What happened to tax in 2020?

As a new year dawns, we reflect on some of the significant highlights (and lowlights) of the 2020 tax year and look ahead at how it will influence 2021.

Legislative amendments

Several significant amendments to tax legislation have been tabled in the current year, including:

· Changes to how when taxpayers can be criminally held liable for certain tax defaults;

· Narrowing the scope of exempt bursaries and scholarships received by employees;

· Additional anti-avoidance provisions relating to interest-free loans to trusts;

· Changes to rules around the access to retirement funds upon emigration; and

· The introduction of export levies on scrap metal.

Relief, relief and… no more relief

The relief granted by the government on payment of provisional taxes and payroll taxes to accommodate the economic turndown because of Covid-19 was short-lived. Many taxpayers that made use of the relief find themselves in a position unable to make good on deferred payments and find themselves indebted to SARS. This makes one wonder about whether the tax system is the best avenue to address economic shake-ups.

(Not so) New Commissioner

Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has made significant strides in restoring service levels at the Revenue Service since his appointment in 2019. Through his well-received interactions with the media, he has hinted that the use of technology in ensuring tax compliance is a priority at SARS. Practitioners and taxpayers alike should welcome the approach.

Significant judgments

Tax laws keep on developing through our courts, and in 2020, there have again been milestone judgements. It is not often that the Constitutional Court delivers judgement in a tax case – this has only happened in a handful of previous cases.

In the case of Big G Restaurants v SARS, the Constitutional Court delivered judgement in July. The substance of the matter (relating to specific allowances) was less intriguing than the consideration of the jurisdiction of the (Constitutional) Court in tax matters. The majority of the court held that where a point is of general public importance, the Constitutional Court should have jurisdiction over the matter.

Conferences

As with most gatherings in 2020, the bulk of tax conferences were held electronically during 2020. The South African Institute of Tax Professionals was at the forefront in this regard and presented the Tax Indaba and a host of other seminars over alternative platforms.

What can be expected in 2021?

Undoubtedly, tax collection will be under pressure. And while there is always scope to increase taxes, Minister Mboweni will be wary of tax morale in the country and that the (ever-shrinking) tax base simply cannot afford an increased load. An increase in VAT is also unlikely – VAT is a consumption tax, and in a subdued economy where there is no spend, no increase in the VAT rate will contribute significantly to the fiscus.

So where will the money come from? There has, for a long time, been mooted at the prospect of wealth taxes and potential “once-off” levies. Tax practitioners are anxiously waiting on the February budget to see where we are headed from a tax policy perspective, and we are likely to see a few startling changes in the new decade.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other 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 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