Different interest rates in tax

The Income Tax Act[1] contains definitions for various interest rates. These interest rates serve as the basis for interest calculations in income tax in different circumstances and can broadly be categorised into three main areas. Knowing the difference between these different types of interest rates could have a material impact on the amount of interest due or receivable by taxpayers or influence the way in which they structure transactions.

What are the different types of interest rates and when are they applicable? SARS currently distinguishes between two “prescribed rates” and a so-called “official rate of interest”. The prescribed rates are administrative in nature and applicable to tax debts, whereas the official rate of interest is more substantive in nature, setting the baseline against which the reasonability of interest rates to transactions are measured.

  • First prescribed rate: This is the interest rate applicable to any tax debts due to SARS by taxpayers, or tax refunds due to taxpayers by SARS on successful appeals and certain delayed refunds. The rate is determined by a notice in the Government Gazette in terms of the Public Finance Management Act.[2] Since 1 July 2018, this rate stands at 10% (the highest it has been was 19% during 1999!).
  • Second prescribed rate: This rate is applicable to the overpayment of provisional tax and is linked to the first prescribed rate. Unfortunately, this rate which is only in taxpayers’ favour, is 4 percentage points below the first prescribed rate, therefore currently at 6%.
  • Official rate of interest: The official rate for Rand-denominated debt is linked to the repurchase rate plus 100 basis points. The official rate is adjusted at the beginning of the month following the month during which the South African Reserve Bank changes the repurchase rate (currently therefore 7.5% since 1 April 2018).

Importantly, the prescribed rate is currently still regulated by the Act. It has long been proposed that it be regulated in terms of the Tax Administration Act. The relevant provisions are already contained in the Tax Administration Act, but the effective date has yet to be determined. It does not, however, appear as though this will, from a value perspective at least, have any material impact.

“Interest rate” in income tax can take on more than one meaning, depending on the specific circumstances. It is therefore critical that taxpayers are aware firstly, what piece of legislation is applicable at any point in time and secondly, what type of interest rate is applicable in their specific circumstance.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied upon 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 financial adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)


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IC Marais

Professional experience:

IC Marais is a certified CA (SA) with public sector and private sector technical knowledge based on 5 years’ Public Sector accounting, auditing and financial management experience and 5 years audit, tax and accounting experience. Detailed knowledge of private and public sector accounting and auditing standards (GRAP, IPSAS, IFRS, IAS, ISA) and public sector financial legislation (MFMA, etc.)

He enjoys the outdoors, hunting and fishing.

ic@newtons-sa.co.za

SCHALK GOUWS

Professional experience:

In 1995, Schalk started as a trainee at Warner and Newton (which became Moores Rowland in 1997 and then Mazars Moores Rowland in 2007) in Bloemfontein. In 1998, Schalk was appointed as manager at Moores Rowland, where he became a partner in 2003. Schalk received his Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Taxation in 2006 and in 2009 he received his Certificate in the Administration of Estates.

schalk@newtons-sa.co.za

CEDRIC PETERSON

Professional experience:

Cedric started as a trainee at Warner and Newton (which became Moores Rowland in 1997 and Mazars Moores Rowland in 2007), Bloemfontein, in 1986. After completion of his articles, he joined the Special Investigations Division of the Department of Finance (SA Revenue Services) as a senior inspector from 1990 to 1991.

cedric@newtons-sa.co.za

LUCHA GREYLING

Professional experience:

Lucha started her career as a tax inspector at the Inland Revenue Department of New Zealand. After this she worked in commerce in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

On her return to South Africa, she completed her CA training contract with us and has been with Newtons ever since. She became a Partner in 2012.

Apart from her CA(SA) qualification she also holds a postgraduate certificate in Advanced Taxation (2005) and has the overall responsibility for training as our Training Officer.

lucha@newtons-sa.co.za