Trusts face one of the most complex tax regimes in South Africa, where income can either be taxed in the hands of the donor, the beneficiary, or the trust itself. Get it wrong, and the trust pays a punishing flat rate of 45%. SARS has also been tightening the screws, from the Thistle Trust ruling on capital gains to cracking down on trustees who vest income after year-end. So are trusts still worth it? Read on and find out.

Issuing VAT-compliant invoices is key to keeping your business on track and avoiding tax troubles. Understanding when to issue a tax invoice, what details it must include, and how to simplify the process with smart tools can save you time and stress. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about VAT invoices, credit notes, and compliance tips—so you can focus on growing your business with confidence!

When employees travel abroad for work, they incur additional expenses for food, transportation, and incidentals. Reimbursing these costs can be time-consuming if employees are required to submit receipts and detailed records. To simplify this, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) allows employers to pay a subsistence allowance. This allowance, if paid within SARS-approved limits, is tax-free and does not require employees to submit proof of expenses for the covered amounts.