Have a Little R.E.S.P.E.C.T for My Wishes

Your will gives you the final say – even after you’re gone. A Michigan court has ruled that a handwritten document from 2014 is Aretha Franklin’s valid last will and testament after the Queen of Soul passed away without a formal will in 2018. This follows a year-long court battle between her sons to determine […]

Four Tips for Navigating the ‘Two-Pot’ Pension Rules

South Africa changed its pension laws with effect from 1 September 2024. The new system is designed to give individuals the opportunity to access only a portion of their retirement funds before they retire, in the case of dire need, or even in case of desire. To an extent, this makes sense, given the low […]

What to Do When Tax Is Not Cut and Dried

Do you have a complex transaction, and don’t know which way SARS will go? Ask them upfront! Many entities enter into complex transactions where the tax issues are not cut and dried, but the risk of SARS ruling against them is too great. The good news is that since October 2006, there has been a […]

Protect Your Family’s Assets with Effective Estate Planning

Protect Your Family’s Assets with Effective Estate Planning Make sure your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. Estate planning is an important step in protecting your family’s future and avoiding any unnecessary complications. Here’s a simple guide to the key steps involved in the process. By following these steps, it is possible […]

Avoid the Long-Term Implications of Skipping a Bond Repayment

Are you feeling the financial pinch? You’re not alone. Many South Africans are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their credit obligations. The cost of living is on the rise, disposable incomes are shrinking, and servicing debt has become a significant challenge. Homeowners are feeling the strain too, with financial institutions noting a surge in […]

VAT on Short-Term Lettings and Commissions

Are you acting as agent or principal—and what would be the pragmatic approach? There are very few people across the world who haven’t heard of Airbnb. Started in San Francisco in 2008, this multi-billion-dollar NASDAQ-listed company that employs around 7,000 people has revolutionised the short-term letting industry. Over four million property owners around the world […]

What to Do if You Owe SARS Money

Owing money to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) can be stressful, but don’t panic. By understanding your options and taking prompt action, you can resolve the issue and minimise the impact. This guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate a tax debt situation. The importance of addressing tax debt Take […]

Pension Funds and Emigration

Investing in an offshore retirement fund is one way of growing your wealth in a stable economy over the longer term, or even gaining residency in a foreign country. However, for South Africans, this scenario presents as many challenges as it does opportunities, and should only be considered after consulting with a financial advisor and […]

Why Should You Hire an Accountant?

When business owners work on growing their companies, budget constraints often push them towards a do-it-yourself approach to managing their finances. Many see hiring a professional for bookkeeping or accounting as an unnecessary expense. However, this viewpoint fails to recognise the tangible advantages that an accountant can offer. It’s important to reframe this decision, not […]

Avoid the long-term implications of skipping a bond repayment

Are you feeling the financial pinch? You’re not alone. Many South Africans are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their credit obligations. The cost of living is on the rise, disposable incomes are shrinking, and servicing debt has become a significant challenge. Homeowners are feeling the strain too, with financial institutions noting a surge in […]