Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Foreign Employment Income: SARS Tax Exemption for South African Residents Working Abroad

South African tax residents working abroad may be eligible for tax exemptions on foreign employment income under Section 10(1)(o)(ii) of the Income Tax Act. This provision allows qualifying employees to reduce their tax burden by exempting a portion of their foreign-earned income. In this article, we’ll unpack the foreign employment income exemption, examine qualifying requirements, and illustrate scenarios to help taxpayers navigate the rules with confidence.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Understanding South Africa's Two-Pot Retirement System

Starting on 1 September 2024, South Africa will introduce the two-pot retirement system, a transformative reform aimed at enhancing financial security for retirees while offering access to retirement savings during times of financial strain before retirement. This system is a significant development in retirement planning, balancing the need for financial flexibility with the goal of long-term security.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

CIPC Annual Returns 2024

Filing annual returns with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is a crucial requirement for businesses operating in South Africa. Ensuring compliance with these regulations not only maintains the good standing of your company but also avoids penalties and potential deregistration.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Understanding SARS Provisional Tax in 2024

This article delves into the intricacies of provisional tax, who needs to pay it, how payments are structured, and the penalties for non-compliance, providing a comprehensive guide for individuals and businesses alike.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Small Business Accounting Packages for Your Business in 2024

For small businesses, managing finances can be challenging without professional assistance. Many accounting firms offer tailored accounting packages to help small businesses stay organized, compliant, and financially healthy. These packages typically include a variety of services such as bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll, and financial consulting. This guide explores the benefits, common components, and factors to consider when selecting an accounting package for your small business.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Understanding Public Interest Scores in South Africa: A Complete Guide 2024

Public Interest Scores (PIS) play a critical role in the regulatory framework governing companies in South Africa. Introduced under the Companies Act of 2008, PIS measure the level of public interest in a company’s operations and activities. This guide explores what PIS entails, how they are calculated, their significance for companies, and compliance requirements.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Business Tax Guide: SARS Preparation, Verifications and Audits (2024)

As individuals gear up for the 2024 tax season, many have access to a wide range of self-help guides and the convenience of auto-assessments, making it easier to prepare and file their tax returns accurately and efficiently. But what about small and medium businesses without the luxury of having tax accountants on call?

In this article, we provide essential tips to assist any business in preparing and filing tax returns. We also explain the key differences between a SARS verification and an audit after filing your tax returns.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

How to Register a Business in South Africa in 2024

Registering a business in South Africa is a crucial step towards formalizing your entrepreneurial ventures and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Whether you’re launching a startup, establishing a small business, or expanding an existing enterprise, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of business registration in South Africa. From choosing a business structure to obtaining necessary permits, this guide covers everything you need to know to get your business up and running legally and smoothly.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Outsource to an accounting firm? (2024)

Managing your finances effectively has become more important than ever in today's ever changing and rapidly advancing corporate world. Small and large businesses are outsourcing accounting functions to accounting firms, rather than keeping in-house accountants or bookkeepers. While there are various manners in which this approach can benefit your business, the following blog shows the key reasons to hire an accounting firm near you.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Understanding Company Tax for Small Business in 2024

Navigating the complex world of company tax can be daunting, especially for small business owners. Understanding your tax obligations is crucial to maintaining financial health and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. This guide aims to demystify company tax for small businesses, covering essential aspects such as types of taxes, tax planning strategies, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Markup vs Gross Profit Percentage, Break-even Points and More: Essential Tools for Business Success in 2024

In the world of business and accounting, understanding key financial metrics is crucial for making informed decisions. Two of the most important concepts are gross profit and break-even analysis. However, there are additional formulas and metrics that can provide deeper insights into your business's financial health. In this article, we’ll delve into what these terms mean, how to calculate them, and why they are crucial for your business success.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Do I need to file a tax return? (2024)

The 2024 tax season is around the corner!

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released the tax filing dates for 2024, however, have also specified some taxpayers who would not have to submit a tax return.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Comprehensive Guide to South African Banks' Universal Branch Codes in 2024

Universal Branch Codes are a vital component of banking in South Africa, facilitating easy and efficient transactions across various branches of major banks. Whether you’re making payments, transferring funds, or verifying account details, understanding these codes streamlines your banking experience. This guide explores everything you need to know about Universal Branch Codes for major South African banks, ensuring you can navigate banking transactions effortlessly.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

How to Claim Home Office Expenses from SARS in 2024

Working from home has become a significant part of modern work culture, especially in recent years. For South Africans, understanding how to claim home office expenses from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) can lead to substantial tax savings. This guide will provide detailed insights into claiming these expenses, with practical examples and thorough explanations based on SARS' regulations.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Choosing the Best Accounting Software in 2024: A Comprehensive Comparison of Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks

Choosing the right accounting software is crucial for managing finances efficiently. Three of the most popular options on the South African market are Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks. Each offers unique features and benefits, catering to different business needs. This article will compare Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks to help you make an informed decision for your business.

Read More
Ernst Botha Ernst Botha

Why Do Small Businesses Fail? (2024)

Starting a small business is an exciting venture filled with promise and potential. However, the harsh reality is that a significant number of small businesses fail within their first few years of operation. Understanding the reasons behind these failures is crucial for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners who wish to navigate the challenges successfully. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the multifaceted reasons why small businesses fail and offer insights into how to mitigate these risks.

Read More