SARS 2018 Tax Guide for Share Owners
Revenue ServiceTax authorities are fundamental institutions within government frameworks, overseeing tax assessment, collection, and administration. Their operations ensure that tax laws are enforced and public funds are collected efficiently. This article delves into tax authorities' purpose, responsibilities, and structure, offering insights into their essential role in supporting government functions and economic stability. What is a Tax Authority? A tax authority is... More issues tax guide for share owners
On 5 November 2018, the South African Revenue ServiceThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the official tax authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal policy by collecting revenue, administering customs, and ensuring compliance with tax legislation. Established under the South African Revenue Service Act, No. 34 of 1997, SARS functions independently... More (SARSThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the official tax authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal policy by collecting revenue, administering customs, and ensuring compliance with tax legislation. Established under the South African Revenue Service Act, No. 34 of 1997, SARS functions independently... More) published the Tax Guide for Share Owners (Issue 6). The Guide summarizes the key aspects that holders of shares need to be aware of in computing their liability for income taxIncome Tax is a direct levy imposed by governments on the income generated by individuals, corporations, and other entities within a specific jurisdiction. It serves as a major source of revenue for governments and funds various public expenditures, such as infrastructure projects, healthcare, education, national security, and welfare programs. The tax is generally calculated as a percentage of the taxable... More and capital gains taxCapital Gains Tax (CGT) is a tax imposed on the profit an individual or entity earns from the sale or disposal of a capital asset. This tax is not levied on the total sale price of the asset but rather on the capital gain, which is the difference between the asset’s acquisition cost (or “base cost”) and its sale price.... More. The Guide is primarily aimed at resident individuals who own shares in their own names.
The Guide is based on tax legislationTax laws form the backbone of any nation’s revenue system, setting the rules that govern how individuals and corporations contribute financially to support government functions. These laws define the types of taxes, the applicable rates, and the regulations regarding payment and compliance. They also outline the rights and obligations of taxpayers, ensuring a balanced and fair approach to funding public... More as at 18 December 2017 and focuses on the 2018 year of assessment although much of the commentary will also apply to earlier years of assessment.
Specifically, the Guide deals with the following:
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the tax consequences of holding shares as trading stock compared to holding them as capital assets;
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how to distinguish between profits of capital and revenue using common law principles and statutory rules;
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the determination of a taxpayer’s liability for capital gains taxCapital Gains Tax (CGT) is a tax imposed on the profit an individual or entity earns from the sale or disposal of a capital asset. This tax is not levied on the total sale price of the asset but rather on the capital gain, which is the difference between the asset’s acquisition cost (or “base cost”) and its sale price.... More;
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how dividends are taxed; and
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various corporate actions that can impact on the determination of a persons’ liability for tax.
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The guide provides general guidance only. It is not an official publication and, therefore, will not be a source to establish a binding practice generally prevailing under section 5 of the Tax AdministrationTax authorities are fundamental institutions within government frameworks, overseeing tax assessment, collection, and administration. Their operations ensure that tax laws are enforced and public funds are collected efficiently. This article delves into tax authorities' purpose, responsibilities, and structure, offering insights into their essential role in supporting government functions and economic stability. What is a Tax Authority? A tax authority is... More Act 28 of 2011.
Comments on the guide may be sent to policycomments@sars.gov.za