2019 Budget and Tax Highlights

2019 Budget and Tax Highlights

Legislation, Tax

We will be going through the budget in more detail and will hold our annual tax seminars in due course (dates to be announced) when we have had time to consider the practical application of new rules on payrolls and employers.

In the interim, the key highlights and overview of tax changes are obtainable from Treasury using the following links:
•  Budget Highlights
•  Tax Guide 2019
•  Tax Legislative Changes

One of the positive things to see is that SARS intends resurrecting the large business centre with a hope to start this again in April 2019. They have also emphasised their commitment to improving their IT infrastructure.

Other relevant highlights are the following:

Employment Tax Incentive
In 2018, Government extended the employment tax incentive by 10 years. In addition, the eligible income bands will be adjusted upwards to partially cater for inflation. From 1 March 2019, employers will be able to claim the maximum value of R1 000 per month for employees earning up to R4 500 monthly, up from R4 000 previously. The incentive value will taper to zero at the maximum monthly income of R6 500.

Medical Tax Credits
To generate additional revenue of R1 billion in 2019/20, there will be no change in the monthly medical tax credit for medical scheme contributions.

Fuel Taxes
South Africa has three main fuel taxes that apply to petrol, diesel and biodiesel: the general fuel levy, the customs and excise levy and the RAF levy. These levies fund general government expenditure, support environmental goals and finance the RAF. From 5 June 2019, a carbon tax of 9c/litre on petrol and 10c/litre on diesel will become effective. Diesel refunds cannot be claimed against this tax. The general fuel levy will be increased by 15c/litre for petrol and diesel from 3 April 2019. The increase is slightly below inflation. Government also proposes to increase the RAF levy by 5c/litre from 3 April 2019.