Is a maintenance payment a ‘Donation’?

Helping someone out may be exempt from donations tax—but as always, the devil is in the detail… Donations tax is one of those strange taxes where people often question its existence.  After all, why would SARS be so mean as to want to tax someone’s generosity?  The main reason is estate duty—or, more specifically, the […]

Your PAYE obligations as an employer

As an employer, it is your responsibility to withhold tax from your employees’ salaries and remit it to SARS. Employee tax is a key component of the South African tax system and is the mechanism through which employers withhold and remit income tax on behalf of their employees. Commonly known as PAYE (which stands for […]

Avoid the Long-Term Implications of Skipping a Bond Repayment

Are you feeling the financial pinch? You’re not alone. Many South Africans are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their credit obligations. The cost of living is on the rise, disposable incomes are shrinking, and servicing debt has become a significant challenge. Homeowners are feeling the strain too, with financial institutions noting a surge in […]

Strategies for Responsible Store Card Usage

Store cards offer numerous advantages, but it’s crucial to utilise them wisely and responsibly while maintaining financial discipline. Store cards provide a convenient way to purchase items when needed, possibly with no interest, as well as additional benefits like access to affiliated stores, loyalty club memberships, and exclusive offers that are not available to the […]

Deducting Income Tax and CGT for Estate Duty

Is subjecting taxpayers to estate duty on post-death asset growth appropriate? In 1789 Benjamin Franklin said that “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”. He was right about death—but anyone who has had to interpret our tax laws would know that the task is fraught with uncertainty. This […]

Deciphering the Dilemma: To Sell or Not to Sell Your Property Amid Financial Strain

Given the current economic climate, many homeowners in South Africa might find themselves facing the challenge of keeping up with their monthly bond repayments. In such instances, it may be tempting to consider selling the property to relieve financial pressure. However, before you make a hasty decision, it is crucial to understand all the factors […]

How to Evaluate Investment Opportunities

A rewarding investment begins with a thorough evaluation. Understanding how to evaluate investment opportunities enables you to safeguard your financial future. It’s not just about spotting a potentially profitable venture, but also about ascertaining whether the opportunity aligns with your financial aspirations, risk threshold, and long-term investment strategy. Here is an easy-to-follow guide to help […]

Maximising your dividend income

You could improve your return by selling the share instead of waiting for the dividend payout—but there are caveats. I was recently asked an interesting question about dividends.  The person concerned was curious as to whether—from a tax and return perspective—it is better to take the dividend itself, or sell the share and take the […]