Our Services at My SA Tax Residency
We provide you with the armour to safeguard your financial future. Don’t leave your tax residency vulnerable. Our service is designed to help South African expatriates efficiently and legally.
Non-Resident Confirmation Letter
The SARS Notice of Non-Resident Tax Status Letter serves as official confirmation that you have ceased to be a South African tax resident. This document specifies the effective date on which your tax residency ended.
Taxpayers who previously ceased tax residency and obtained an Emigration Tax Clearance Certificate (ETCC) or a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN for Emigration must also request this SARS confirmation letter. It is now a critical part of the compliance process for former South African residents.
- Requirements for the SARS Non-Resident Tax Status Letter
- To apply for the SARS Notice of Non-Resident Tax Status Letter, you must:
- Legally meet the criteria for non-residency for South African tax purposes.
- Update your tax status with SARS.
- Complete SARS’s non-residency verification process.
- Once verified, SARS will issue the confirmation letter of your non-resident tax status.
Double Tax Agreement
A Double Taxation Agreement (“DTA”) ensures that a taxpayer is not unfairly taxed in both South Africa and the corresponding country dealt with in any specific DTA. A DTA becomes relevant to a taxpayer’s circumstances if that taxpayer is earning an income for instance in South Africa as well as abroad, or if that taxpayer is a tax resident of South Africa (but has no income from a South African source) and is earning income from a foreign source.
It thus provides a defence to double taxation and sets out various requirements that a taxpayer must meet to understand where that taxpayer falls as a tax resident.
To correctly apply treaty relief on your foreign earned income, you will need to consider which country will actually have the right to tax your income. This is achieved through a measured approach, known as the tie-breaker test, and takes into consideration various factors such as if you have a tax residency certificate, where you have a permanent home, where your centre of vital interests are, i.e. where your family and economic ties are, as well as where your habitual abode is, to name a few.
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Section 10(1)(o)(ii) Exemption
The amendment to Section 10(1)(o)(ii) of the Income Tax Act, commonly referred to as the Expatriate Tax Law Amendment – officially came into effect on 1 March 2020. This legislative change limits the foreign employment income exemption to R1.25 million, meaning any earnings above this threshold may be subject to South African tax, even if you are working abroad.
Following extensive consultations with individual expatriates and multinational employers (particularly those operating across Africa and the Middle East), a common concern has emerged: how to accurately assess and manage the potential tax exposure of South African expatriates in light of this amendment.
A key insight from these engagements is the importance of considering total remuneration; including salary, fringe benefits, and taxes paid in the host country when calculating potential South African tax liability. The purpose of this exercise is to help individuals and employers make informed decisions by quantifying possible tax exposure and exploring mitigation strategies.
Approval for International Transfers
The AIT process applies to both South African tax residents who transfer more than R1 million out of South Africa in a calendar year, as well as to taxpayers who have ceased their tax residency in South Africa but need to move funds abroad, from a South African source.
On 24 April 2023, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) introduced the enhanced Approval of International Transfers (AIT) process without prior announcement, implementing the changes immediately. This significant shift in cross border fund transfer procedures has drawn widespread attention from both financial institutions and South African taxpayers.
Tax Services
Reactivation and updates of tax records with SARS.
Submission of current and outstanding tax returns.
Application for SARS Tax Clearance Certificates.
Tax registration and de-registration with SARS.
Processing of SARS tax refunds.
Assistance with obtaining tax directives.
Expert dispute resolution with SARS.
Handling of general tax enquiries and compliance advice
Non-Resident
Confirmation Letter
Requirements for the SARS Non-Resident Tax Status Letter
To apply for the SARS Notice of Non-Resident Tax Status Letter, you must:
Only use a Legally Privileged
Tax Advisory
Audit Protection & Dispute Resolution
We manage every aspect of your audit defence, ensuring your tax status is protected quickly and effectively.
Our services include:
Compliance & Efficiency
With their in-depth knowledge and proactive approach, our experts support you by:
Tax Residency Exit Strategy
For those planning to exit South Africa, we ensure your departure is strategically planned for optimal tax efficiency. We guide you step-by-step through the official process of breaking your South African tax residency, helping you avoid unexpected exit taxes and ensuring full compliance with both South African and international laws.
Our services include:
Whether you are in the UK, Australia, UAE, the Netherlands, or anywhere in between – we have helped clients in 50+ countries remain compliant, file their tax returns, and confirm their non-residency status with SARS.
Peace of mind starts with proper planning.
Let us handle the paperwork – and SARS – for you.
Get Started Today – It’s Easy
- 1. Book a Free Advisory Call
- 2. Get a Tailored Tax Strategy
- 3. Let Us Handle SARS While You Focus on Life
Ready to Make Your Tax Residency Status Clear?
Click below to begin your compliance journey.
It’s time to do things right – the stress-free, professional way.