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At Fenns, we keep up with the latest developments in the accounting world, and now you can too. Stay informed with our monthly blog posts and newsletters, featuring insights, updates, and industry news.

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Business, Good to know

Salary Sacrifice: Why Founders Should Always Pay Themselves

Many founders believe that sacrificing their own salary is a noble way to keep the lights on. In the early days, it can feel like a badge of honour: every cent goes back into the business, while you personally make do with less. Noble it may appear, but research suggests this approach often creates more problems than it solves.

E-Filing, General, Good to know, News

Stay Safe From eFiling Profile Hijackings

The dramatic rise of SARS eFiling profile hijackings is being investigated by the Tax Ombud as a possible SARS systemic issue due to the number of complaints received from taxpayers regarding this prolific type of cybercrime. October is Cybercrimes Month, making it the perfect time to understand how your eFiling profile could be hijacked and what you need to do to stay safe from this potentially financially devastating risk.

Accountant, Business, Good to know

Management Accounts: A Strategic Tool for Business Success

Up-to-date management accounts can track performance, reveal trends and highlight opportunities, ultimately enabling better decisions and stronger growth. Read on to find out what management accounts can tell you about your business and how you can use these insights to plan ahead, stay in control and ultimately improve your bottom line.

Accountant, Company tax, Good to know, Personal tax, SARS, Tax

Top Complaints Against SARS – And How We Help You Avoid Them

The most common complaints against SARS (unsurprisingly, delayed refunds are at Number 1) are referred to as ‘systemic issues’ because they impact so many taxpayers. We don’t just apply our expertise to help you avoid known systemic issues in your routine SARS interactions. We are also ready to fast-track the resolution of systemic issue complaints through the Office of the Tax Ombud.

Business, General, Good to know

The Emotion-Based Money Decisions That Could Be Costing Your Business

Many entrepreneurs assume business finance is all about pure logic. But behavioural research tells us a completely different story. Entrepreneurs often pick up gut-level rules and emotional shortcuts that, over time, can distort reality, mask cashflow problems and result in delayed decision making. These are the emotion-based decisions you should be looking out for – and avoiding.

Accountant, General, Good to know

Wills Month 2025: How to Have the Last Word

There’s only one way to ensure you really have the last word about what happens to your assets – and that is a professionally drawn up and updated will. Read on to find out why it is so important that you have the last word. And learn how we can help you to draft a valid and tax-efficient will – or ensure your current will is up to date.

the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant (1)

Accountant, Business, General, Good to know

What’s the Difference Between a Bookkeeper and an Accountant?

If you want to scale your business, you need to know the numbers. But many entrepreneurs still treat financial roles like interchangeable parts. “I’ve got a bookkeeper, so I’m covered,” they say. Worse still: “My accountant only helps me with my taxes”. Understanding the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant is essential for the smooth operations of your business. Each plays a distinct role in keeping your financial house in order – and mistaking one for the other can cost you time, clarity, and opportunities to grow.

company directors take note complying with your duties is a big deal

Business, General, Good to know

Company Directors: Complying with Your Duties is a Big Deal

Directors who are not compliant with their legislated duties (which were amended again recently) face serious consequences, including civil liability and criminal liability that could result in fines and even prison time – or both. Find out here what director duties entail, and how we can help you to understand and comply with these increasingly onerous obligations.

Accountant, Business, General, Good to know

6 Ways to Maximise Your Revenue Through Smarter Networking

Networking isn't just about showing up, shaking hands and trading a few business cards. If it’s done well, it's a direct path to new clients, improved sales and potentially, real business growth. The value of networking lies not in how many people you meet, but in who you meet and what you do with those connections once the conversation ends. Here are our tips on how to make the most of networking.

Business, General, Good to know, News, SARS

SARS’ Crypto Crackdown Intensifies

Did you know that tax is payable on crypto asset transactions? SARS has intensified its focus on crypto asset trading recently, significantly improving its capacity to detect crypto activity and non-compliance with advanced analytics, extensive data-sharing arrangements with crypto exchanges, and a dedicated Crypto Asset Unit. If you have crypto and have not declared it, our expertise and experience will prove invaluable.

Accountant, Business, Debt tips, General, Good to know, SARS, Tax

Busting the Accounting Myths That are Burying Your Business

Accounting isn’t just something to worry about during tax season. It’s the engine room of every decision you make, from whether you can hire, to when you should scale. Sadly, far too many businesses still cling onto accounting myths that affect every decision they make. These aren’t dramatic mistakes. They’re assumptions picked up over time that feel right but hold you back. It’s time to clear them out – and start seeing your business the way it really is.

Good to know, Personal tax, Tax

The 2025 Tax Filing Season Opens on 7 July

The Tax Filing Season for the 2024/2025 year of assessment will officially open on 7 July 2025. Find out here what the deadlines are and which of them apply to you. Also discover what to do if you are auto assessed – and if you are not. Hot tip: streamline your 2025 tax season by simply relying on our expertise.