommodation.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 74

Contact details for the VRA are as follows:

Postal address Refund claims may also be lodged at the

The VAT Refund Administrator following regional offices:
PO Box 107
OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport VAT Refund Administrator (Pty) Ltd
South Africa Suite 11 Equity Building
1627 Botswana Road. Plot 1155
Gaborone
Physical address Botswana
Plot 206/1 High Road
VAT Refund Administrator (Pty) Ltd
Bredell, Kempton Park
Office 206, BPI House
1619
Independence Avenue
Windhoek
E-mail addresses
Namibia
General [email protected]
Botswana [email protected] VAT Refund Administrator (Pty) Ltd
Swaziland [email protected] Emafini Business Centre
Namibia [email protected] Along Emalangweni Hill
Other countries [email protected] Mbabane
Swaziland
Website www.taxrefunds.co.za
Telephone +27 11 979 0055
Email [email protected]

A VAT refund will only be considered when all of the following requirements are met –
• the purchaser must be a qualifying purchaser;
• the goods must be exported within 90 days from the date of the tax invoice;
• the VAT-inclusive total of all purchases exported at one time must exceed the
minimum of R250;
• the request for a refund, together with the relevant documentation, must be received
by the VRA within three months of the date of export; and
• the goods must be exported through one of the 43 designated commercial ports by
the qualifying purchaser or the qualifying purchaser’s cartage contractor.

For more information on the documentary requirements and the procedures involved in
obtaining a refund, see the Export Regulations60 and the Tax Refund Information pamphlet
which is issued by the VRA and is available from all of South Africa’s International Airports or
the VRA’s website www.taxrefunds.co.za.

See the SARS website for more information.

11.7.2 Diplomats
Relief from VAT incurred in South Africa is granted to certain persons who are accredited
with diplomatic status if the expenses meet certain requirements. Typically, these would be
expenses incurred for official diplomatic purposes. The relief is granted in the form of a
periodic refund and is effected by way of registration for VAT and the submission of returns
on which the refundable amount for the period is indicated. This procedure applies to
diplomatic missions, consular posts, international organisations accredited to the
South African government, heads of state, and special envoys and transferred
representatives.

60
Regulation 316 (GG 37580 of 2 May 2014).

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 75

VAT refunds on any goods purchased by diplomats whilst in South Africa which are
subsequently exported are dealt with by the VRA as described in 11.7.1.

11.7.3 Exports to foreign countries

A vendor may apply the zero rate of VAT when supplying movable goods which are
consigned to a recipient at an address in an export county.

The VAT on goods purchased in South Africa by a non-resident or a foreign enterprise may
be refunded by the VRA if the goods are subsequently exported. In certain circumstances
the vendor may elect to apply the zero rate of VAT under Part 2 of the VAT Export
Regulation in the case of certain indirect exports provided the vendor making the supply
obtains and retains the proof of export as required.

For more information on VAT, see the guide. 61

12. Customs
12.1 Introduction
In South Africa goods are classified according to the Harmonised System on Tariffs and
Trade (in short, HS or Harmonised Tariff System), an international classification system that
has its origin in Brussels, Belgium, on importation into the Republic or when locally-
manufactured. The specific classification will determine what the rate of duty is for a specific
commodity and whether it will attract additional duties or levies.

The policy on tariffs applicable on importation into the Republic is set by the International
Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) under the authority of the Department of Trade
and Industry.

Customs duties are imposed by the Customs and Excise Act. The duties are levied on
imported goods with the aim of raising revenue and protecting the local market. The duties
are usually calculated as a percentage of the value of the goods (set in the Schedules to the
Customs and Excise Act). However, meat, fish, tea, certain textile products and certain
firearms attract rates of duty calculated either as a percentage of the value or as cents per
unit (for example, per kilogram or metre).

Additional ad valorem excise duties are levied on a wide range of luxury or non-essential
items such as perfumes, firearms and arcade games. See the External Standard - Ad
Valorem Excise Duty.

Duties levied on imported goods

Three kinds of duties are levied on imported goods:
• Customs duties (including additional ad valorem duties on certain luxury or non-
essential items)
• Anti-dumping and countervailing duties
• VAT (which is also collected on goods imported and cleared for home consumption)

61
VAT 404 – Guide for Vendors.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 76

Anti-dumping and countervailing duty
Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are levied on –
• goods considered to be "dumped" in South Africa; and
• subsidised imported goods.

These goods are the subject of investigations into pricing and export incentives in the
country of origin. The rate imposed will depend on the result of the investigations. These
duties are either levied on an ad valorem basis (as a percentage of the value of the goods)
or as a specific duty (as cents per unit).

The amount and type of duty imposed on a product is determined by the following main
criteria:
• The value of the goods (the customs value)
• The volume or quantity of the goods
• The tariff classification of the goods (the tariff heading)

South Africa is a signatory to the South African Customs Union (SACU). SACU consists of
the Governments of the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Lesotho, Republic of
Namibia, South Africa and the Kingdom of Swaziland.

The SACU Agreement that is currently in place was published in Notice R.800 in GG 26537
of 2 July 2004 and came into operation from 15 July 2004.

The effect of the SACU Agreement is that a Common Customs Area has been created within
which goods that are grown, produced or manufactured therein, on importation from one of
the member states to another, shall be free of customs duties and quantitative restrictions
(see Article 18.1). It does not include that the restrictions on imports or exports in
accordance with any national laws for the protection of the local industries or products in the
relevant member state are not being enforced.

This Common Customs Area also has a Common Revenue Pool (see Article 19 of the 1969
Agreement), in terms of which all customs, excise and additional duties collected by the
different member states, are paid into this pool within three months of the end of the quarter
of a particular financial year (see Articles 32 and 33 of the current Agreement). SACU
Member States are then paid from this pool and the share of each member state is
calculated from the different components according to a specific formula (see Annex A).

A free trade agreement providing for preferential rates of customs duties is applied between
SACU and other member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
South Africa has also entered into a free trade agreement with the European Union. A
number of non-reciprocal preferential arrangements are applied to products exported from
the region to developed countries. South Africa has also entered into agreements on mutual
administrative assistance with a number of other countries. These agreements cover all
aspects of assistance in the prevention and combating of customs fraud, including the
exchange of information, technical assistance, surveillance, investigations and visits by
officials.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 77

12.2 Trade agreements
SARS administers a number of trade agreements or protocols or other parts or provisions
thereof, and other international instruments, in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, which
are enacted into law when published by notice in the Government Gazette.

The full texts of these types of agreements are contained in Schedule No. 10 to the Customs
and Excise Act, and contain the following:
• Agreement on Trade, Development and Co-operation between the European
Community and their Member States and South Africa (TDCA)
• Treaty of the Southern African Development Community and Protocols concluded
under the provisions of Article 22 of the Treaty (SADC Treaty & Protocols)
Agreement between the Government of South Africa and the Government of the
United States of America regarding Mutual Assistance between their Customs
Administrations (AGOA)
• Southern African Customs Agreement between the Governments of the Republic of
Botswana, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Namibia, South Africa and the
Kingdom of Swaziland (SACU)
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of South Africa and the
Government of the People's Republic of China on promoting Bilateral Trade and
Economic Co-operation (MOU with People's Republic of China)
• Free Trade Agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States
and the SACU States (EFTA)
• SA-EU TDCA: SA cheese imports from the EU under TRQ

Other trade agreements, such as the trade agreement between the Governments of
South Africa and the Republic of Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), as well as the trade
agreement between the Governments of South Africa and Malawi, although they are not
included in Schedule No. 10, have been added to this collection for ease of reference.

12.3 Duties
12.3.1 Customs duty
Customs duty is levied on imported goods. The Customs division provides the interface
between the domestic and broader global economy, and has a key role to play in facilitating
legal trade and in protecting the economy and society by clamping down on illegal and unfair
trade practices.

This duty, if expressed as a percentage (ad valorem), is always calculated as a percentage

of the value of the goods. However, in the case of certain agricultural products the duty is
expressed as a specific rate, for example, cents per kilogram, cents per litre, etc based on
the volume of the goods.

12.3.2 Excise duty and excise levy

Excise duties and levies are imposed mostly on high-volume daily consumable products
(that is, petroleum and alcohol and tobacco products) as well as certain non-essential or
luxury items (that is, electronic equipment and cosmetics).

The primary function of these duties and levies is to ensure a constant stream of revenue for
the State, with a secondary function of discouraging consumption of certain harmful

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 78

products; that is, harmful to human health or to the environment. In addition to duties and
levies, we also have the diesel refund system for qualifying entities.

The revenue generated by these duties and levies amount to approximately ten per cent of
the total revenue received by SARS.

Excise duties are payable by manufacturers of the following products and are levied
throughout SACU:
• Alcohol and tobacco products
 Malt beer
 Traditional African beer
 Spirits/liquor products
 Wine, vermouth and other fermented beverages
 Tobacco products
• Fuel/petroleum products
• Ad Valorem products

Excise levies are/may be levied separately and uniquely on different products by each
individual SACU member state; in South Africa currently on the following products:
• Fuel levy and Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy on fuel/petroleum products
• Environmental levy products
• Certain types of plastic bags
• Electricity generation, using non-renewable or environmentally hazardous fuels (for
example coal, gas, nuclear)
• Non energy-saving light bulbs
• Motor vehicle carbon dioxide (CO2) emission levels

Relevant entities in South Africa must license with SARS Excise before they start to
manufacture or otherwise deal in any of these products on which the applicable excise duty
and/or levy has not yet been paid.

These duties and levies are self-assessed by the client per periodic excise return and,
depending on the product, paid to SARS on either a monthly or quarterly basis.

12.3.3 Environmental levy

An environmental levy is collected on specific products and used for the clean-up and
protection of the environment.

(a) Plastic bags (Part 3A of Schedule 1 to the Customs and Excise Act, 1964)
A levy is charged on certain plastic carrier bags and flat bags (bags generally regarded as
“grocery bags” or “shopping bags”).

Local manufacturers of such bags must license their premises as manufacturing warehouses
with their local Controller of Customs and Excise at a SARS Branch Office and submit
quarterly excise accounts to such Controller.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 79

Payment of this levy is additional to any customs or excise duty payable in terms of Part 1 or
Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Customs and Excise Act. On 1 April 2013 this levy was increased
from 4 cents per bag to 6 cents per bag. In the Budget Review of 2016 it was proposed that
the levy be increased from 6 cents to 8 cents per bag, effective 1 April 2016.

Exclusion: Plastic bags used for immediate wrapping or packaging, refuse bags and refuse
bin liners are excluded from paying this levy.

(b) Electricity generated in the South Africa (Part 3B of Schedule 1 to the Customs
and Excise Act)
Electricity generated at an electricity generation plant is liable to a levy calculated on the
quantity generated at the time such generation of electricity takes place and any losses
incurred subsequent to the electricity generation process or electricity exported shall not be
deducted or set off from the total quantity of electricity accounted for on a monthly
environmental levy account.

Electricity must be generated in a licensed customs and manufacturing warehouse in

accordance with the provisions of Chapter VA and the rules to the Customs and Excise Act.

Electricity generated under certain circumstances as outlined in Note 2 in Schedule 1

Part 3B to the Customs and Excise Act will not be liable for this levy.

On 1 July 2012 the levy was increased from 2,5 cent per kWh to 3,5 cents per kWh.

(c) Electric filament lamps (Part 3C of Schedule 1 to the Customs and Excise Act,
1964)
A levy is charged on electric filament lamps to promote energy efficiency and to reduce the
demand on electricity.

This levy is additional to any customs or excise duty payable in terms of Part 1 or Part 2 of
Schedule 1 to the Customs and Excise Act and was increased from R3 per lamp to R4 per
lamp on 1 April 2013. In the Budget Review of 2016 it was proposed that the levy be
increased from R4 to R6 per globe, effective 1 April 2016.

(d) Carbon dioxide (CO2) vehicle emissions levy

A CO2 emissions levy is charged on new passenger motor vehicles and double-cab vehicles.
The main objective of this tax is to influence the composition of South Africa’s vehicle fleet to
become more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly.

The emissions levy is in addition to the current ad valorem luxury tax on new vehicles. The
levy is based on certification provided by the vehicle manufacturer, or in the absence thereof
according to the set methods of calculation as described in Note 5 in Schedule 1 Part 3D to
the Customs and Excise Act.

On 1 April 2013 the levy in the case of passenger vehicles was increased to R90 per g/km
on emissions exceeding the threshold of 120g/km and in the case of double-cab vehicles the
rate was increased to R125 per g/km on emissions exceeding the threshold at 175g/km. The
tax is included in the price of the vehicle before calculating the VAT payable on the sale of
the vehicle.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 80

Example: If the certified CO2 emissions of a new vehicle (transport of persons) bought on
1 June 2013 are 140 g/km, the tax payable will be calculated as follows:
(140 g/km – 120 g/km) × R90
= 20g/km × R90
= R1 800

In this example, R1 800 will be added to the price of the vehicle before calculating the VAT
inclusive price.

In the Budget Review of 2016 it was proposed that the levies of R90 and R125 be increased
to R100 and R140 respectively, effective 1 April 2016.

Guides on environmental levy (such as on emissions tax and plastic bags) are available on
the SARS website.

12.4 Value-added tax on imported goods

VAT is levied at the standard rate (currently 14%) on the importation of goods into
South Africa from export countries, including Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland
(the BLNS countries). However, certain goods which are listed in Schedule 1 to the VAT Act
are exempt from VAT upon importation into South Africa.

For VAT purposes the value to be placed on the importation of goods into South Africa is the
value of the goods for customs duty purposes, plus any duty levied in terms of the Customs
and Excise Act in respect of the importation of those goods, plus a further 10% of the said
customs value. The value of any goods which have their origin in any of the BLNS countries
and which are imported into South Africa from any of those countries is not increased by the
factor of 10% as is the case for imports from other countries.

12.5 Customs value

The customs value of any commodity is established in terms of the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade (GATT) valuation code, through the use of either one of six valuation
methods. The majority of goods are valued by using method 1, which is the actual price paid
or payable by the buyer of the goods. The Free on Board (FOB) price forms the basis for the
calculation of duties, levies and taxes, allowing for certain deductions (for example, interest
charged on extended payment terms) and additions (for example, certain royalties) to be
effected.

In determining the customs value, SARS pays particular attention to the relationship
between the buyer and seller, payments outside of the normal transactions, for example,
royalties and licence fees and restrictions that have been placed on the buyer. These
aspects can result in the price paid for the goods being increased for the purpose of
determining a customs value and thus directly affecting the customs duty payable.

12.6 Customs declarations

Declarations made at the time of importation and exportation must be accurate and correct.
The acceptance of such declarations must not be construed as acceptance of the
information provided as being correct. Declarations and related documents must normally be
retained for five years. Where errors are detected or false declarations are made, the
Customs and Excise Act provides for the forfeiture of the goods as well as for penalties of up

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 81

to three times the value of the goods, whether duties were payable or not. In instances of
fraud, offenders may be prosecuted.

Importers and exporters of goods to and from South Africa for commercial purposes must
register with SARS for that purpose. Importers and exporters of non-commercial goods are,
however, excluded from registration, provided that this is limited to three importations per
year and each consignment is less than R50 000.

12.6.1 Rebates allowed on importation of goods

Schedule 3 to the Customs and Excise Act provides for industrial rebates and Schedule 4
provides for general rebates on the payment of customs duty payable on importation under
very specific conditions, such as on the re-importation of imported or locally-manufactured
goods that were sent abroad for processing, finishing, repairs etc.

Schedule 1 to the VAT Act provides for an exemption of the payment of VAT on the
importation of certain goods.

Other examples of general rebates are: rebates of customs duties on the importation of
goods by handicapped persons, diplomats, as passengers’ baggage, personal and
household goods on change of residence.

12.7 Persons entering South Africa

On your arrival in South Africa and you have something to declare to Customs, you have to
complete a traveller card (also called a TC-01 form) before you may proceed to Immigration.
After reporting to Immigration, collect your baggage and then proceed to Customs’ red or
green channel (or to the Customs counter if there is no red or green channel).

The following Customs channels must be followed, depending on your circumstances:

• If you have in your possession any prohibited/restricted goods and/or goods which
fall outside your duty-free allowance, or if you are unsure whether any goods in your
possession fall within these categories, proceed to the red channel.
• If you have something to declare, your traveller card and passport are scanned and
you make a verbal declaration, which is captured on the system by a Customs
officer. This information forms the basis of your declaration form (TRD1). The TRD1
will also be used as temporary imports permit (TIP) and temporary exports permit
(TXP).
• If you are happy with the information on the TRD1, you have to sign on an electronic
signature pad and your signature is captured on the system. The signed TRD1 is
printed and given to you.
• If the goods in your possession fall within your duty-free allowance, you do not have
any prohibited or restricted goods in your possession, you are not in possession of
any commercial goods (imported for trade purposes) and you are not in possession
of gifts, carried on behalf of others, you may proceed to the green channel, unless
instructed otherwise by a Customs Official. You may be stopped, questioned or
searched by a Customs Officer at any time in the red or green channel.

Prohibited goods
The importation of the following goods into South Africa is strictly prohibited –
• narcotic and habit-forming drugs in any form;

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 82

 • fully automatic, military and unnumbered weapons;
• explosives and fireworks;
• poison and other toxic substances;
• cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per 1 000;
• goods to which a trade description or trademark is applied in contravention of any Act
(for example, counterfeit goods);
• unlawful reproductions of any works subject to copyright; and
• penitentiary or prison-made goods.

Restricted goods
Certain goods may only be imported if you are in possession of the necessary
authority/permit. Examples are:
• Firearms / Weapons
• Gold coins
• Unprocessed minerals (for example, gold, diamonds etc)
• Animals, plants and their products (for example, animal skins, dairy products, honey)
• Medicine (excluding sufficient quantities for three months for own personal treatment
accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician)
• Herbal products (Department of Health permit required)

Personal medication under the duty-free allowance

Travellers may import their personal medicaments provided it is a stock for not more than
three months’ use. This must be accompanied by a prescription issued by a medical doctor.

Handmade articles for commercial purposes

Travellers from SACU or the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member
states are allowed to bring into South Africa handmade articles of leather, wood, plastic, or
glass if the goods do not exceed 25kg in total, without the payment of duties and taxes.

Flat-rate assessment
Over and above the duty-free allowance, you may choose to pay Customs duty at a flat-rate
of 20% on goods which you acquired abroad or in any duty-free shop.

The total value of these additional goods, new or used, may not exceed R20 000 per person
or R2 000 for crew members. Flat-rate goods are also exempted from payment of VAT.

Should the value of the additional goods in question exceed R20 000 or should you decide
not to make use of this facility, the flat-rate assessment falls away and the appropriate rates
of duty and VAT must be assessed and paid on each individual item. It should be kept in
mind that in certain cases goods may be liable to rates of customs duty in excess of 20%;
others could be subject to lower rates, while some goods may be free of duty. In addition,
VAT at the standard rate (currently 14%) will be payable on goods assessed by tariff.

It must, however, be noted that the application of this provision is subject to the total value of
goods declared under the entire rebate item not exceeding R25 000. In other words, all

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 83

consumables, the duty-free allowance of R5 000 and the items to be assessed on the flat
rate must in value not exceed R25 000.

The flat rate allowance will be granted an unlimited number of times during the 30 day cycle
after an absence of 48 hours or more from the country provided the goods do not exceed
R20 000.

Currency
Currency brought into or taken from South Africa is monitored by law. Should you have
South African currency exceeding R25 000 or foreign currency exceeding $10 000 (or
equivalent), this must be declared.

Payments
Customs duties and taxes are payable in South African Rand. Payment can be made in
cash, by credit card or by means of traveller’s cheques.

Should you have any questions or doubt about the amount of duty/tax paid or payable or any
other matter about your dealings with a Customs official, you should take the matter up with
the senior Customs officer in charge. The receipt you obtained from Customs must be given
to the officer dealing with your enquiry.

Temporary imports
Note that you may be required to lodge a cash deposit to cover the potential duty/tax on
expensive articles if you are bringing them in on a temporary basis. The deposit will be
refunded when you leave after a Customs officer has physically inspected the items and
verified that the goods are being re-exported. Visitors must notify the Customs office where
the deposit was lodged at least two days before you leave to ensure that the refund is ready.
You will find the office number on the documents which will be given to you when paying
your deposit.

If you are leaving from a port other than the port where you lodged the deposit, the
inspection report confirming the re-exportation of the items will be forwarded to the office
where the deposit was lodged and a cheque will be posted to the address that you provided.

Media/sportsmen
If you are a journalist or sportsman and are bringing goods into the country with you, such as
photographic or sports equipment, you should declare them in the Customs red channel
after arriving in South Africa.

However, unaccompanied baggage needs to be cleared under Rebate Item 480.15 or

through the ATA Carnet system.

Conference organisers
If you are bringing goods into the country specifically for a conference, for example,
pamphlets, brochures, banners etc you need to do the following:
• If these goods are accompanying you, you need to follow the same process as
normal travellers.
• If the goods are unaccompanied baggage, you have to declare them on a DA 306
form. You need to complete the form before you come into the country and then take
it to your nearest Customs office when you arrive in South Africa. This is a simplified

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 84

 clearance procedure for goods with no commercial value, that is, goods that will not
be sold in the country.

12.7.1 Goods imported without the payment of customs duty and which are exempt
from VAT
(a) By persons who are not residents of South Africa
Personal effects and sporting and recreational equipment, new or used, imported either as
accompanied or unaccompanied passenger’s baggage, for own use during the stay in
South Africa.

(b) By persons who are residents of South Africa

Personal effects and sporting and recreational equipment, new or used, exported by
residents of South Africa for their own use while abroad and subsequently re-imported either
as accompanied or unaccompanied passenger’s baggage.

(c) Limits in respect of certain goods

Certain consumable goods may be imported as accompanied passenger’s baggage without
the payment of customs duties and VAT by a person (whether he or she is a resident or not
a resident), but not exceeding the following limits:

Wine 2 litres per person

Spirits and other alcoholic

1 litre per person
beverages

Cigarettes 200 per person

Cigars 20 per person

Cigarette or pipe tobacco 250g per person

Perfume 50ml per person

Eau de toilette 250ml per person

Consumables imported in excess of the quantities stipulated above will be assessed for
customs duty in terms of the rates applicable and VAT will be payable thereon.

In addition to the abovementioned goods, new or used goods up to the value of R5 000 per
person (included in accompanied passengers’ baggage), may be imported without the
payment of duty and VAT.

The duty-free allowance for such goods (new or used) imported for personal use remains
applicable for any such goods up to a value of R20 000, notwithstanding the fact that the
total of such goods may exceed that amount.

You are entitled to these allowances once per person during a period of 30 days after an
absence of 48 hours from South Africa.

Visitors may be required to pay a cash deposit to cover the duty and the VAT on expensive
articles, for example, video cameras temporarily imported to South Africa. The deposit on

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 85

the goods is refunded on departure from South Africa. Allowances may not be pooled or
transferred to other persons.

(d) Children under 18 years of age

Children under 18 years may also claim duty-free allowances and exemption from VAT
(referred to above) on goods imported by them with the exception of alcohol and tobacco
products, whether or not they are accompanied by their parents or guardians and provided
that it is for their personal use.

Parents or guardians may make customs declarations on behalf of minors.

(e) Crew members

A member of the crew of a ship or aircraft (including the master or pilot) is entitled to a
rebate of duty and exemption from VAT if such member returns to South Africa permanently
and provided the total value of new or used goods declared for personal use does not
exceed R700. In the case of additional goods, new or used, the rebate of duty and
exemption from VAT applies provided the total value of such goods declared for personal
use does not exceed R2 000.

The allowances in paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) may only be claimed at the time of entry into
South Africa, thus at the place where those persons disembark or enter the country, and
under the conditions prescribed.

The allowances will also only be allowed once per person during a period of 30 days and
shall not apply to goods imported by persons returning after an absence of less than
48 hours.

Guide to the approval of international airports

A guide on the approval of international airports is available on the SARS website.
All facilities constructed or acquired must be approved for control purposes to ensure that
the requirements of the Customs and Excise Act and those set out in other relevant
documents are met, for example, the revised Kyoto Convention and the SAFE Framework of
standards (to secure and facilitate global trade) etc.

12.8 Declarations on single administrative document

During 2003, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa entered into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU), the key objective of which was the fostering of trade facilitation with a
pivotal component being the rationalisation of procedures and forms by the three customs
administrations.

As a result thereof, the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) pilot programme was initiated during
August 2003 and gradually extended to different border posts. In August 2004 the Single
Administrative Document (SAD) was permanently introduced as the document to be used for
the clearance of goods removed through the border posts.

International best practice, culminating in the rationalisation of customs information

requirements in the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) Data Model, is the key driving
force for a single clearance document. The adoption of the SAD is moreover in line with
SARS’s Service Charter, to make customs clearance easier and more convenient for
importers, exporters and cross-border traders.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 86

The full national implementation of the SAD was effected from 1 October 2006. 62

The implementation has the effect that the SAD is being used nationally instead of the forms:
DA 500, DA 501, DA 504, DA 510, DA 514, DA 550, DA 551, DA 554, DA 600, DA 601,
DA 604, DA 610, DA 611, DA 614 and CCA1.

12.9 Goods accepted at appointed places of entry

Goods imported into South Africa are accepted at designated commercial ports, which
include –
• customs-appointed airports;
• customs-appointed border posts;
• customs-appointed harbours; and
• the postal service.

12.10 Cargo entering South Africa

When cargo is landed in South Africa, a cargo manifest in respect of those goods must be
produced. These manifests reflect all the goods imported. All the goods must be accounted
for by means of bills of entry. If importers or owners of imported goods fail to enter their
cargo for customs purposes the goods may be detained and removed to the state
warehouse.

12.11 State warehouses

State warehouses are provided for the safekeeping of goods. The main purpose of such
warehouses is to protect duty and VAT which may be due thereon. The reason for such
safekeeping may include goods not entered for customs purposes, abandoned goods,
seized goods or goods detained provisionally for specific reasons subject to compliance with
requirements for import or export. When the importer or owner of goods has complied with
all customs or other requirements, release thereof may be granted upon payment of the
applicable state warehouse rent. Unclaimed goods may be sold on public auction after a
prescribed period from the date on which the goods were taken up in the state warehouse
and the proceeds are applied in discharge of any duties, VAT or other expenses in respect
of those goods.

12.12 Importation of household effects by immigrants or returning residents

Bona fide household effects may be imported, free of duty and exempt from the VAT
normally levied on importation, provided that the importer changes his or her residence to
South Africa be it on a permanent or temporary basis. Importers such as contract workers
and students may also import their bona fide household effects under rebate of duty and
exempt from VAT (a deposit may be called for to cover the VAT on importation either in part
or in full, which is refundable when such goods are exported). The requirement would,
however, be that they re-export their household effects at conclusion of the work contract or
studies, or they may dispose of it locally, provided they have not sold, lent, hired or disposed
of it in any manner whatsoever within six months since importation. Importers taking up
temporary residence in South Africa on a continual basis, for example, people with holiday
homes, do not qualify for this rebate.

62
See GN R961 GG 29257 dated 29 September 2006.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 87

12.13 Motor vehicles
Natural persons changing their residence on a permanent basis to South Africa may import
one motor vehicle into South Africa, free of duty and exempt from VAT. Here they would be
required to qualify as a permanent resident sanctioned by the Department of Home Affairs.
South Africans working or studying abroad do not qualify for this rebate item.

12.14 Motor vehicles imported on a temporary basis

Motor vehicles used in South Africa by tourists may be imported under rebate of duty and
exempt from VAT for three months which may be extended to six months. A deposit may be
called for to cover the VAT on importation either in part or in full, which is refundable when
such goods are exported. After six months the motor vehicles must be re-exported.

13. Excise duties – Rates

13.1 Specific excise duties
Specific excise duties are levied on certain locally-manufactured, non-essential products
consumed locally and a counter-veiling customs duty, equal to the amount of the specific
excise duty, is levied on their imported counterparts. The duty is assessed on the specific
quantity or volume of excisable products consumed locally. Such products include tobacco
products, liquor products, petroleum products and hydro-carbons.

The following are some of the excisable products and their respective specific duty rates
increased with effect from 25 February 2015 to 23 February 2016:

Alcoholic Beverages Rate of duty

Malt beer R73,05/l of absolute alcohol

Traditional African beer 7,82 c/l

Spirits and spirituous beverages R149,23/l of absolute alcohol

Alcohol Rate of duty

Sparkling wine R9,75/l

Fortified wine R5,46/l

Unfortified wine R3,07/l

Traditional African beer powder 34,7 c/kg

Tobacco Rate of duty

Cigarettes R6,21/10 cigarettes

Pipe tobacco R155,54/kg net

Cigarette tobacco R278,82/kg

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 88

 Cigars R2 824,55/kg net

With effect from 24 February 2016 the above rates are increased to:

Alcoholic Beverages Rate of duty

Malt beer R79,26/l of absolute alcohol

Traditional African beer 7,82 c/l

Spirits and spirituous beverages R161,47/l of absolute alcohol

Alcohol Rate of duty

Sparkling wine R10,53/l

Fortified wine R5,82/l

Unfortified wine R3,31/l

Traditional African beer powder 34,7 c/kg

Tobacco Rate of duty

Cigarettes R6,62/10 cigarettes

Pipe tobacco R166,40/kg

Cigarette tobacco R297,60/kg

Cigars R3012,17/kg

13.2 Ad valorem excise duties

Ad valorem excise duties are levied on certain other locally manufactured non-essential or
luxury products with a corresponding ad valorem customs duty (at the same rate of duty) on
imported goods of the same class or kind. The duty is assessed on the value of such
excisable products consumed locally. Such products include, amongst others, motor
vehicles, cell phones, gaming and vending machines, cosmetics and television receivers.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 89

The following are some of the excisable products and their respective ad valorem duty rates
with effect from 1 January 2011 to date.
Ad valorem products

Products Rate of duty

Perfumes and toilet waters 7%

Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for care of the skin 5%

Fireworks 7%

Apparel or clothing accessories of fur skin or artificial fur skin 7%

Air conditioning machines for buildings 7%

Refrigerators or freezers 7%

Line telephones with cordless handsets, loudspeakers and amplifiers, 7%

sound and video recording or reproducing apparatus and cellular
telephones

Products Rate of duty

Cellular telephones, still image video cameras, other video camera 7%

recorders and digital cameras

Domestic radio-broadcast receivers, reception apparatus for 7%

television, video monitors and video projectors

Motor vehicles (sliding scale) Max 25%

Motorcycles (200 – 800cc) Max 25%

Motorcycles exceeding 800cc Max 25%

Water scooters 7%

Firearms 7%

Golf balls 7%

Note: The list is not exhaustive.

Manufacturers and holders of both these specific excise duty and ad valorem excise duty
products, on which duty has not yet been assessed or paid, must license warehouses with
the local controller of customs and excise before the start of such manufacturing or holding.

13.3 General fuel levy and road accident fund levy

This is a levy on distillate fuels (diesel), aviation or illuminating kerosene and petrol,
manufactured in or imported into South Africa.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 90

In SACU, the general fuel levy and the road accident fund levy are charged only in South
Africa and are over and above the specific excise duty charged on certain fuel products.

The following are some of the fuel levy products and their respective levy rates increased
with effect from 2 April 2014 to 31 March 2015:

General fuel levy products Rate of levy

Petrol (leaded and unleaded) 224,5c/l

Aviation kerosene Free

Illuminating kerosene (marked) Free

Illuminating kerosene (unmarked) 209,5c/l

Distillate fuel (diesel) 209,5c/l

Road accident fund levy on petrol or diesel 104c/l

The above levy rates were again increased with effect from 1 April 2015 to 5 April 2016:

General fuel levy products Rate of levy

Petrol (leaded and unleaded) 255c/l

Aviation kerosene Free

Illuminating kerosene (marked) Free

Illuminating kerosene (unmarked) 240c/l

Distillate fuel (diesel) 240c/l

Road accident fund levy on petrol or diesel 154c/l

The above levy rates were again increased with effect from 6 April 2016 to date:

General fuel levy products Rate of levy

Petrol (leaded and unleaded) 285c/l

Aviation kerosene Free

Illuminating kerosene (marked) Free

Illuminating kerosene (unmarked) 270c/l

Distillate fuel (diesel) 270c/l

Road accident fund levy on petrol or diesel 154c/l

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 91

13.4 Diamond export levy
A diamond export levy on unpolished diamonds exported from South Africa was introduced,
effective from 1 November 2008 at a rate of 5% of the value of such diamonds.

The aim of the diamond export levy as imposed in the Diamond Export Levy Act 15 of 2007
and the Diamond Export Levy (Administration) Act 14 of 2007 is to –
• promote the development of the local economy by encouraging the local diamond
industry to process(cut, polish etc) diamond(s) locally;
• develop skills; and
• create employment.

A person who is a producer, dealer, diamond beneficiator or holder of a permit to export

unpolished diamonds must register as such.

A registered person must submit a return and payment within a period of 30 days after the
ending date of each assessment period, which –
a) in the case of a natural person –
(i) begins on 1 March and ends on 31 August; and
(ii) begins on 1 September and ends on the last day of February; and
b) in the case of any other person –
(i) begins on the first day of the financial year for which financial accounts are
prepared and ends six calendar months after that day; and
(ii) begins on the day immediately after the period described in subparagraph (a)
and ends on the last day of that financial year.

14. Transfer duty

Transfer duty is payable on transactions constituting “property” as defined in section 1(1) of
the Transfer Duty Act, subject to certain exemptions and exceptions.

Transfer duty is levied on –

• the value of any property acquired by any person by way of a transaction or in any
other manner; and
• the value by which any property is enhanced by the renunciation of an interest in or
restriction upon the use or disposal of that property.

The most common forms of property transactions on which transfer duty is levied includes –
• physical property such as land and any fixtures thereon, including sectional title units;
• real rights in land but excluding rights under mortgage bonds or leases (other than
the leases mentioned below); and
• rights to minerals or rights to mine for minerals (including any sub-lease of such a
right).

The transfer of this type of property must be recorded in a Deeds Registry.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 92

The definition of “property” also includes –
• certain shares, contingent rights and other interests in entities such as companies,
close corporations and discretionary trusts that own residential property;
• fractional ownership timeshare schemes; and
• shares in a share block company.

Transfers of these rights and interests in property are not recorded in a Deeds Registry.

Transfer duty is based on the fair value of the property. In a transaction between unrelated
persons transacting at arm’s length, the fair value is usually equal to the consideration paid
or payable for the property. In cases where property is acquired for no consideration, or
where the consideration is not market related, transfer duty is paid on the consideration, or
the fair value, or the declared value of the property - whichever is the higher amount.

Transfer duty must be paid within six months of the date of acquisition of the property.
The date of acquisition will depend on the type of transaction. If the tax has not been paid
within the prescribed period, interest is payable at the rate of 10% a year, 63 calculated for
each completed month during which the transfer duty remains unpaid. 64

The general rule is that transfer duty is payable on the acquisition of all forms of property
unless –
• the transaction is subject to VAT and qualifies for exemption under section 9(15) of
the Transfer Duty Act; or
• the transaction is exempt under any other specific exemption provided under
section 9 of the Transfer Duty Act; or
• the transaction is exempt from transfer duty under any other Act of Parliament; or
• the consideration or the fair value of the property is R750 000 or less (R600 000
before 1 March 2015).

14.1 Transfer duty rates (from 23 February 2011 to 28 February 2015)

Fair market value or consideration Rate of duty

Not exceeding R600 000 0%

Exceeding R600 000 but not R1 000 000 3% of the value exceeding R600 000

R12 000 + 5% of the value exceeding

Exceeding R1 000 000 but not R1 500 000
R1 000 000

R37 000 + 8% of the value exceeding

Exceeding R1 500 000
R1 500 000

63
Interest will be charged at the “prescribed rate” in terms of the Tax Administration Act 22 of 2011
from the effective date that the Presidential Proclamation on interest comes into effect for all
taxes.
64
Currently, the rate of 10% is prescribed in the Transfer Duty Act. Once the interest provisions in
the TA Act become effective, the “prescribed rate” as defined in that Act will apply. At the date of
publication of this guide, the Proclamation had not yet come into effect.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 93

14.2 Transfer duty rates (from 1 March 2015 to 29 February 2016)

Fair market value or consideration Rate of duty

Not exceeding R750 000 0%

Exceeding R750 000 but not R1 250 000 3% of the value exceeding R750 000

R15 000 + 6% of the value exceeding

Exceeding R1 250 000 but not R1 750 000
R1 250 000

R45 000 + 8% of the value exceeding

Exceeding R1 750 000 but not R2 250 000
R1 750 000

R85 000 +11% of the value

Exceeding R2 250 000
exceeding R2 250 000

14.3 Transfer duty rates (from 1 March 2016 to date)

Fair market value or consideration Rate of duty

Not exceeding R750 000 0%

Exceeding R750 000 but not R1 250 000 3% of the value exceeding R750 000

R15 000 + 6% of the value exceeding

Exceeding R1 250 000 but not R1 750 000
R1 250 000

R45 000 + 8% of the value exceeding

Exceeding R1 750 000 but not R2 250 000
R1 750 000

R85 000 + 11% of the value

Exceeding R2 250 000 but not R10 000 000
exceeding R2 250 000

R937 500 + 13% of the value

Exceeding R10 000 000
exceeding R10 000 000

The above rates apply to all persons.

In order to ensure that the sale of fixed property is not subject to both VAT and transfer duty,
the Transfer Duty Act contains an exemption from transfer duty if the supply is subject to
VAT. The provisions of the VAT Act will, therefore, normally take precedence over the
Transfer Duty Act where the supplier is a vendor. Sometimes the supply of fixed property
may be subject to transfer duty even if the seller is a vendor. For example, the sale of a
vendor’s private residence, or the sale of property used by a vendor for the purposes of
employee housing will be subject to transfer duty as these supplies are not in the course or
furtherance of the enterprise carried on by the vendor.

In the case of a sale of fixed property which is part of the supply of an entire enterprise to
another VAT vendor, which meets the requirements of a going concern under
section 11(1)(e) of the VAT Act, VAT will be charged at the zero rate on all the enterprise
assets (including the fixed property). In this case, no transfer duty will be payable on the
property.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 94

All payments of transfer duty and any TDC01 returns which may be required for the
processing of transactions must be submitted to SARS via eFiling as the manual submission
of forms or payments is no longer accepted. SARS issues a transfer duty receipt on payment
of the tax, or an exemption receipt is issued if the transaction is exempt from transfer duty.

In most cases, the property transaction will have to be lodged in the Deeds Registry to effect
transfer of the property into the transferee’s name. In these cases, the receipt or exemption
receipt must be lodged together with the transfer documents prepared by the conveyancer
attending to the transfer. In cases involving the acquisition of shares, rights and other
interests in entities that own residential property, no transfer of property is registered in the
Deeds Registry. However, any changes to the membership of a close corporation or
changes in a trust deed which are necessary as a result of the transaction will need to be
submitted to the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) or the office of the
Master of the High Court (as the case may be).

For more information see the guides. 65

15. Estate duty

The estate of a deceased person who was ordinarily resident in South Africa, will, for estate
duty purposes, consist of all property wherever situated, including deemed property (for
example, life insurance policies and payments from pension funds). However, property
situated outside South Africa will be excluded from the deceased’s estate if such property
was acquired by him or her before he or she became ordinarily resident in South Africa for
the first time, or after he or she became ordinarily resident in South Africa and acquired such
property by way of donation or inheritance from a person who was not ordinarily resident in
South Africa at the date of such donation or inheritance. The exclusion also applies to
property situated outside South Africa, acquired out of profits or proceeds of any such
property acquired in the above circumstances.

The estate of a person who was not a resident of South Africa is only subject to estate duty
to the extent that it consists of certain property of the deceased in South Africa.

The Estate Duty Act, unlike the Act, does not define “resident” and only refers to persons
who are “ordinarily resident” or “not ordinarily resident”. It follows, therefore, that any natural
person, who was not ordinarily resident in South Africa but who became a resident of
South Africa in terms of the physical presence test for income tax purposes, will be regarded
as a non-resident for estate duty purposes.

The duty is calculated on the dutiable amount of the estate. Certain admissible deductions
are made from the total value of the estate. Two important deductions are (1) the value of
property in the estate that accrues to the surviving spouse of the deceased and (2) all debts
due by the deceased. The net value of the estate is reduced by a R3,5 million general
deduction (specified amount) to arrive at the dutiable amount of the estate.

65
Transfer Duty Guide, Guide for Transfer Duty via eFiling,and VAT409: Guide for Fixed Property
and Construction.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 95

Note:
With effect from 1 January 2010, the following will apply to the estate of a person who dies
on or after that date:
• If a person was a spouse at the time of death of one or more previously deceased
persons, the dutiable amount of the estate of that person will be determined by
deducting from the net value of that estate an amount equal to –
 the specified amount multiplied by two (that equals R7 million) less so much
of the specified amount already allowed as a deduction from the net value of
the estate of any one of the previously deceased persons.
• If a person was one of the spouses at the time of death of a previously deceased
person, the dutiable amount of the estate of that person will be determined by
deducting from the net value of that estate, an amount equal to the sum of –
 the current specified amount, which is R3,5 million; and
 an amount calculated as follows:
specified amount, which is R3,5 million, reduced by so much of the specified
amount already allowed as a deduction from the net value of the estate of the
previously deceased person, divided by the number of spouses of that
previously deceased person.

Rate of estate duty

Estate duty is charged at a rate of 20% of the dutiable amount of the estate.

Estate duty calculation

R
Net value of estate 3 600 000
Less: General deduction (3 500 000)
Dutiable amount 100 000
Duty payable on R100 000 at 20% 20 000

Estate duty calculation (death on or after 01/01/2010)

The whole estate was bequeathed to the spouse
Net value of the estate of spouse 7 100 000
Less: Deduction (2 × R3,5 m) (7 000 000)
Dutiable amount 100 000
Duty payable on R100 000 at 20% 20 000

Interest at 6% a year is charged on unpaid estate duty.

The South African government has agreements to avoid double death duties with Botswana,
Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
These agreements are available on the SARS website.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 96

16. Securities transfer tax
STT is a tax levied in terms of the Securities Transfer Tax Act and is payable on the transfer
of any security 66 issued by a close corporation or company incorporated in South Africa as
well as foreign companies listed on the South African stock exchange. STT applies with
effect from 1 July 2008.

For purposes of STT a “security” 67 means –

• any share or depository receipt in a company; or
• any member’s interest in a close corporation.

The STT rate is 0,25% of the taxable amount on any transfer of a security which in effect is
the higher of the consideration paid for or the market value of the security concerned.

STT is payable by –
• the transferee (purchaser), where securities are transferred; or
• the company or close corporation cancelling or redeeming the share, where the
securities are cancelled or redeemed.

The person who is liable to pay the STT may, however, recover the tax from the person to
whom the securities are transferred.

STT on the transfer of securities must be paid as follows:

• Listed securities – by the 14th day of the month following the month during which
transfer of the securities occurred.
• Unlisted securities – within two months from the end of the month during which the
transfer of the securities occurred.

Payment of STT must be made electronically through the SARS e-STT system. If any tax
remains unpaid after the due date, a penalty of 10% of the unpaid tax will be imposed. The
Commissioner may however remit the penalty (or any portion thereof) in accordance with
Chapter 15 of the TA Act. 68

Certain entities and types of transactions are exempt from STT, for example –
• the government of South Africa or the government of any other country;
• certain PBOs;
• heirs or legatees that acquire securities through an inheritance; or
• certain share transactions which are subject to transfer duty or VAT such as the
acquisition of shares in a share-block company.

For more information see the guide. 69

66
From 1 January 2013 this includes the reallocation of securities between different stock accounts
of, for example, a stockbroker.
67
Before 1 April 2012 the definition of “security” also included any right or entitlement to receive any
distribution from a company or close corporation.
68
Section 6A of the Securities Transfer Administration Act, 2007.
69
Securities Transfer Tax.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 97

17. Skills development levy
SARS administers the collection of SDL. SDL is levied on payrolls in order to finance the
development of skills and thus enhance productivity.

An employer must pay SDL if the employer pays annual salaries, wages and other
remuneration in excess of R500 000. Employers with an annual payroll of R500 000 or less
(whether registered for employees’ tax purposes with SARS or not) are exempt from the
payment of this levy.

SDL is payable by employers at a rate of 1% of the payroll. Employers providing training to

employees receive grants from Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in terms
of this initiative.

The application form to register for SDL is the same form that is used to register for
employees’ tax (EMP101). The monthly return for SDL is combined with the monthly return
for employees’ tax (EMP201) which means that the same terms and conditions apply for
submission and payment.

For more information see the guide. 70

18. Unemployment insurance fund contributions

South Africa has a UIF which insures employees against loss of earnings due to termination
of employment, illness and maternity or adoption leave.

SARS administers the collection of the bulk of UIF contributions. UIF contributions, which are
equal to 2% of the remuneration (subject to specified exclusions) paid or payable by an
employer to its employees, are collected from employers on a monthly basis. The total
amount of contributions so collected consists of –
• the sum of the contribution made by each employee equal to 1% of an employee’s
gross remuneration (before taking into account any allowable deductions which the
employer may deduct for purposes of calculating the employee’s tax) paid or payable
by the employer to the employee during any month; and
• a contribution made by the employer equal to 1% of the remuneration (before taking
into account any allowable deductions which the employer may deduct for purposes
of calculating an employee’s tax) paid or payable by the employer to its employees
during any month.

UIF contributions are only calculated on so much of the remuneration paid or payable by the
employer to an employee as does not exceed –
• R14 872 per month (R178 464 a year); or
• R3 432 per week.

Employers must pay the total UIF contribution of 2% over to SARS within seven days after
the end of the month during which the amount was deducted from the remuneration of its
employees.

70
External Guide: Guide for Employers in respect of Skill Development Levy – Revision 3.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 98

For more information see the guide. 71

The Department of Labour’s website, www.uif.gov.za also has useful information in this
regard.

19. Air passenger departure tax

From 1 October 2011 to date –
• passengers departing to Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland pay R100 per
passenger; and
• passengers departing to other international destinations pay R190 per passenger.

20. Mineral and petroleum resources royalties

In the past mineral and petroleum resources were predominantly privately owned with
minimal benefit to the State flowing from the extraction of such resources. Only under certain
circumstances such as where mining was conducted on state-owned land did any
consideration accrue to the State.

To bring South Africa in line with the prevailing international norms, the Mineral and
Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 (MPRDA) was promulgated.
Section 3(2)(b) of the MPRDA states that the State, as the custodian of the nation’s mineral
and petroleum resources, may prescribe and levy, any fee payable in terms of the MPRDA.

The subsequent enactment of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Royalty Act 28 of 2008
and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Royalty (Administration) Act 29 of 2008 (the
Administration Act) means that the exploitation of all mineral and petroleum resources in
South Africa will require the payment of a consideration in the form of a mineral and
petroleum royalty, payable to the State through SARS.

Section 2(1) of the Administration Act prescribes the criteria as to who is required to register
for purposes of paying this royalty. In terms thereof entities who were existing right holders
on 1 November 2009 were required to register by 28 February 2010. After 1 November 2009
any person required to register in terms of the set criteria must do so within 60 days after
meeting such criteria.

More information, and the application form to register (MPR 1), is available on the SARS
website.

21. Interest, penalties and additional tax for non-compliance with

legislation
The TA Act provides for –
• the imposition of interest (see Chapter 12 of the TA Act);
• the imposition of penalties (fixed amount penalty and percentage based penalty) (see
Chapter 15 of the TA Act); and

71
Guide for Employers in respect of the Unemployment Insurance Fund Revision 5.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 99

 • the imposition of understatement penalty up to 200% for a default in rendering a
return, an omission from a return, an incorrect statement in a return, or if no return is
required, the failure to pay the correct amount of tax (see Chapter 16 of the TA Act).

A person may also be liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment on matters such as

non-payment of taxes, failure to complete tax returns, failure to disclose income, false
statements, helping any person to evade tax or claiming a refund to which he or she is not
entitled.

Taxpayers who have not complied with tax legislation such as to not register or the omission
of income and who voluntarily approach SARS to meet their tax obligations, will be received
sympathetically.

22. Request for correction

A taxpayer, who makes a mistake in a return submitted, and wishes to correct this mistake,
is to submit a Request for correction (RFC) which is available through eFiling or contact a
SARS branch. This allows the taxpayer to correct a previously submitted return/declaration
for income tax and in certain circumstances for value-added tax. If the RFC function is not
available to the taxpayer through eFiling an objection is to be lodged.

See the SARS website for more information.

23. Notice of objection

A taxpayer, who is not –
• able to submit an RFC (see the next paragraph); or
• satisfied with an assessment, decision or determination received from SARS,
• must lodge an objection in writing, together with a filled in and signed Notice of
objection (NOO) form stating fully, and in detail the grounds on which the objection is
lodged.

An RFC will not be available in the following circumstances:

• In the case of an on-going audit, an RFC for a particular year of assessment has
already been submitted or the relevant material (supporting documents) has already
been sent, the taxpayer will need to wait for the outcome.
• An audit case was completed or a revised declaration was done by a SARS user.
• In the case of income tax (personal, corporate or trusts) three years after the
assessment or where the decision was not allowed.
• For any VAT period more than five years after the assessment and for Diesel any tax
period more than two years.

The NOO must be submitted within 30 business days from –

• the date of the assessment; or
• the date that written reasons (decision or determination) for the assessment were
provided by SARS,
• to the SARS office as specified on the assessment.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 100

If the taxpayer’s objection is disallowed (in part or fully), the taxpayer has the right to note an
appeal (see 24).

For more information see the interpretation note. 72

24. Dispute resolution

Dispute resolution processes are available to a taxpayer if an objection is disallowed (in part
or fully), and the taxpayer believes the assessment, decision or determination received from
SARS is still incorrect (see Chapter 9 of the TA Act). These processes are in terms of the
legislation that SARS administers.

As part of a process of reducing the costs associated with dispute resolution, the formal
dispute resolution process (the appeal process) has been supplemented by an alternative
dispute resolution (ADR) process. The formal dispute resolution process need not be
followed if the difference is clearly the result of an administrative error. However, the
taxpayer may still find it useful to record the details and the nature of the error in writing as it
reduces the likelihood of any misunderstanding and provides a document that may be
referred to in future for record purposes.

Rules prescribing the procedures for lodging an objection and noting an appeal against an
assessment were originally formulated and promulgated as provided for in section 107A.
These rules included the procedures for the conducting and hearing of an appeal before a
Tax Court; or a Tax Board.

Section 107A was repealed by paragraph 73 of Schedule 1 to the TA Act, but applied until
new rules were promulgated under section 103 of the TA Act (see Government Notice 550
dated 11 July 2014 published in GG 37819 dated 11 July 2014.).

These rules make provision for a dispute resolution process and an alternative dispute
resolution process.

For more information see the interpretation 73 note, and a number of guides. 74

The Customs and Excise Act, contains its own provisions relating to dispute resolution.

25. Advanced tax rulings

There are three types of advance rulings, namely binding class rulings (BCRs), binding
private rulings (BGRs) and binding general rulings (BGRs).

Advance rulings are issued under Chapter 7 of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011. They
promote clarity, consistency and certainty regarding the interpretation or application of
various tax Acts and in the case of a BPR or a BCR, they apply to proposed transactions.

72
Interpretation Note 15 (Issue 4) dated 20 November 2014 “Exercise of Discretion in Case of Late
Objection or Appeal”.
73
Interpretation Note 15 (Issue 4) dated 20 November 2014 “Exercise of Discretion in Case of Late
Objection or Appeal”.
74
Dispute Resolution Guide: Guide on the Rules Promulgated in terms of section 103 of the Tax
Administration Act, 2011(Rules under s. 103) dated 28 October 2014; Quick Guide on Alternative
Dispute Resolution: Quick Guide dated 31 October 2014 and Alternative Dispute Resolution:
What do You do if You Dispute Your Tax Assessment dated 31 October 2014.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 101

A BCR or a BPR is issued on application.

The ruling will be binding upon SARS when the applicant is assessed in connection with that
proposed transaction, unless, amongst others, the applicant has not disclosed all the facts in
connection with the proposed transaction or has not concluded the transaction as described
in the application.

BCRs and BPRs are not designed to provide answers to taxpayers’ general tax queries
regarding their current tax affairs or general questions about tax laws, for example
administrative or procedural matters.

The applicant must submit the application timeously.

The time period required to issue a binding ruling is normally a minimum of 20 business days
(for urgent applications). Time should also be allowed for possible delays during the
application process, for example, if further particulars are required in addition to the
information already provided. The business days start when the applicant accepts the online
notification of the cost recovery fee to issue the ruling, faxed or uploaded the Letter of
Engagement and made an advance payment. If the applicant decides to apply for a binding
ruling it is recommended that the applicant seeks the assistance of an accountant, lawyer or
other tax professional.

A BCR or BPR may only be issued by the Legal and Policy Division: Advance Tax Rulings
Unit at the SARS Head Office. All applications for binding rulings must be filed online on
www.sarsefiling.co.za. The eFiling system can also be accessed via the SARS website
www.sars.gov.za.

Generally, a BCR or BPR includes –

• a statement identifying it as a BCR or BPR;
• the name, tax reference number and postal address of the applicant;
• a list or a description of the affected class members in the case of a BCR;
• the relevant statutory provisions and legal issues;
• a description of the proposed transaction;
• the specific ruling made;
• any assumptions made or conditions prescribed by SARS in connection with the
validity of the ruling; and
• the period for which the ruling is valid.

For more information see the guide. 75

26. South African Reserve Bank – Exchange control

Exchange control regulations, restricting the in and out flow of capital in South Africa, still
exist. For example, investments into South Africa must be reported and prior approval must
be obtained if loan capital is invested in South Africa.

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Comprehensive Guide to Advance Tax Rulings dated June 2013.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 102

The administration of exchange control is performed by the South African Reserve Bank.
The Reserve Bank has delegated some of its powers to deal with exchange control related
matters to commercial banks. These banks are known as “authorised dealers” in foreign
exchange.

Residents of South Africa wishing to remit or invest or lend amounts abroad are, as a
general rule, subject to exchange control restrictions and will need to approach these
authorised dealers.

Individuals older than 18 years and in good standing with their tax affairs may invest a total
of R4 million a year outside South Africa. This foreign investment allowance of R4 million is
available for residents with a valid bar-coded South African identity document. However,
individuals are also able to invest, without restriction, in foreign companies that are inward
listed on South African security exchanges. In addition individuals are allowed a total single
discretionary allowance of R1 million a year for purposes of travel, donations, gifts and
maintenance.

Companies are not limited in their use of South African funds for new approved foreign-direct
investments (strictly true investments in factories or businesses and not for portfolio
investments). Companies are allowed to retain foreign dividends offshore, and dividends
repatriated to South Africa after 26 October 2004 may be transferred offshore again for the
financing of approved foreign direct investments or approved foreign expansion.

Further information is available on the Reserve Bank website at www.reservebank.co.za.

27. Automatic exchange of information

Automatic exchange of information (AEOI) involves the systematic and periodic transmission
of bulk taxpayer information by the source country to the residence country. An effective
model for AEOI requires a common standard on the information to be reported by financial
institutions and exchanged with residence jurisdictions to establish a global approach to
combatting offshore tax evasion.

Specific statutory obligations are placed on South African Financial Institutions in terms of
the Agreement between South Africa and the Government of the United States of America
(the agreement). This Agreement came into force on 28 October 2014.

The US Financial Account Tax Compliance Act applies to an entity that is a “Financial
Institution”, as defined in Article 1(1) of that Act, that maintains financial accounts of account
holders who are specified US persons or passive entities with controlling persons who are
specified US persons. An entity is defined in the agreement as a legal person or a legal
arrangement such as a trust, partnership or an association.

For more information see the guide. 76

76
Guide on the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) dated 5 June 2015

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 103

Annexure A – Examples of how income tax is calculated for the tax year ended
29 February 2016

Example 1 – Taxpayer X is single and under 65 years of age

Facts:
R
Salary income (remuneration) 450 000
Pension fund contributions 34 000
Medical expenses not recoverable by X 25 550
Medical scheme contributions (R1 900 per month for 12 months) 22 800
Retirement annuity fund contributions 6 000
PAYE 88 320

Determine:
The taxable income of X for the 2016 year of assessment, and the income tax payable to or
refundable by SARS.
Result:
R R
Total income (remuneration) 450 000
Less: Pension fund contributions
Greater of: R1 750; or
7,5% × R450 000 = R33 750 (33 750)
Retirement annuity fund contributions
Greater of: 15% × Rnil; or
R3 500 – R33 750 = Rnil; or
R1 750 (1 750) (35 500)
Taxable income 414 500

R c
Tax on R414 500 100 894 08
R93 135 + (36% × R21 603)
Less: Primary rebate (13 257,00)
87 637,08
Less: Rebate for medical scheme fees tax credit = (R270 × 12) (3 240,00)
84 397,08
Less: Additional medical expenses tax credit = (25% × R4 303) (1 075,75)
Contributions 22 800
Less: 4 × Medical scheme fees tax credit
(4 × R3 240) (12 960)
9 840
Add: Medical expenses 25 550
35 390
Less: 7,5% × R414 500 (31 087)
4 303
83 321,33
Less: PAYE (88 320,00)
Income tax refundable by SARS (4 998,67)

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 104

Example 2 – Taxpayers aged 66 years and 59 years respectively
Facts:
Y is married in community of property (see 2.4.5). Y is 66 years of age and his wife is
59 years of age.
Income Y Wife
R R
Remuneration 120 000 Nil
Taxable income from business R100 000(1) ??? ???
Net rental income R8 000(2) + R12 000(3) ??? ???
Gross interest R24 000(4) ??? ???

Deductions
Qualifying medical expenses - not member of medical fund 13 800 Nil
Retirement annuity fund contributions Nil 8 000

R c R c
PAYE 1 766,00 Nil
Provisional tax 3 700,00 Nil
(1)
The spouses carry on a trade jointly. According to the agreement the profit-sharing ratio
is 40:60 – Y 40%, wife 60%.
(2)
Wife owns a property she inherited from her father. Her father’s will stipulate that the
income derived from the property may not form part of Y's estate.
(3)
The rental income of R12 000 of Y is part of the joint estate.
(4)
The total interest of R24 000 is part of the joint estate.

Determine:
The taxable income of Y and his wife and the income tax payable by each of them to SARS
or refunded by SARS in respect of the 2016 year of assessment.

Result:
Tax position – husband (Aged 66 years)
Determination of taxable income:
Income R
Remuneration 120 000
Taxable income from business (R100 000 × 40%)(1) 40 000
Net rental income [Nil(2) + (R12 000 × 50%)(3)] 6 000
Gross interest [(R24 000 × 50%)(4) – R12 000 exemption] nil
Taxable income 166 000
(1)
According to the agreement the profit-sharing ratio is 40:60 – Y 40% and wife 60%.
(2)
Her father’s will stipulate that the income derived from the property may not form part of
her husband's estate, therefore, no portion of the R8 000 is included in Y’s taxable
income.
(3)
The rental income of the joint estate is split equally between spouses due to the fact that
they are married in community of property.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 105

(4)
The total interest of R24 000 is part of the joint estate and is split equally between
spouse due to the fact that they are married in community of property. Both spouses are
each entitled to the exemption of interest income. Y over 65 years of age, therefore, the
R34 500 interest exemption is limited to R12 000.

Determination of income tax liability of Y on R166 000:

R c
Tax on R166 000 at 18% 29 880,00
Less: Primary rebate 13 257,00
Additional rebate (age 65 years and older) 7 407,00 (20 664,00)
9 216,00
Less: Additional medical expenses tax credit (33,3% x R13 800) (4 595,40)
4 620,60
Less: Income tax (5 466,00)
PAYE (1 766,00)
Provisional tax (3 700,00)
Income tax refundable by SARS (845,40)

Tax position – wife (Aged 59 years)

Determination of taxable income:

Income
Business income (R100 000 × 60%)(1) 60 000
Net rental income [R8 000(2) + (R12 000 × 50%)(3)] 14 000
Gross interest [(R24 000 × 50%)(4) – R12 000 exemption] nil
74 000
Less: Allowable deductions
Retirement annuity fund contributions
(15% × R74 000 = R11 100) limited to actual contributions (8 000)
Taxable income 66 000
(1)
According to the agreement the profit-sharing ratio is 40:60 – Y 40% and wife 60%.
(2)
Her father’s will stipulate that the income derived from the property may not form part of
her husband's estate, therefore the full amount of R8 000 is included in her taxable
income.
(3)
The rental income of the joint estate is split equally between spouses due to the fact that
they are married in community of property.
(4)
The total interest of R24 000 is part of the joint estate and is split equally between
spouse due to the fact that they are married in community of property. Both spouses are
each entitled to the exemption of interest income. She is under 65 years of age,
therefore, the R23 800 interest exemption is limited to R12 000.

Determination of income tax liability of wife on R66 000:

R c
Tax on R66 000 × 18% 11 880,00
Less: Primary rebate (13 257,00)
Income tax payable to SARS Nil
As the wife did not pay any PAYE or provisional tax, no refund is made is made by SARS to
the wife.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 106

Example 3 – Taxpayers aged 77 years
Facts:
Widow, 77 years of age. Qualifying medical expenses amount to R3 800. The widow is not a
member of a medical fund.
R
Income
Pension 150 000
Interest 85 000

PAYE 3 870,00
Provisional tax 9 500,00

Determine:
The taxable income of the widow and the income tax payable to SARS

Result:
Determination of taxable income:
R R
Pension 150 000
Interest 85 000
Less: Exempt portion (34 500) 50 500
Taxable income 200 500

R c
Determination of normal tax payable on R200 500 37 578,00
Tax on R181 900 32 742,00
Plus: 26% × (R200 500 – R181 900) 4 836,00
Less: Rebates (23 130,00)
Primary rebate 13 257,00
Secondary rebate (65 years or older) 7 407,00
Tertiary rebate (75 years or older) 2 466,00
14 448,00
Less: Additional medical expenses tax credit (33,3% × R3 800) (1 265,40)
13 182,60
Less: Income tax (13 370,00)
PAYE (3 870,00)
Provisional tax (9 500,00)

Income tax refundable by SARS (187,40)

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 107

Annexure B – Examples of how to determine the monthly value of a taxable benefit
regarding accommodation and a company car

Facts:
An employee receives for the first eight months during the 2016 year of assessment cheap
accommodation in the 17% category and for the full year of assessment a company car with
a purchase price of R180 000 (excluding VAT, interest and finance charges). The
employee’s remuneration for the preceding tax year was R350 000. He pays:
• R3 000 per month towards the use of the accommodation; and
• R2 500 per month towards the use of the motor vehicle.

Determine:
The total value of the taxable benefits for the full year of assessment ended on 29 February
2016.

Result:
Accommodation
= (A – B) × (C/100 × D / 12)
= [(R350 000 – R73 650) × 17 / 100 × 8 / 12] – R24 000
= R31 319,67 – R24 000
= R7 319,67

Company motor vehicle

= [(R180 000 × 3,5%) – R2 500] × 12
= [R6 300 – R2 500] × 12
= R3 800 × 12
= R45 600

The total value of the taxable benefits amounts to R7 319,67 + R45 600 = R52 919,67.

Taxation in South Africa 2015/16 108