Is your business paying more tax than it needs to?

You must register for VAT once your taxable turnover exceeds R2.3 million in any 12-month period. You can also register voluntarily if your turnover exceeds R120,000. Getting it right matters. Late registration carries penalties and incorrect VAT claims can trigger a SARS audit. We will tell you exactly when you need to register and handle the entire process for you.

Most small businesses are structured as sole proprietors or companies. Sole proprietors are taxed at your personal income tax rate, which can reach 45%. A properly structured private company (Pty Ltd) pays corporate tax at 27%, and profits can be extracted in a tax-efficient way through salary, dividends or a combination. The right structure depends on your profit level and personal circumstances. This is exactly the kind of planning we do with clients.

Provisional tax applies to anyone who earns income not subject to PAYE. That includes most business owners and freelancers. You pay it in two instalments during the tax year (August and February) based on your estimated taxable income, with a top-up payment after year-end if needed. Getting the estimate wrong can result in penalties, so we calculate it carefully and remind you well before each deadline.

Yes, and most business owners don't claim everything they're entitled to. Legitimate deductions include vehicle costs, home office expenses, equipment, tools, professional fees and travel, provided they are incurred in the production of income. The rules differ between sole proprietors and companies, and SARS requires proper documentation. We make sure you claim what you're owed without exposing yourself to risk.

This is one of the most common problems we see. Profit and cash flow are not the same thing. You can show a profit on paper while your cash is tied up in unpaid invoices, stock, tax liabilities or loan repayments. We use cash flow forecasting to show you exactly where your money is going and help you plan so that SARS, suppliers and payroll don't catch you short.

It depends on your income, risk exposure and growth plans. A sole proprietor is simpler and cheaper to run, but you are personally liable for all business debts and taxed at personal rates. A registered company (Pty Ltd) gives you limited liability, can be more tax-efficient above a certain profit level, and tends to appear more credible to clients and suppliers. We will run the numbers with you and give you a straight answer on what makes sense for your situation.