Informing SARS that you are ceasing to be a tax resident via any channel could result in unintended consequences, such as an audit or an unexpected tax liability. With increasing numbers of skilled and wealthy South Africans emigrating, the tax and other implications of this option should be well understood before any decisions are made, and SARS is best approached with the assistance of a trusted advisor.

n May, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced that tax season 2021 would kick off on 1 July 2021. If you’re an individual taxpayer, you have until 23 November 2021 to eFile your taxes via SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. The tax season start date remains the same if you’re a provisional taxpayer or are filing returns for a trust, however you’ll have until 31 January 2022 to submit your paperwork. 

Whether you are an employee or business owner, there are certain ways to reduce your taxable income and tax bill, as well as increase the tax refund on your tax return by deducting legitimate expenses. Here are some tax deductions that you might not know about, and shouldn’t overlook.