Why Being a Business Owner Is Unlike the Board Game Monopoly—and How to Win in Real Life

Being a business owner is far from the simplicity and predictability of a board game like Monopoly. In Monopoly, the rules are clear, the objectives are straightforward, and the game ends when someone wins by bankrupting their competitors. In contrast, real-world entrepreneurship is a complex, ongoing journey with no defined endpoint. Unlike Monopoly, where everyone […]

The Journey of Resilience

Owning a small business is often portrayed as the ultimate path to freedom and financial independence. The allure of being your own boss, setting your own hours, and reaping the rewards of your hard work can be incredibly appealing. However, the reality of small business ownership is often far more complex and challenging. Behind the […]

Ease the Cash Flow Strain of Tax Payments : Small Business

For small business owners, tax payments can be a significant source of cash flow strain. Unlike regular expenses, taxes often come in large, periodic sums that can disrupt the financial balance of a business if not properly managed. However, with careful planning and smart strategies, you can ease this burden and keep your cash flow […]

Tips for Cash Flow Management: A Guide to Long-Term Profitability

At Primorial, we understand that managing cash flow is one of the most critical aspects of running a successful small business. Cash flow management isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about building a foundation for long-term profitability and growth. As your partner in long-term profitability, we’re here to offer actionable tips that will help […]

Cash is King for Business Sustainability

For any business, especially small ones, maintaining a positive cash balance is not just a goal—it’s a necessity for survival. Cash flow is the lifeblood of a business, fueling day-to-day operations, growth opportunities, and the ability to navigate challenges. However, managing cash effectively is one of the most common survival challenges that small businesses face. […]

Breaking Barriers: The Role of Advisory Services in Supporting Female-Led Startups

Women’s Month in South Africa is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and recognize the ongoing challenges that they face. At Primorial, we are dedicated to supporting female-led startups, helping them break barriers and achieve success through our comprehensive advisory services. The Historical Context of Women’s Month Women’s Month commemorates the 1956 march […]

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Building Sustainable Businesses through Strategic Financial Planning

As we celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, we honour the strength, resilience, and contributions of women to our society. Women’s Month is a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality. At Primorial, being women-lead ourselves, we are dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, […]

Youth and Women Empowerment: Preparing the Next Generation of Female Leaders

As we celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, it’s essential to focus on empowering the next generation of female leaders. At Primorial, we are committed to fostering leadership skills through mentorship programs and educational opportunities, ensuring that young women are prepared to lead and succeed in the business world. The Importance of Early Mentorship and […]

Financial Literacy for Women: A Key to Economic Empowerment

As we celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, it’s essential to focus on the economic empowerment of women through financial literacy. At Primorial, we believe that equipping women with financial knowledge is crucial for their success and long-term prosperity. The Importance of Financial Literacy Financial literacy involves understanding and effectively using various financial skills, including […]

Tax Efficiency Strategies for Small Businesses in South Africa

At Primorial, we understand the challenges small businesses face in navigating the complex world of taxes. As a SAICA-accredited firm and registered SARS Tax Practitioner, our goal is to partner with businesses for their long-term profitability. Effective tax planning can make a significant difference in your business’s financial health, helping you save money and reinvest […]

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Navigating Compliance: A Guide for New Entrepreneurs in South Africa

Starting a new business is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges. As a new entrepreneur in South Africa, one of the most crucial aspects of ensuring your business’s success is navigating the compliance landscape. At Primorial, we understand the complexities involved and are here to help you every step of the way. Our […]

Use This SARS Incentive to Bring Young People into Your Business

“The employment tax incentive is aimed at encouraging employers to hire young and less experienced work seekers.” (SARS Employers ETI Guide) With Youth Day celebrations around the corner, business owners have an opportunity not only to consider unlocking the benefits of having young workers in their teams, but also to make a difference to South […]

How to Implement Effective Leadership Development in your Business

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” (John F. Kennedy) The world of work is changing, rapidly. With more teams made up of diverse people from a wide variety of locations, leadership these days has become less about personal relationships and more about managing across distance and effective organisation. Leaders in this world need […]

Quick Tips for Preventing Time Fraud

“Fraud and deceit are anxious for your money. Be informed and prudent” (John Andreas Widtsoe, scientist, author and religious leader) While accountants have become adept at spotting and preventing financial fraud simply by analysing a company’s books, there is another kind of fraud that needs alert leadership, record keeping and careful analysis to completely snuff […]

Employers: Your COIDA Return of Earnings Deadline is 30 June 2024

“The Compensation Fund is mandated to provide social security to the injured-on-duty employees and those who contracted diseases at the workplace.” (Compensation Fund Annual Report 2021/2022) By law, all employers are compelled to register for COIDA (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act No. 130 of 1993) within 7 days of employing their first employee. […]

Your Tax Deadlines for June 2024

07 June – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 25 June – Value-Added Tax (VAT) manual submissions and payments 27 June – Excise Duty payments 28 June – Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Provisional Tax payments 28 June – End of the 1st fiscal quarter 28 June – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments. Disclaimer: The […]

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Your Employer Annual Declaration is Due by 31 May

“Failure by an employer to comply with its obligations does not only harm that employer and the fiscus, but also employees. SARS vigorously pursues employers that fail to comply.” (SARS) Employers must submit their annual reconciliation declarations (EMP501) with accurate and up-to-date payroll information about their employees by 31 May this year. This is among the […]

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How and When to Save a Struggling Start-Up

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”- (Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company) Data from StatsSA has shown that more than 1,500 businesses closed their doors for good in South Africa last year. This can come as no surprise to anyone who conducts business in South Africa at the moment, […]

Beneficial Ownership Registers – Now Mandatory with CIPC Annual Returns

“It is imperative that ALL companies and close corporations ensure compliance with the beneficial ownership filing requirements, to ensure good corporate governance and business continuity.” (CIPC) Following changes to the Companies Act on 24 May 2023, company directors and members of close corporations are obliged to lodge and maintain a detailed Beneficial Ownership (BO) Register, along […]

Five Things You Need to do After the CIPC Hack

“The Internet is a worldwide platform for sharing information. It is a community of common interests. No country is immune to such global challenges as cybercrime, hacking, and invasion of privacy” – (Lu Wei, the head of the General Office of the Central Leading Group for Internet Security and Informatization from August 2013 to June […]

Your Tax Deadlines for May 2024

07 May – PAYE submissions and payments 24 May– Value-Added Tax (VAT) manual submissions and payments 30 May – Excise duty payments 31 May – VAT electronic submissions and payments, & Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Provisional Tax payments where applicable. Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No […]

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Have Your Own Budget Shortfall? Here’s What to Do


“The cold, harsh reality is that we have to balance the budget.” (Michael Bloomberg, former New York City Mayor) Budget shortfalls are not uncommon across the public and private sectors, especially in these economically challenging times. A budget shortfall is a significant concern for any individual or organisation and should be corrected promptly. To address […]

Price Your Products for Profit with these Psychological Strategies

“Find the right price for an irresistible offer, which, by the way, isn’t necessarily the lower price.” ― (W. Chan Kim, Business strategy advisor and author)        A good businessperson pays attention to the price of their products. With accountants by their side, they wisely analyse every expense, tax and logistical possibility to ensure their product […]

Freelancer vs Employee: How to Decide

“People are not your most important asset. The right people are.” (Jim Collins, author, speaker and consultant) Knowing whether to hire a freelancer or full-time employee for any particular role is vital for the successful running of a modern business. With budgets constantly being constrained and the pressure to perform going up, ensuring you maximise your […]

Donating to a PBO? Check SARS’ New Requirements (and PBOs Note Your New 31 May Deadline)

“[The new requirements] enable
 a more efficient process to make deductions available to qualifying donor taxpayers and to help prevent section 18A claims abuse.” (SARS) Public benefit organisations (PBOs) are engaged in public benefit activities for example religious institutions, day care centres, disaster relief organisations, health clinics, etc. Many are dependent on donations and, to […]

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Your Tax Deadlines for April 2024

05 April – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 25 April – VAT manual submissions and payments 29 April – Excise Duty payments 30 April – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments & CIT Provisional payments where applicable. Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability […]

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Budget 2024: How It Affects You and Your Business

“Our bigger challenge
 is that our pie is not growing fast enough and this limits our ability to generate sufficient revenues to distribute among our priority areas.” (Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana – Budget 2024) Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s third Budget Speech in an election year contained few surprises, but also little in the form of […]

Budget 2024: Your Tax Tables and Tax Calculator

Budget 2024 effectively brought an increase in personal income tax by not adjusting the tables for tax rates, rebates and medical tax credits, while also implementing substantial increases in ‘sin’ taxes and introducing a proposed global tax on multinational companies. This selection of official SARS Tax Tables and other useful resources will help clarify your […]

Things to Look for When Buying a Small Business

“It’s far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price, than a fair company at a wonderful price.”- (Warren Buffett, investor, businessman and philanthropist) When buying a small business there are a number of things that need to be checked before pulling the trigger and signing the contract. Doing proper due diligence will […]

The Five Skills Your Business Needs to Cultivate in 2024

“The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay.” – (Henry Ford, Founder, Ford Motor Company) In a world where everything seems more expensive today than it was yesterday training and advancement of staff can seem of lesser importance. As an increasing number of […]

Your Tax Deadlines for March 2024

07 March – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 25 March – VAT manual submissions and payments 27 March – Excise duty payments 28 March – End of the 2023/24 Financial year, Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments, & CIT Provisional payments where applicable. Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied […]

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Provisional Tax: Are You Ready for the Crucial 29 February Deadline?

“Provisional tax is merely a mechanism to pay the normal income tax liability during the tax year
 an advance payment of a taxpayer’s normal tax liability.” (SARS) To provisional taxpayers, especially those who are liable for provisional tax in both their personal capacities and as business owners, it may well seem that there are endless […]

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These Invoicing Tips Could Save Your Business

“Never take your eyes off the cash flow because it’s the lifeblood of business” (Sir Richard Branson, entrepreneur, investor, and author) Cash is king, said one anonymous business genius. At the end of the day, it’s having money in the bank that keeps a company running smoothly. According to a recent study by Sibongiseni Selby […]

Build Your Team Stronger This Year

“Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.” (Steve Jobs) There are many benefits to having a great team, and these have been backed up by scientific research around the world. These include, for example: Improved productivity, with thousands of employees noting that having the respect of […]

Adapt or Die: How to Develop a Digital Transformation Strategy

“At least 40% of all businesses will die in the next 10 years
 if they don’t figure out how to change their entire company to accommodate new technologies.” John Chambers, former CEO of Cisco Systems) Around the boardroom tables of the world, one thing is on every agenda – digital transformation. From global conglomerates to […]

Your Tax Deadlines for February 2024

07 February – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 23 February – Value-Added Tax (VAT) manual submissions and payments 28 February – Excise Duty payments 29 February – CIT Provisional Tax payments 29 February – PIT Provisional Tax payments 29 February – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not […]

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How to Survive Ongoing High Interest Rates in 2024

“Inflation is bringing us true democracy. For the first time in history, luxuries and necessities are selling at the same price.” (Robert Orben, comedian and writer) Interest rates and inflation are a nasty partnership that can, if managed badly, derail any small to medium enterprise. Their effects are felt in every area of the business […]

How to Achieve Tax Compliance Throughout 2024

“SARS is willing and ready to assist taxpayers who want to be compliant. Where taxpayers willfully and intentionally ignore their legal obligations, SARS will act sternly.” (SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter) Businesses are often required to share their tax compliance status, for example for a tender application, bidding process or prequalification as a supplier; to confirm that […]

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Your Tax Deadlines for January 2024

05 January – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 24 January – End of Filing Season for Provisional taxpayers 24 January – End of Trusts Filing Season for taxpayers liable for provisional tax 30 January – Excise Duty payments 31 January – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments & CIT Provisional payments where applicable. […]

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Corporate Gifting: How to Boost Your Business This Festive Season

“A real gift comes attached with ribbons, not strings.” (Raymond C Nolan) Most clients, suppliers and business associates will appreciate a thoughtful gift from your company, and the Festive Season is the most appropriate time to send such a gift. The challenge lies in selecting a gift that conveys genuine intentions to thank the recipients […]

Festive Season Gifts for Employees? Here’s How SARS Will Tax Them

“Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.” (John D. Rockefeller Jr.) Most businesses want to show appreciation to their employees at the end of a long year’s work, and the “Season of Giving” is the ideal time. A thoughtful gift will make any employee feel more recognised and appreciated, and this […]

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9 Tips for Catching CV Liars

“No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar” – Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America, 1861-1865  In a recent survey conducted by StandOutCV more than 50% of Americans admitted to lying on their CV. It’s a staggering number, and something that is taking place in a country where […]

Your Tax Deadlines for December 2023

7 December – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 28 December – Excise Duty payments 29 December – End of 3rd Financial Quarter 29 December – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments & CIT Provisional payments where applicable. Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability […]

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Employee Incentives That Really Work for Small Businesses

“Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.” (Stephen R. Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People) Small businesses often lose their talent to large companies simply because they can’t afford the kinds of salaries and incentives on offer at a global corporate. Keeping staff happy […]

SARS Admin Penalties: What Taxpayers Can Do

“
imposing administrative non-compliance penalties is to ensure the widest possible compliance with the provisions of a Tax Act 
 they are imposed impartially, consistently and proportionately to the seriousness and duration of the non-compliance.” (SARS) The Tax Administration Act stipulates that SARS can issue administrative penalties for outstanding tax returns. In previous years, penalties were only imposed […]

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Dispute with SARS? Here are the New Rules


“The importance of the ability of taxpayers to challenge the legality of actions and decisions within the tax system is internationally recognised.” (Taxpayers’ Rights: Theory, Origin and Implementation) In South Africa, taxpayers have the right to dispute tax assessments, interest, late payment penalties, and administrative penalties for various taxes, including Personal Income Tax (PIT), Corporate Income […]

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Your Tax Deadlines for November 2023

7 November – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 29 November – Excise Duty payments 30 November – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments & CIT Provisional payments where applicable. Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions […]

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The Risky New Trust Landscape – What Trustees Need to do Now

“The common assumption is that trusts are some kind of tax panacea…Then, conversely, from a South African Revenue Service (SARS) perspective, trusts are viewed with a degree of suspicion and mistrust. [T]he truth lies somewhere between these positions.” (Broomberg on Tax Strategy) The legal and tax landscape in which South African trusts operate has changed […]

Tips for Pacing Business Growth for Sustainability

“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together” – (James Cash Penney, Founder of JCPenney) Every business decision carries profound consequences for the enduring existence of the organisation, and this is no more true than when it is applied to those decisions affecting business growth. Knowing how and when […]

Don’t Fall Prey to the Most Common Cybercrimes!

“The bottom line is that cyber risks sit right alongside rising systemic risks, and is the biggest emerging, and constantly evolving risk facing businesses today.” (SHA Specialist Risk Review 2022) In Africa, Interpol has identified phishing – particularly Business Email Compromise (BEC) – as well as online scams, as both the biggest current crime threats, […]

Your Tax Deadlines for October 2023

6 October – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 30 October – Excise Duty payments 31 October – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments & CIT Provisional payments where applicable. Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions […]

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Using a “Risk Matrix” to Risk-Proof Your Business

“Don’t be fearful of risks. Understand them, and manage and minimize them to an acceptable level.” (Naved Abdali, Financial journalist and author) Managing risk in your business is absolutely critical for developing it to success. Knowing exactly which threats are really relevant and which will help any leader to develop strategy and prepare for the […]

Common Tax-Related Criminal Offences, and How to Avoid Them


“The difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion is the thickness of a prison wall.” (Denis Healey, former British prime minister)     Section 234 in Chapter 17 of the Tax Administration Act (TAA) sets out a list of criminal tax offences. If prosecuted and convicted of a tax criminal offence, taxpayers will – at the least […]

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Corporate Taxpayers: Hello Tougher SARS Verifications

“Any taxpayer can be selected by SARS for verification for the purpose of proper administration of tax, including on a risk basis.” (SARS) Companies must, within 12 months of their financial year-end, submit to SARS an Income Tax Return for Companies (ITR14), as well as supporting documents, declaring their full income tax responsibility to SARS. This declaration, return and […]

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Quiet Quitting and How to Prevent It

“Quiet quitting” isn’t laziness…When they don’t feel cared about, people eventually stop caring. If you want them to go the extra mile, start with meaningful work, respect, and fair pay.” – (Adam Grant, organizational psychologist and speaker) The idea of the recently acknowledged trend of quiet quitting is not really new at all. Some people […]

Your Tax Deadlines for September 2023

7 September – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 28 September – Excise Duty payments 29 September – End of the 2nd Financial Quarter, Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments, CIT Provisional payments where applicable. Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for […]

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Tax Season 2023 Now Open – What’s New and What’s Not

“The submission of accurate personal income tax returns on time is important for a seamless filing season. Taxpayers must take control of their own tax affairs to ensure they are aware of their obligations and remain compliant.” (SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter) SARS recently announced the dates and changes for the 2023 Tax Season, which opened on […]

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Tips for Getting out of Business Debt

“Borrowing isn’t inherently bad; it depends a lot on what the debt is financing” (Stephen Moore, writer and economic commentator)  Taking on debt can be a good thing for a company. It can fund expansions, help you seize market share or diversify offerings. Handled incorrectly it can, however, lead to severe problems that could ultimately […]

Your Tax Deadlines for August 2023

7 August – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 30 August – Excise Duty payments 31 August – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments, CIT Provisional payments where applicable, first provisional tax payment (individuals). Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for […]

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Your Tax Deadlines for August 2023

7 August – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 30 August – Excise Duty payments 31 August – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments, CIT Provisional payments where applicable, first provisional tax payment (individuals). Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for […]

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Ten Often-Overlooked Ways Your Accountant Can Help Your Business

“If you talk to a top accountant about his field of expertise, it’s mind-boggling.” (Vincent Kompany, professional football manager and former player) Accountants are the tax and compliance champions of any industry, but the best ones do so much more for their clients, as strategic advisors and trouble-shooters who can also assist with automating a […]

Directors: Prepare and Submit Your Company’s Beneficial Ownership Register

“The lack of adequate, accurate and up-to-date beneficial ownership information facilitates money laundering and terrorist financing by allowing criminals to hide their true identities, and the true purpose and/or source or use of funds.” (Financial Intelligence Centre – FIC) South Africa’s grey listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) earlier this year and the […]

How to Prepare for a Possible Electricity Blackout

“Eskom plays a critical role in the life of South Africa, and life of South Africans. Due to its important role in the economy, its inability to provide electricity on demand and on time is a crisis.” (President Cyril Ramaphosa) The South African Reserve Bank’s Financial Sector Contingency Forum (FSCF) has recently encouraged South African […]

Is Your Information Safe With SARS?

“Confidentiality of taxpayer information has always been a fundamental cornerstone of tax systems
 taxpayers need to have confidence that the often-sensitive financial information is not disclosed inappropriately, whether intentionally or by accident.” (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development – OECD) The confidentiality of taxpayers’ information has recently come under the spotlight in South Africa. This […]

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Your Tax Deadlines for July 2023

7 July – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 28 July – Excise Duty payments 31 July – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments & CIT Provisional payments where applicable. Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions […]

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New Trustee Duties: More Admin, Impossible Deadlines and Hefty Penalties

“A trustee has a responsibility to guard the assets of others with a higher degree of care than he does his own.” (John Ashcroft) Onerous new duties have recently been imposed on all trustees of all trusts – by government through legislative amendments, and also by SARS – in addition to their existing fiduciary duty […]

When to Say No to an Opportunity (or a “Barnacle”)

“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” (Warren Buffet, Investor) Anyone who has ever started a business knows the feeling a new enquiry can generate. The excitement that things seem to be working, may make the new entrepreneur set aside their concerns and […]

Can the R&D Tax Incentive Benefit Your Business?

“The government expects that, by encouraging companies to undertake R&D in South Africa, local companies will strengthen their capabilities of developing value-added products, technologies and services.” (Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) – South Africa) Research and development (R&D) is essential to boost innovation in the business sector, as it improves the capability to develop […]

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Your Tax Deadlines for June 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your professional adviser for specific and detailed advice. © CA(SA)DotNews

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How You and Your Business Can Benefit from SARS’ Solar Tax Breaks

“The lack of reliable electricity supply is the biggest economic constraint
 I am pleased to announce two tax measures to encourage businesses and individuals to invest in renewable energy and increase electricity generation.”(Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana – Budget 2023) In the 2023 Budget, the lack of a reliable electricity supply was highlighted as the country’s […]

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Affordable Ways to Reap the Benefits of Engaged Employees

“Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.” (Stephen R. Covey) Gallup describes “engaged employees” as those who are involved in, enthusiastic about, and committed to their work and workplace. Numerous studies over many decades have confirmed the benefits of engaged employees especially to smaller companies, where they are […]

Setting Up Your Finances in a New Business

“A house built on granite and strong foundations, not even the onslaught of pouring rain, gushing torrents and strong winds will be able to pull down.” (Haile Selassie, Former Emperor of Ethiopia) When starting a new business, few things are as important as establishing your finances and making sure they are right. Building the foundation […]

Happy Tax Freedom Day!

“In 2022 South Africa had the 12th highest income tax burden, the 9th highest company income tax burden, and the 14th highest non-resource tax burden worldwide.” (Garth Zietsman, South Africa’s Tax Freedom Day statistician)  Tax Freedom Day marks the day in the year when South Africans stop giving all their money to their government for the year and […]

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Your Tax Deadlines for May 2023

5 May – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 30 May – Excise Duty payments 31 May – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments & CIT Provisional payments where applicable. Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions […]

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Why (and How) to Submit Skills Development Reports by 30 April

“We need to give importance to skill development because this way we can end unemployment.” (Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, India) Since 1999, the Skills Development Levy (SDL) has served to fund skills development in the country. It encourages a planned and structured approach to skills development so employers, employees and the economy can benefit from […]

UDZ Tax Incentive Extended: Could Your Business Benefit?

“
governments internationally have increasingly used tax measures to support efforts aimed at regenerating urban areas.” (SARS Guide to the UDZ Allowance) The urban development zone (UDZ) tax incentive, provided for in section 13quat of the Income Tax Act (the Act), was introduced 20 years ago in 2003, as an accelerated depreciation allowance for property investments in certain central business […]

Tips for Generating Customer Trust as a Start Up

“Consumers don’t just buy products and services anymore; they buy experiences. This demands a new approach to marketing, sales, and services; one that hinges on winning customer trust.” (Ben Jackson, Author “The Future of Commerce) With customer trust being the most important element in attracting sales, contracts and clients, gaining that trust is an important […]

Your Tax Deadlines for April 2023

1 April – Start of the 2022/23 Financial Year 6 April – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments 26 April – Excise Duty payments 28 April – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments & CIT Provisional payments where applicable. Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No […]

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Budget 2023: How It Affects You and Your Business

“This is not an austerity budget. It is a budget that makes tough trade-offs in the interests of the country’s short and long term prosperity.” (Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana – Budget 2023) Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s second Budget contained no major tax proposals, thanks to an improvement in revenue from higher collection in corporate and personal […]

Five Essential Bookkeeping Tips for Small Businesses

“Making good judgements when one has complete data, facts, and knowledge is not leadership – it’s bookkeeping” (Dee Hock, Founder and CEO of VISA) When running a small business, it often feels like you are doing everything yourself, and some important tasks can slip under the radar. One aspect that should never be forgotten though […]

Effective 1 March 2023: New Earnings Threshold and National Minimum Wage

Employers and employees need to keep an eye on the annual increases in both the National Minimum Wage and the Earnings Threshold, summarised below for your convenience. Both are effective from 1 March 2023. The National Minimum Wage increase The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for each “ordinary hour worked” has been increased by 9.6% from […]

Your Tax Deadlines for March 2023

7 March – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments  30 March – Excise Duty payments  31 March – End of the 2022/23 Financial Year  31 March – Value-Added Tax (VAT) electronic submissions and payments & CIT Provisional payments where applicable. Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No […]

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Ignoring an Online Review Could be Catastrophic for Your Business!

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning” (Bill Gates) If you have founded a business then there is little less certain than that at some point in the future, you will get a bad review. It’s simply impossible to please all of the people all of the time, which is why many […]

Maximise Your Business Travel Tax Deduction

“Without a logbook, you will not be able to claim a travel deduction.” (SARS Travel Logbook 2022/23) Even while recovering from the economic impact of COVID and facing the challenges of power blackouts, businesses and their employees are also contending with the costs of travel that have reached historic highs. Thankfully, expenses related to business […]

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Budget 2023: The Minister of Finance Wants to Hear from You!

“Finally, we pay tribute to the millions of South Africans, whose resilience and courage during these times of pandemic and economic hardship, is an inspiration to all of us who have the privilege to serve in the public sector.” (From the 2022 Budget Speech) Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has invited the public to share suggestions […]

Start 2023 Strong with the “Fresh Start Effect”

“We change our tools and then our tools change us.” (Jeff Bezos) Every January, individuals and businesses have an opportunity to take advantage of what is called the “Fresh Start Effect” – referring to research evidence that shows people are more likely to make positive changes at times that mark the start of a new […]