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Non-Resident Tax Status Requires Careful Planning
Non-resident tax status is becoming an increasingly important consideration for South Africans living and working abroad. Recent developments highlight the value of formally updating tax residency status with SARS, as leaving the country does not automatically end South African tax obligations. By maintaining accurate records, understanding the relevant residency tests, and ensuring the correct processes are followed, taxpayers can gain greater certainty over their tax affairs, avoid unexpected liabilities, and benefit from the protections available under South Africa’s tax framework and applicable Double Tax Agreements. The growing focus on tax residency underscores the importance of proactive planning and compliance for South Africans building their futures abroad.
5-minute audio
Why Starting a Tax-Free Savings Account Early Matters
Tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) remain one of the most effective ways for South Africans to build long-term wealth, allowing investors to earn interest, dividends and capital gains without paying tax on the returns. Financial experts recommend starting early, contributing consistently, and understanding the annual and lifetime contribution limits to maximise the benefits of tax-free growth. With a range of options available through banks and investment providers, TFSAs offer an accessible entry point for individuals looking to strengthen their savings and investment strategy.
4-minute audio
Non-Resident Claims Face Increased SARS Scrutiny
Non-resident claims under Double Tax Agreements (DTAs) are receiving increased scrutiny from SARS, with taxpayers being required to provide more comprehensive evidence to support their treaty-based residency status. Supporting documentation may include foreign tax residency certificates, immigration records, and proof relating to treaty tie-breaker tests. The development reflects SARS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international tax compliance and ensure that non-resident claims are properly substantiated and aligned with the requirements of applicable tax treaties.
2-minute audio
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TESTIMONIALS
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“Keep up the very excellent work, I feel very valued as a member of SAIT!! I wish all bodies could learn from you (Z. Ntuli; General Tax Practitioner; 30/04/2024).”
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“I am very proud to be a member of SAIT because of the Membership Consultants (D. Ruthven, Tax Technician Practitioner, 23/04/2024).”
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“All was properly explained to me. Excellent service (S.Thungo, General Tax Practitioner, 16/10/2024).”
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“The Membership Billing consultants keeps members happy. Their service is the standard against which all professionalism should be measured (T. Bhengu, Chartered Tax Adviser, 20/06/2024).“
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“Just to say a BIG THANK YOU! I am so grateful for the help and support (S.Hansen, General Tax Practitioner, 21/01/2025).”
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“No recommendations or suggestions. I would like to add that I was very impressed by the friendly and efficient way in which the sales department assisted me with the registration process (W. Dodgen, Tax Technician Practitioner, 05/08/2024).”
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"I have always found the staff at the SA Institute of Tax Practitioners a pleasure to work with. I often present seminars or provide input to legislation through or alongside Keitumetse Sesana who, like her colleagues, I find to be extremely professional whilst simultaneously warm and welcoming. I am proud to be a member of SAIT and to align with what it represents to me: a body which strives to ensure its tax partitioner members are well-educated in the field of taxation and that they follow a code of conduct that ensures that taxes are properly paid in an efficient manner to the mutual benefit of both their clients and the SA Revenue Service (Prof D. Tickle; 14-03-2025; CTA(SA))"
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“Thank you for the assistance provided in bringing contentious matters to the attention of SARS and the National Treasury. The SAIT work groups are very beneficial for interacting with other tax professionals and the professional and efficient manner in which SAIT and Keitumetse Sesana liaise between tax professionals and SARS are highly regarded (Mrs H Cronje; 14-03-2025; MTP(SA)).”
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“Wilna De Bruyn has been a valuable member of the SAIT Education & Assessment Committee and the reconstituted Education & Assessment Committee and has demonstrated institutional knowledge. She is proactive, responsive, and always willing to assist, going above and beyond the call of duty. In my capacity as deputy HOD of Accountancy at the University of Johannesburg, my portfolio includes stakeholders, and the Department of Accountancy values SAIT as a key stakeholder and partner. I have collaborated with Wilna for the past five years (Dr M Hassan, 19-04-2025, CTA(SA)).”
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"I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the excellent service I receive from theSouth African Institute of Taxation (SAIT). Since becoming a member, every engagementwith the SAIT team has been a positive experience. The staff are always helpful,professional, and prompt in their responses. A special thank you to Keitumetse Sesane, Adriane Modikwe, Lungile Moodley, Boitumelo Mahlangu, Shamas Dube, and Charmaine van Rooyen—your supportwhenever I need assistance has been invaluable. Your dedication and willingness to go theextra mile never go unnoticed. SAIT also keeps members well-informed through constant updates, resources, and communication, which I truly value. I am proud to be affiliated with such a reliable andsupportive professional body. (Mrs O. Leisa, Master Tax Practitioner, 02/06/2025)."
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"Thank you to SAIT for your continued leadership in shaping tax policy through meaningful engagement with Parliament. The submissions on the Draft TLAB and TALAB are vital for ensuring fair and effective legislation. Also, the reminder on interim reconciliations is much appreciated—compliance and accuracy remain key. Looking forward to further updates and insights. (Jabulani Malindi, Accounting Technician, 23/10/2025)."
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"Thank you to South African Institute of Taxation and Deloitte for the kind invitation to the Advancing Women in Taxation Dialogue. It was a privilege to attend such a meaningful event focused on empowering women in the tax profession. A special thank you to the esteemed panel — Keitumetse Sesana, Ms. Yanga Mputa, Itireleng Kubeka, and Natasha Singh — for generously sharing your insights, experiences, and wisdom. (Tintswalo Nxumalo, General Tax Practitioner, 22/10/2025)."
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"Thank you so much to SAIT and Deloitte for putting together such a powerful and inspiring event today. It was honestly such a privilege to be in that room. Ms Yanga was absolutely incredible, I could listen to her speak all day. And reconnecting with Keitu reminded me why I look up to her so much. She really walks the talk. Feeling very grateful. (Livhuwani Manenje, General Tax Practitioner, 22/10/2025)."
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"What an inspiring initiative! 👏 It’s encouraging to see platforms like this being created to uplift and empower women in the tax profession. Kudos to South African Institute of Taxation, Deloitte, SARS, and all the incredible speakers and organizers. Looking forward to seeing even more women in tax represented and celebrated in future events! (Jabulani Malindi, Accounting Technician, 22/10/2025)."
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" The pride I have being a member of South African Institute of Taxation really cannot be put in words! Honestly game changers in Taxation! Keitumetse Sesana the work you put in this year has been absolutely incredible as we approach the closing months of 2025 you have to get your 💐 for the hard work and dedication you and the team have put in this year! (Connor Hugh Robertson, Director of Expansive Accounting, 23/10/2025)."
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"Great takeaways from the "Guardians of Integrity" Tax Practice on the Move event! It's so vital to constantly reinforce integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality in the tax profession. Upholding these ethical standards isn't just a compliance issue—it's the foundation of public trust and SAIT's reputation. Thanks to Adrian Modikwe-Ludick, Ronel Rust, and Warwick Scott-Rodger for sharing their expertise. 👏🥂✨️(Cloudify Tax & Bookkeeping, 30/10/2025)."
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"Thank you, SAIT, for advocating on behalf of taxpayers and highlighting the broader economic impact of these proposed changes. It's vital that policy decisions consider long-term implications for South Africa’s competitiveness and attractiveness to global retirees. Well done to Ms. Sesana and the team for representing these concerns so effectively. 🥂(Cloudify Tax & Bookkeeping, 04/11/2025)."