VAT verification requests have become a hindrance to business for many taxpayers. Assessments are being raised through VAT217’s and which in turn negatively impacts cashflow and tax compliance status, let alone productive time spent in dealing with SARS to resolve these issues.
Being adept in both the legal and practical issues associated with VAT, our solution to the problem is threefold:
Our aim is to provide you with a sustainable solution to deal with SARS in an effective constructive manner so that you can focus on business. We are very flexible in the way we engage, we can therefore tailor our VAT services to accommodate your needs.
Taxpayers making both taxable and exempt supplies are required to apportion their input tax credits (subject to the minimum rule). The only SARS approved standard apportionment method is the turnover method. Whilst there are various other methods (“adjusted turnover methods”) that may yield more favorable results for a specific taxpayer (such the transaction processed method), they may only be relied upon if SARS’ approval is contained beforehand. Contact us for assistance with getting SARS’ approval for alternative apportionment method.
Foreign businesses/companies operating in South Africa may be liable for VAT registration and VAT compliance in South Africa. South African VAT rules, unlike the income tax rules, do not require the existence of a permanent establishment in South Africa before a liability is triggered. Any South African activity, may trigger a South African VAT liability. Contact us for guidance on your liability or otherwise for South African VAT.
Certain supplies qualify to be zero rated for VAT purposes (such as direct exports, for example). The zero rate is very beneficial as it allows the taxpayer to claim input tax credits without having to pay VAT to SARS. Given this favorable treatment which often results in a VAT refund, there are very strict, often complex rules associated with when a taxpayer may rely on the zero rate and these are strictly enforced and checked by SARS. Incorrectly relying on the zero rate may give rise to hefty penalties as high as 200%of the tax not charged correctly. We have deep technical understanding of the law associated with zero rated supplies. Contact us to make sure your transaction qualifies to be zero rated.
Selling a business or part of a business as a going concern may qualify for the zero rate. However, too often we see sales being treated as a going concern when it does not satisfy the requirements for the zero rate. Whilst sellers are normally sufficiently covered for the VAT in the sale agreement in the event that SARS requires VAT to be charged at the standard rate, the sale agreement does not cover the seller against the ensuing penalties and interest which can be as high as 200% of the tax not paid. Contact us to make sure that when you are relying on the zero rate on the sale of a business that you are doing so correctly. The liability for the VAT ultimately remains the seller’s responsibility.
We are expert tax specialists with a vast amount of experience. Our experience and tax exclusive policy places us the forefront of tax law. If you have a tax problem/issue, chances are we have dealt it before and know how to handle it to your best advantage.
We do not do auditing, accounting or any type of work other than tax. We are truly specialised and indeed experts in the field of tax. If you need a true tax expert, we are the people to speak to.
One of our main drivers is to be efficient. Our experience places us in a position to provide high quality deliverables and faster turnaround times.
