When you are looking for tax advice, everyone is quick to offer their opinions, but it’s important not to act on hearsay and instead base your decisions on the advice and guidance of an accredited tax practitioner.
Finding an accredited tax expert
Accredited tax practitioners have to be members of an organisation recognised by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) as a controlling body. The controlling body must ensure that the tax practitioner meets all requirements: relevant qualifications, a clean criminal record, participates in ongoing learning and adheres to an agreed code of conduct.
Requirements of the Tax Administration Act
The Tax administration Act clearly defines who may practice as a registered tax practitioner:
According to the act, tax practitioners:
- May not have been removed from a related profession, such as the accounting or financial planning profession, within the preceding five years;
- May not have been convicted of theft, fraud, forgery, perjury, corrupt activities or any other offence involving dishonesty which merited a sentence of more than two years without the option of a fine or a fine exceeding certain amounts;
- Must be registered with an approved controlling body or organisation that ensures its members have the required minimum professional qualifications;
- Pay a certain amount to ongoing professional education; and
- Abide by a code of ethics; can be disciplined; and have their own tax affairs in order.
Held accountable by SARS
Any tax practitioner who has entered the profession after July 2022 must complete the SARS Readiness Programme to ensure they know their rights and obligations. SARS can lay a complaint against a tax practitioner if they find they have:
- Assisted a taxpayer to avoid or postpone complying with tax laws;
- Caused a taxpayer to avoid or postpone complying with tax laws through their negligence; or
- Contravened a rule or code of conduct for the profession.
Tackle your tax with confidence
When you place your tax in the care of an accredited tax practitioner, you are assured your tax will get the professional expertise and consideration it requires. At the EA Group, we keep ourselves updated and informed with the latest legislation and changes and are able to deliver solutions that achieve optimal tax outcomes while remaining fully compliant with fiscal law and statutory requirements.